SMK Airgun Scopes

I would always advise any newcomer to airgun shooting, to persevere with open sights (if their gun is fitted with them), just to learn some rudimentary rules with regards to the art of shooting. Yet there’s no doubt that using a scope just makes the whole process so much easier, and many shooters just can’t wait to fit them.

Sportsmarketing (SMK) supplies much of the shooting trade with a wide variety of products, and an impressive selection of budget scopes is among them. My test samples here are but a small taster of what’s available, but many of the features apply across the range.

With much of the scope market sourced from the Far East these days, prices are keen, enabling manufacturers to cram in a surprising array of features, whilst remaining competitive. Apparently all lens are fully coated and ground to a high spec, which all sounds encouraging

Pistol Scopes

The SMK 2x20 Pistol Scope with duplex reticle is just about ideal for plinking with an air pistol. Produced in either traditional black, or a rather snazzy silver finish, this scope is something of a bargain. Eye relief is a little over 12inches to achieve a full sight picture, and for me would be ideal on a pistol fitted with a shoulder stock, but I have used these successfully at arms length, just ensure that the image stays centralized. Turrets require a screw-driver but are wonderfully positive.

Entry Level Rifle Scopes

Avoid rock bottom cheap 4x15 or 4x20 spec scopes from any make, as these ‘drinking straws’ are invariably poorly constructed, with lenses to match. SMK’s 4x28 Mildot Deluxe model is the bare minimum I would recommend, and I have to say, something of a revelation for the sub £25 asking price. This solid little scope gives a sharp sight picture to the edge, and even comes fitted with a Mil Dot reticle. Turret construction is identical to the pistol scopes, which is to say impressively robust! Once free mounts are also factored in, this model has to be seen as a perfect starter option.

The 3-9X40 format is arguably the most popular scope specification, and the SMK 3-9X40 Mil-dot Deluxe comes with a Mil Dot reticle, raised finger friendly turrets, and good clarity through the ranges. The audible turret clicks are extremely positive too, and put to shame some I’ve encountered on considerably more expensive glassware.

Mid Range Illuminated Mildot

Whilst there are many scopes in the range with variable magnification, the SMK 4-16x40AOE Mildot Deluxe seen here, is one of only two fitted with adjustable parallax. Chunky target turrets again return positive clicks, whilst the entire duplex reticle illuminates at the switch of an 11 stage rheostat dial. The red glow may not be to everyone’s taste, yet it’s a useful feature in poor light. This particular scope would benefit greatly from the fitting of a rubber eye shroud on the rear ocular lens, as I found backlight affected the sight picture. When viewed from indoors looking outwards, the problem was eradicated, proving the point.

Mounts

SMK offer a range of inexpensive mounts to fix scope to rifle, in a variety of specifications, so again, most bases are covered, at an affordable price.

All these scopes come with comprehensive instructions, lens caps, and a lens cloth; so if you’re in the market for realistically priced glassware, get down to your local dealer.

SAMPLE RRP LIST:
SMK 2X20 Pistol Scope Black £24.95
SMK 2X20 Pistol Scope Silver £26.95
SMK 4x28 Mildot Deluxe £24.95
SMK 3-9X40 Mildot Deluxe £44.95
SMK 4-16X40AOE £139.95
SMK MUO2- Improved Mounts £5.95
SMK MU21- High Mounts £8.95