Side parallax varmint scope options??

[MAWLER]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a new scope for the HMR. I am wanting something in the range of 4-14/16x42 around the AU$300-400 mark. The problem, however, is finding these in a scope that has side parallax adjustment. Is it just me or is there not many options? All I can find are the Nikko Stirling and Nikon Buckmaster. What am i missing?

Cheers,

[Brad Y]

Ive got a bushnell 4200 elite 4-16x40 SF which isnt in that range for retail here but from TOZ may well be what your looking for. Ive actually got it sitting in its box. Need to put it on the 22lr so I can get rid of the cheap scope from it.

[cam_mackps2]

I have a Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x i originally got for my Sako Quad (22LR & HMR). The parallax adjustment is more suited to a CF rifle than a rimfire, well atleast a 22LR. The adjustment goes down to 50yards but i think it is still around the 60yard mark. It should be fine for the HMR but that is just one consideration.
The bushnells tend to go down really low like 15yards.

[MAWLER]

So are you saying that the bushnell has a side parallax adjustment Brad, there is no mention of it on any of the sites I have seen. The 4200 is a bit out of reach but the 3200 could well be a good option...What does the SF stand for do you know?

Good point re the buckmaster, not something i had picked up on, havn't decided yet whether that will be a problem or not...

[Chrispy]

For the price, I am happy with the two night eater's I have.Although, with the Aussie dollar ATM, I am becoming a Euro snob.


Chrispy

[cam_mackps2]

In the bushnell the SF in the model number stands for Side Focus.

[MISSED]

SF=side focus ie a marketing ploy to make you think you need one to shoot better.

[cam_mackps2]

SF=side focus ie a marketing ploy to make you think you need one to shoot better.

How is it a marketing ploy?
It is alot easier to adjust the parallax and get a sharper picture with a Side Focus Scope, when in any shooting position, than it is a AO scope.

[MISSED]

Yep I have 2 of each. AO is very nearly a set and forget. Side focus does give you a clearer picture but can be a pain to refocus when shooting over different ranges ie when you have multiple warrens.Or when used as a spotlighting scope ,sometimes foxes don`t give you the chance to refocus before moving of.IMHO this is another gimmick that the "average" shooter will not benefit from,

[Brad Y]

SF=side focus ie a marketing ploy to make you think you need one to shoot better.

How is it a marketing ploy?
It is alot easier to adjust the parallax and get a sharper picture with a Side Focus Scope, when in any shooting position, than it is a AO scope.

Not quite true. Im a lefty and with my right hand free, I can operate the AO better. Ive put a weaver 6-24x42 classic V on my 20 practical for this reason. My target scope is a side focus, the spare nikko nighteater I have is too, so is the bushnell. Three rifles that need scopes and I have a 4200 elite spare, when the 22lr only has a $100 3-9 power on it... I better go and change that right now.

[cam_mackps2]

[quote="Brad Y]
Not quite true. Im a lefty and with my right hand free, I can operate the AO better. Ive put a weaver 6-24x42 classic V on my 20 practical for this reason. My target scope is a side focus, the spare nikko nighteater I have is too, so is the bushnell. Three rifles that need scopes and I have a 4200 elite spare, when the 22lr only has a $100 3-9 power on it... I better go and change that right now.[/quote]
I didn't think about all lefties out their. Maybe you should turn your scope around so the SF is on the left

[Brad Y]

I was right into the whole side focus thing for a bit, but then realised its a complete waste of time for lefties. $1200 of scopes later and lesson learnt. You know everyone is right when you say I will make do with cheap glass for now. By the time your half into decent glass youve wasted enough money to get a nightforce in the first place.

[frakka]

Yep, the side focus is on the wrong side, the tubes are 30mm and require more lenses, all adding weight (+ in theory affecting image quality). They resulted from a military requirement and not at the request of the pest management fraternity

Walk-about I leave the AO on 100m/6x and if sniping there is always ample time to adjust the scope to suit.

Note: written from an unbiased left-hand view of the world

[MAWLER]

Of course SF stands for side focus, what a noob, how embarrassment.

Forgetting left handers for a moment (not that difficult lets face it ) I reckon the side focus is great and more than a gimmick. valid point tho, cos its there you will tend to fiddle with it when with the AO you would never have bothered.

Nikko, nikon and bushnell are all 1" tube frakka, which is another reason I like it, can keep to the current rings on

bushnell seem to have a fairly big eyepiece/focus end which might foul on my cz bolt. I would like to try a Nikon to be honest but finances are a little bit tight at the moment and the nikko looks tempting at the moment...

[Counter]

Forgetting left handers for a moment (not that difficult lets face it )

Hey, steady on! I'm left handed and I reckon my Bushnell SF is great. I do shoot right handed though, maybe that's got something to do with it...

I find it more convenient than the AO, easier to see what it's set to, easier to adjust, etc. I can't stand fuzzy/parallax affected images (more when target shooting) so I wouldn't get a scope without at least an AO. But that's just me, each to their own.