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FT Blog: FT Scopes

FT Blog: FT Scopes

I have a bit of a thing for scopes, they fascinate me. I can figure out for myself how a rifle works but when it comes to optics, as far I am concerned they might as well be magic! If someone tried to sit me down and explain it all with the aid of the back of an envelope and a crayon I dare say I still wouldn’t understand, I don’t really care you see. It is amazing what they achieve and the fact that I get to mess about with them is enough for me.

SMALL COLLECTION

So this is why I seem to have developed a small collection of FT scopes over time. My latest acquisition, a Sightron SIII 10-50x60, has prompted me to explore the options now available for shooting FT targets. I have been trying to decide if we have more choice now than we did say 15-20 years ago? I think we probably do, but now, as then, certain models dominate a given era. For example in the early 90’s Premier Reticules converted Leopold’s were everywhere (I still have one) and just a few years ago the Nikko Stirling 10-50x60 Diamond Sportsman was a favourite choice. Just recently however, things are changing again! Shooters are exploring every option open to them, as more and more manufacturers enter the world of high magnification telescopic sights which we FT competitors require. There is a desire not only to hit targets but not follow the crowd while doing it. This doesn’t mean you won’t become one of the crowd, after all, if you make the correct choice others will follow and consequently you will have a crowd, but at least you can consider yourself to be a pioneer.

Starting with the Sightron I have just bought; I suspect they are going to become the default FT scope if they haven’t already. In fact, one of the reasons I thought I’d give one a try was because plenty of other shooters use them and I wondered if I was missing out on something; curiosity can be an expensive thing.

PUT DOWN, PICK UP!

There are plenty of different configurations in the Sightron range that are suitable for FT use and I have to say the initial impression of my own is good. I like the reticule and more importantly it seems to range targets well without too much effort on my part. The real test of any equipment is in competition and my intention is to use it during 2016.

But for that to happen it will have to convince me to put aside my much loved Leupold Competition 40 x 45.

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The Leupold Competition Series divided FT opinion very much in the way of that famous yeast extract based product. Shooter’s main concerns were its fixed magnification; which is available in x35, 40 or 45 options. You are stuck with having every wobble obviously pointed out to you on those nasty standing shots, some shooters like to turn the magnification down to make their aim feel a little steadier, not an option with the Leupold! Also, as the scope was originally designed for Bench Rest, the reticules offered aren’t well suited to the dark woodland in which we often find ourselves competing.

Basically it shouldn’t work well for FT, but a reticule change is easy enough thanks to Leupold and their custom shop service and with a slight mental adjustment the fixed magnification issue can be overcome. The Competition Series really is a serious FT scope, Leupold quality, light weight and a reasonable price means it should be on your optical scope shortlist.

MADE A SPLASH IN ITS DAY!

I have perhaps suggested that the time of the Nikko Stirling Diamond Sportsman may be over and in terms of its dominance I think it is, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a great scope! I don’t personally have a great deal of experience with these in competition use but they still rack up win after win, which tells you something, and the specification offered for the price means it is cracking value.

Before moving on to more exotic items I think the Weaver T36 and Bushnell Elite 8-32 x 40 are worthy of mention. They certainly aren’t a common sight on the FT circuit and not ‘on trend’ either, as both feature a 1 inch tube and front focusing. They are however super lightweight, excellent quality and it seems the Bushnell in particular is a popular choice for mounting on a spring gun.

TOP END, TOP PRICE!

Ten years or so ago, Schmidt & Bender launched the (exotic, or if you prefer, expensive) 10-50 x 56FT aimed specifically at FT shooters, and the price tag was indeed considerable. They were, I think, the first top-end European manufacturer to take such a step. Schmidt now offer a MkII version and their PM2 range isn’t difficult to spot at a FT competition. Kahles have recently launched the K1050iFT and it will be interesting to see how that gets on, especially with the focusing wheel placed on top of the scope rather than the more usual left hand side. March scopes are also a fairly common sight on the FT circuit now, the 8-80 x 56 Model probably being the most popular.

LET’S ASSUME

When it comes to selecting a scope, there are many factors to be taken into consideration, probably more so than with a rifle and it isn’t a simple exercise. Let’s assume we can all afford the priciest of FT scopes, would that mean we would just select the most expensive? Do you get what you pay for? I don’t think we would all select the most expensive although to a degree I would have to say there is generally an increase in quality with price. Quality doesn’t always equate to performance though, especially when it comes to the unique needs of the FT shooter. Every scope mentioned above has good points and bad points depending on your own personal preferences. Unfortunately, the only way to discover what your own preferences are is to try every model and make you can lay your hands on! FT shooters have never had it so good when it comes to the number of options available, so it could take some time.

 

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