Hawke Panorma Scope

Undeniably, the popularity of the outdoor airgun competition sports such as Field Target, and HFT, has been a driving factor in the quest for ever better, more sophisticated scopes. Given the level of accuracy and performance now required to succeed in these disciplines, any technical advantage built into the scope is likely to prove a bonus back in the real world against live quarry.

Hitting the target in the right place is of course the name of the game, and specialist reticles that help the shooter to estimate range are now regularly included as part of the kit. When you consider a few decades ago, it was the standard 30/30 cross hair design whether you liked it or not, today’s shooter really is spoilt for choice.

Hawke Optics have long been synonymous with value for money scopes; that is to say offering good functionality and wide appeal, all at a price that suits. This month’s test model is one of their Panorama EV range, which was new to 2012, and having now spent some time with it, I reckon it really does earn its place on merit.

Conventional

OK, this model is fairly conventional to look at, but closer inspection reveals nicely presented glassware which should stack up against the opposition in this price bracket. My test model is the Panorama EV 4-12X40 AO IR; which signifies variable magnification of between 4 to 12x, and an adjustable objective (AO) front objective lens of 40mm in diameter. ‘EV’ by the way, stands for ‘Extreme View’, as these scopes are apparently designed to give an additional 20% field of view when compared to some standard scopes. The ‘IR’ as usual, stands for illuminated reticle, and in the case of this Panorama, offers the choice of five levels of brightness, in either blue or red.

The body tube is 1” diameter , and low profile turrets make a refreshing change, bucking the modern trend for those ultra chunky oversized variety. Super chunky turrets can prove irritating, not to mention highly impractical. Finger twistable target turrets, are in my opinion, best left to dedicated FT models, and just aren’t necessary in many hunting situations, where fast instinctive shooting allows little time for physical adjustments. Personal taste of course, but the point is valid. Also consider that HFT doesn’t allow the scope to be touched mid-shoot, and quick adjustable turrets go out the window.

A set of push fit flip-up lens covers is included, which is indeed a nice touch.

Functionality

The parallax adjustment collar on this Panorama is marked up with a minimum 15yds, but my test model wound back to around 10yds, which is ideal. What really gives these scopes an edge though, is that floating 1/2Mil Dot reticle, designed to work and show a true Mil Dot measurement when viewed at 10xmagnification. A super precise floating reticle design is etched onto the glass, offering Mil Dots, and half Mil Dots, denoted by the small ‘ties’ appearing between the dots. In addition, all four posts incorporate small hollow bars, with each section measuring .2 of a Mil dot spacing. All these on-board reference points mean that with a little homework, varying size target kill zones can be viewed against the reticle, notes made, and a full bracketing system can be incorporated into the shooters approach.

Invaluable for Hunter Field Target, but applicable to real world hunting too, where an average sized rabbits head could be bracketed for example. Practice and familiarity is the name of the game. This scope just allows the work to be done.

On test, the 1/4inch adjustment turrets came in accurately, completing a forced change and re-tracking of point zero. With the parallax set at around 25 yards, other target ranges appeared shootable clarity wise, with image quality impressively sharp.

Conclusions

Overall then, with this Panorama EV, Hawke Optics can boast another slick option, which proves yet again, that you don’t have to spend mega bucks on glassware to get modern features, and a good level of performance. Indeed the list of seriously viable scopes suited to Hunter Field Target or airgun hunting just keeps growing – and many are from Hawke. GM