Hawke Frontier SF 3-15x44 Mil Pro

The ‘Frontier’ scopes are effectively the top-of-therange models from Hawke Optics, and that product differentiation starts with the glass used for the lenses. Hawke’s System H7 spec is a cut above in their line-up and that means we are talking superior, highgrade, low-dispersion crown glass, with 21-layer multicoated lenses. ‘Supreme clarity and exceptional light transmission’ are what the Frontier specification is all about then, and there are 19 different models to choose from in this range. On test is the Frontier SF 3-15X44 Mil Pro, which is actually one of the two with the smallest 44mm objective, that still offer Side Focus (SF) parallax correction.

Classy feel

Handle this scope, and up close there is an air of quality, with the matte black finish contrasting nicely with the subtle silver ring up front. The silky, non-reflective, matte black anodized finish is ultra-practical, given that many of these scopes will end up doing service in the field against live quarry. Couple this with the onepiece, 1” main body tube and we’re already off to a sleek start. Inside the box there’s a lens cloth, coin-style lithium battery, 4” sunshade, throw lever and instructions.

The Frontier range is recognizable at a glance with that distinctive raised, block grip design covering the turrets and magnification collar, plus the purposeful profile is fairly unmistakable. Hawke dubs them ‘professional style’ and there’s no doubt the metal flip-up lens covers that come fitted, feel high quality. I would personally prefer rubber pushon caps but these screw-fit items do the job. The upside is that they are designed to flip open, stay in a forward position, snap back flat or sit anywhere in between. Fitting the 4” sunshade is simple, just unscrew the front lens cap, screw on the sunshade and then simply screw the cap onto the front of the shade.

Zeroing-in

The usual fast focus dioptre is fitted to the rear ocular lens. Adjusting this to get the reticle crisp and in focus can put the lens cap out of alignment, at the rear, so this will need to be un-clamped and reset with the locking collar, so it sits straight once focus is achieved. At this stage, it’s worth mentioning the impressively comprehensive instruction booklets that come supplied. They cover mounting the scope, turret values, the zero-stop feature, zeroing-in, reticle info and maintenance etc.

The turrets are the tactical, exposed variety and they feature the push/ pull locking design. Pull up to unlock, adjust to the desired point and push down to lock. The clicks are audible and positive, so the zeroing process is straightforward. After zeroing, the turret caps can be removed and set to ‘0’, so the point of zero can be effectively marked. The elevation turret is also fitted with a ‘zero-stop’feature and this allows the turret to be returned to the point of zero in one move, without even looking at the turret markings.

To disengage the zerostop, first, loosen the three screws around the top of the turret and remove the cap. The inner ‘zero-stop’mechanism is now exposed. The three screws on this inner turret now need to be loosened. The turret can now be zeroed either using the inner dial or by replacing the outer cap and adjusting it as normal. Now, with the outer cap removed, rotate the zero-stop dial clockwise until it stops. Tighten the screws, replace and retighten the outer cap (set to ‘0’), and you’ve now set the internal buffer point.

Reticle design

Image quality is as expected and well above average, plus the specification includes a high volume eyebox and wide field of view (FOV). OK, time to talk parallax/ side focus, which is adjusted via the left control dial. Use the inner parallax dial, and minimum range is 10 yards, then 15, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, 500 and infinity.

The Mil Pro 10x reticle is a great design, and as the name suggests, offers true MRAD values when viewed at 10x magnification. Effectively that makes one Mil spacing on the reticle 0.9” across at 25 yards, or 1.8” at 50 yards. 1/2 Mil and 1/4 Mil spacing is also shown, so the design is versatile and really useful to the competition shooter. Set to between 8x and 10x magnification, this Frontier is usable for Hunter Field Target, and with parallax dialled to around 25 yards, clarity/level of blur when viewing targets through the typical distances, is certainly usable (bearing in mind you aren’t allowed to adjust the scope for the duration of the HFT competition).

10 rows of windage dots drop down in a Christmas tree formation, and whilst probably just the first three lines will be appropriate for 12 ft/ lbs airguns, the rows are numbered alternately, which makes quick referencing that much easier. There are also 3x large, hollow outer posts, left right and below, so the overall image is bracketed and assisted to some degree when viewed in darker foliage or high in a tree, lessening the chance of losing the reticle in such a scenario. Illumination of the reticle can also be a big help here, and that is possible in red, with 6 levels of brightness and alternate off stages, all controllable via the rheostat knob on the tip of the left turret. The coinstyle battery, as usual, is contained inside the screw cap of the same turret, and operation is positive as well as pleasingly subtle.

Verdict

The edge-to-edge clarity and sharpness are impressive on the Frontier, and there’s no doubt the quality glass makes itself felt. But as is so often the case, it’s all about maintaining a consistent head position, which in turn allows a full and true sight picture, plus minimizes parallax error. It’s fairly critical here, but that’s no bad thing as it promotes more careful shooting and mounting. Overall though, a class act, and a versatile specification. Nitrogen-purged, shockproof, waterproof and all-calibre rated to boot. Don’t forget Hawke’s conditional lifetime warranty, which coupled with their favourable aftersales service, makes this a stress free outlay.