Top 10 HFT Scopes

As the popularity of Hunter Field Target (HFT) shooting continues to grow, so an increasing number of shooters are choosing to take part. Yet choosing the right scope for the job is a key part of preparing your combo. Rules that state- the shooter can’t make alterations to the scope for the duration of the competition, meaning your glassware needs to be streamlined and of a specification that is appropriate. Ultra hi-mag Field Target models are useless, so an ideal HFT scope is more likely to be compact, with a low/medium magnification around 8x-10x. I’ve picked 10 possibles that should suit the bill.

• AZTEC EMERALD 5.5-25X50

  

  Contact Gilbert Distribution, 01953 860323

  RRP: £390

  Aztec is a new brand, designed in conjunction with Airguns of Arizona. The Emerald 5.5-25x50 comes very well presented, complete with a screw-on sunshade, 4” side focus wheel, cloth, and elasticated lens covers. The well marked reticle is in the second focal plane (SFP). Turrets lift to dial, then push down to lock. Click values are ¼ MOA. Windage and elevation are clearly and precisely marked, always useful! The scope is designed to offer ½ MOA values at 9x magnification, and MOA when viewed at 18x. Both are marked in red on the dial as a reminder, and whilst the objective is larger than some, with the trend for higher mounting creeping in, this poses no problem. All in all, a seriously robust scope, with plenty to offer. Pros: A slick design, well presented Cons: Larger profile than some Verdict: A robust scope designed by enthusiasts

• FALCON M18+ 4-18X44 FFP

  

  Contact Falcon Optics, 01902 847972; www.falconoptics.com

  RRP: £299

  Interestingly, Falcon now offer this revised model in either First Focal Plane (FFP), where the reticle sits in front of the magnification system, so stays in proportion to the target, as the magnification is increased, or SFP, where the reticle value is only true when used on one particular mag setting. Fans of the old Falcon Menace will appreciate the familiar chunky turrets, and this very latest version now features an oversized top turret, with greater adjustment. The M18’s super sharp image stays the same, along with good clarity through the ranges; and there’s a choice of reticle available too, including the B20, which is Falcon’s Mil Line design, basically Mil-Dot spacings but with hash marks (lines) and no dots. A great choice then, to go with this brand’s enviable reputation. Lens caps, 2-part sunshade and bag included. Pros: FFP reticle will appeal to many Cons: Chunky target turrets can be an irritation Verdict: A lot of scope for the money

• DISCOVERY VT-2 3-12X44 SFIR

  

  Contact Sure Shot Airguns, 0844 8003550 www.sureshot-airguns.co.uk

  RRP: £139.99

  Discovery is a relatively new brand, but look beyond that distinctive blue livery, and they come brimming with features at a good price. This VT-2 model features push-pull style turrets that are low profile, clicks are positive, with ¼ MOA values. The side focus knob on the left is smooth and comes pre-marked at 10 yards, then 25, and 50, so perfect clarity can be set to the desired point. The floating reticle is precise, and is marked with Mil-Dots and half Mil points. Red or green illumination is possible too, with 5 brightness levels in each. With good image quality and edge to edge sharpness, all wrapped up in a boldly presented scope, this looks like one brand that could really make an impact. Lens caps, mounts and sunshade included. Pros: A lot of features for the money Cons: Maybe a little heavy Verdict: Competitively priced given the specification

• VORTEX DIAMOND BACK HP 2-8X32

  

  Black Rifle; www.blackrifle.co.uk www.vortexoptics.com

  RRP: £227

  Vortex is a US brand that has fast built a reputation for rugged, well thought out products and great after-sales service. This particular Diamondback model offers a neat specification, which is just about ideal for HFT, with a modestly sized 32mm objective, and 8x magnification available. The side parallax adjustment is again nice and compact, and with a minimum of 20 yards focus, it allows the competitor to fine tune to personal taste. The reticle is termed ‘Dead-Hold’ and it’s similar to a Hawke’s MAP design, with small dashes rather than dots, set along the windage axis, and lower stadia. Turrets are positive and finger adjustable too. What stands out with this model, is a super sharp image, and the depth of field. Set the parallax to around 25 yards; popular setting for HFT, and targets viewed at other distances have a usable level of clarity, which is what it’s all about, given the key ‘no adjustment’ rules of the sport. Let’s not forget Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, bringing peace of mind to owning this neat little scope. Pros: Nice and compact Cons: Not a lot Verdict: Great value with an unconditional warranty

• MTC VIPER CONNECT 3-12X32

  

  Contact MTC Optics, 08448 009929; www.mtcoptics.co.uk

  RRP: £287

  MTC’s radical break with traditional design has been popular from the off, for where a conventional scope comes with around three inches of eye relief, the Connect has just 30mm. The idea being that the shorter the eye relief, then the less chance for incorrect head position (eye/scope alignment), and therefore parallax error. It’s a novel approach, but viewing a target does feel strange at first, due to the way that the ocular lens effectively sits against the nose. Using this set-up (30mm body tube here) has a unique feel to it, and whether it feels right will be down to the individual; and for obvious reasons; it is totally unsuitable for use on recoiling guns. Greater depth of field, an increased field of view overall, and MTC’s usual choice of reticles are further selling points, a special mount is also available. Highly innovative, the Connect is hard to ignore. Pros: Unique in operation Cons: Unsuitable on recoiling guns Verdict: A highly original product

• NIKKO STIRLING PANAMAX 3-9X40 AO

  

  Trade distributor: Highland Outdoors; www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk

  RRP: £130

  The Panamax range from Nikko Stirling, offers a wide-angle lens arrangement, which offers around 20% greater field of view than comparable models. Having used this model, I wouldn’t place too much emphasis on the FOV benefit. However, what really stands out is the impressive clarity through the target distances. Eyesight variation will dictate fine settings, but I found with the front parallax ring set to about 27 yards, image definition was good from close in at 10 (acceptable blur) right out to the full 45 yard target maximum distance (HFT rules). The HMD (Half Mil-Dot) reticle is another bonus! Offering a semi-floating, central equidistant fine stadia and cross hair, and four outer thick posts that nicely draw the eye to the target area. The result is an uncluttered image with Mil-Dots and half Mil hashes, for full trajectory tracking/aim points- and all for a very reasonable asking price. Pros: Impressive little performer and great value for money Cons: Hard to find fault Verdict: The super low RRP belies the performance

• SIGHTRON SI 4-12X40

  

  Contact Optics Warehouse, 01803 611895; www.opticswarehouse.co.uk

  RRP: £250

  This super compact scope has been around for a while, but it has only recently been imported into the UK, by newly appointed UK distributor, Optics Warehouse. It seems a bit of a find too, since it retails very competitively, considering the highly regarded Sightron name. As we have come to expect, image quality is extremely good, with a clean, sharp picture edge to edge, with no aberrations and distortion. What lies at the heart of the image is Sightron’s MOA 20 reticle, and this is an impressive design, since it offers plenty of proportional reference/aim points, set within outer German-style thick posts. Front parallax adjustment and low profile turrets are also welcome features, and with a minimum focus of 8 yards marked, it’s clear this model is aimed at airguns too, rather than an afterthought with some makes. All in all, a very reasonably priced entry into the quality world that is Sightron, with all the features we need for HFT. Pros: Impressive lens quality Cons: Reticle is quite bold Verdict: Great value and worth every penny

• BUSHNELL ELITE TACTICAL LRS 3-12X44 FFP

  

  Contact: Edgar Brothers, 01625 613177; www.edgarbrothers.com

  RRP: £250

  Bushnell are renowned for high quality, and this model from the Elite range, has an impressive specification. Variable magnification between 3-12x and a 44mm objective lens gives it an ideal spec as an HFT-friendly scope, and with side parallax, the clarity and focus can be set to suit. FFP reticle means the proportions on will stay the same (gaps will get bigger) as magnification changes. Lens quality is excellent, as you would expect. Add in the Bushnell ‘Rainguard’ lens coating, which inhibits water droplets from forming and gathering and you can expect high resolution and a crisp image overall. The G2 reticle will please many, giving proportional, clean aim points through the usual trajectory. Its Christmas tree configuration also means that it is quite possible to bracket small kill zones to help ascertain target distance where possible. Everything is well engineered, and operation of both the magnification and parallax is super smooth. Pros: Respected brand name Cons: Quite chunky turrets Verdict: The specification gives added versatility

• NIGHTFORCE NXS 2.5-10X42 ZEROSTOP

  

  Contact: Sportsman Gun Centre, 01392 354854; www.sportsmanguncdntre.co.uk

  RRP: £2086.99

  Nightforce are a premium American brand and supply the US Military, which gives some idea of the specification, build quality, and extreme robustness built into their products. Admittedly, all this fine pedigree doesn’t come cheap, but build quality is top notch. A robust adjustment mechanism and a 30mm body tube, are all part of the spec; as is the impressive MOAR reticle option, giving clear, precise aim points, nicely proportional to airgun use. Streamlined and low profile, this model also features their ZeroStop, which allows you to set a fixed zero position that can be returned back to as required. Not relevant for HFT admittedly, but handy when using the same rifle combo in a hunting scenario. Side parallax adjustable down to 25 yards, is a big help, allowing clarity to be usable through the usual HFT target distances of 8-45 yards. Whether it’s worth substantially more than many of its rivals is up for debate, but one thing is for sure; image and build quality are excellent! Lens caps and sunshade included. Pros: Ultra robust quality US brand Cons: Very expensive by comparison Verdict: High quality but you pay for it!

• HAWKE VANTAGE SF 3-12X44

  

  Contact Deben Group, 01394 387762; www.hawkeoptics.com

  RRP: £169.99

  The latest Hawke range certainly looks the part, and have been well received since the major revamp a year or so ago. There are of course several models from their extensive line-up that could be used for HFT, but we’ve picked the slickly presented Vantage SF 3-12x44, since the spec is just about ideal. A one inch body tube keeps things slim-line, and low profile turrets are a welcome sight. Side focus comes as standard too, whilst the Half Mil-Dot Reticle is a nice uncluttered design with plenty of aim points. Too fine for some maybe, but with precise, proportional aim/reference points, it’s hard not to be impressed with the Vantage SF’s winning formula. Hawke even have free to download software ‘Hawke Chairgun Pro’ allowing pellet compatibility and trajectory checks against a variety of their reticle designs. In short, Hawke now have a well earned reputation for punching well above their weight, and this Vantage takes some beating at the price. Pros: Half Mil-Dot reticle is excellent Cons: Reticle maybe too fine for some Verdict: Astonishingly good value for money