Rowan Engineering Scope Improvers

Rowan Engineering has made a name for themselves as designers and manufacturers of some clever, after-market air rifle accessories. Unsurprisingly they have now turned their attention to optics and I have here three items for the Nikko Stirling Diamond Sportsman 10-50 X 60mm scope (BIG SIXTY). This big glass quickly became a world class Field Target (FT) competition winner and favourite amongst competitors in both price and ability.

First the need for a lighter, more user friendly and larger side-wheel than offered by the manufacturers, which will allow more precise range findings, which is all-important in FT.  A pointer/indicator was next, which is used in conjunction with the former. But to further improve your game they created an over-turret that slips over the elevation adjuster to give better grip and a larger surface area for placing your own elevation range marks for dialling in corrections. All are made from 6082 aluminium and are available either black-anodised (shown) or highly polished in the white. 

Surface Area

Fitting on the parallax adjuster (side focus drum) on the left of the saddle, this big, 75mm side wheel offers a larger surface area on the circumference allowing for more range markings to be added (it comes un-marked). They also offer more precision when ranging the target to give a more exact distance measurement. It fits on by a split clamp that I have found to give a more positive attachment to the focus drum instead of the usual, straight-through grub screws used by some manufacturers.

The pointer is now an accepted feature and is used in conjunction with the side wheel to give a precise point of reference. With a simple, 30mm clamp it fits around the rear body tube. The FT Over Turret again is simple and consists of a drum that slips over the elevation adjuster and clamps in place. The concept is not unlike the big wheel as it gives more precision with a larger surface to put your drop figures on.

Tries and Tested

Highland Outdoors sent me a BIG SIXTY almost a year ago and wanted to know its potential for airgun hunting, particularly the NATO RF reticule it uses. With the 3 ½” ‘detachable’ side-wheel that comes with it I’ve had some serious success and have taken some satisfying shots during my lengthy test period.

Now using it on a single-shot Air Arms S400 Classic PCP in .177 calibre, I can only conclude that with Rowans retrofit ‘scope bits’ on-board, they’ve managed to bring out even more performance. Particularly a better range estimation ability which will allow you to be more accurate and right on the distance. Just as this went to press, Rowan Engineering contacted me saying they now offer these accessories for another FT favourite - the Burris Signature 8 – 32 X 40 Scope

Prices:

Side-wheel
                   
(Natural Aluminium)  £96

(Black Anodised)    £98.95

Pointer   
   
  (Natural Aluminium)  £24.50

  (Black Anodised)    £25.50

FT ‘Over-Turret’         

(Natural Aluminium)  £28

(Black Anodised)    £29.95

Special Delivery ‘only’ for Side-wheel £6.95; P+P for other items shown £2.95

Contact:Rowan Engineering; 01295 251188; www.rowanengineering.com

For: Yet more practical and innovative items

Against: Nothing

Verdict: If you shoot any form of air rifle, Rowan Engineering is worth keeping an eye on