Let’s Talk About Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade
Glare. It’s the bane of any serious shooter’s existence, turning a perfectly clear sight picture into a hazy mess, especially on those bright, sun-drenched days or when shooting over snow. That’s why, after years of battling washed-out targets and frustrated squinting, I decided to invest in a proper sunshade. Enter the Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade.
I’ve always been a proponent of clear optics and minimizing any visual distractions when lining up a shot. What drew me to this particular sunshade was its honeycomb design, promising maximum glare reduction in a compact form factor. Other sunshades can be long and cumbersome, but this one seemed like a sleek, unobtrusive solution.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the Hawke Sport Optics sunshade’s robust construction. The matte black finish exudes quality, and the aluminum material feels solid and durable. It certainly looks like it can withstand the rigors of the field.
Before settling on the Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade, I considered a traditional tube-style sunshade from Leupold and a similar honeycomb model from Trijicon. The Leupold felt too bulky for my setup, while the Trijicon, though impressive, carried a significantly higher price tag. The Hawke Sport Optics offering seemed like the perfect balance of performance and value.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The sunshade felt well-made, looked great on my rifle scope, and promised a solution to a persistent problem. Now, it was time to see if it lived up to the hype in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was the local shooting range, a place that, during midday, often suffers from harsh sunlight reflecting off the concrete. I mounted the Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade onto my Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 scope with ease, and immediately noticed a difference in the clarity of the sight picture. The glare was noticeably reduced, allowing me to focus more clearly on the target.
The weather was mostly sunny with a slight breeze, conditions that typically cause significant glare issues. The Hawke Sport Optics sunshade performed admirably, providing a clear and crisp image even when shooting towards the sun. I was impressed by the immediate improvement in visibility and target acquisition.
The Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade required zero learning curve; it simply screwed onto the scope and immediately enhanced the viewing experience. There were no unexpected issues after the initial setup, a testament to its simple and effective design.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular range trips and a couple of hunting excursions, the Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my rifle setup. It continues to perform flawlessly, consistently reducing glare and improving target visibility in various lighting conditions.
The sunshade shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to the elements and occasionally bumped around in my rifle case. The matte black finish remains pristine, and the honeycomb structure is as sturdy as day one.
Maintenance is incredibly simple; a quick wipe with a clean cloth is all it takes to remove dust or fingerprints. Compared to previous attempts at mitigating glare (improvised cardboard shades, anyone?), this is a game-changer in terms of convenience and effectiveness. The Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade noticeably outperforms my earlier, less refined solutions.
Breaking Down the Features of Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade
Specifications
- The Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade is crafted from durable Aluminium, ensuring it can withstand the bumps and scrapes of regular use. This robust construction is essential for maintaining the integrity of your sight picture in demanding environments.
- It features a 36mm Tube Diameter, making it compatible with a wide range of rifle scopes that share this common dimension. Proper fit is crucial for optimal performance, preventing light leakage and ensuring a seamless integration with your optic.
- The sunshade boasts a Matte Black Finish, which not only looks great but also minimizes reflections, further reducing glare and keeping your position concealed. A matte finish is preferable to a glossy one in tactical situations to prevent unwanted light signatures.
- Designed for Rifle use, this accessory is specifically tailored to enhance the performance of rifle scopes in bright conditions. Its honeycomb structure effectively blocks stray light, providing a clearer and more defined target image.
- The Honeycomb design is only 9mm deep. This provides sunshade protection without adding excessive length to the scope.
Performance & Functionality
The Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade excels at reducing glare and improving contrast, significantly enhancing the clarity of the sight picture in bright conditions. Its honeycomb design effectively blocks stray light, allowing for faster and more accurate target acquisition.
Its primary strength is its ability to minimize glare without sacrificing brightness, offering a noticeable improvement in visibility without darkening the image excessively. One potential area for improvement would be offering different honeycomb densities for varying light conditions.
The Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade meets and even exceeds expectations, delivering on its promise of reduced glare and improved target visibility. It’s a simple yet effective accessory that enhances the overall shooting experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade features a sleek, low-profile design that seamlessly integrates with most 36mm rifle scopes. The matte black finish adds a touch of sophistication while minimizing reflections.
The sunshade is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills for installation. Its simple screw-on design makes it easy to attach and detach as needed, even in the field.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from high-quality aluminum, the Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade is built to last. It can withstand the rigors of regular use and exposure to the elements.
Maintenance is straightforward and simple; a quick wipe with a clean cloth is typically all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition. This ease of care ensures it remains a reliable and effective accessory for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade is primarily a standalone accessory, designed to be used as-is to enhance glare reduction. While it doesn’t come with additional accessories, it’s compatible with any 36mm rifle scope that accepts threaded attachments.
Unfortunately, the product description notes that flip-up covers are incompatible with certain Hawke riflescopes when using this sunshade. This limitation should be considered before purchasing.
Pros and Cons of Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade
Pros
- Significantly reduces glare and improves contrast, enhancing target visibility in bright conditions.
- Compact and lightweight design that doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your rifle setup.
- Durable aluminum construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring no special tools or skills.
- Affordable price point, offering excellent value for its performance.
Cons
- Flip-up covers may be incompatible with certain Hawke riflescopes when using this sunshade.
- Honeycomb design may not be as effective in extremely bright or direct sunlight compared to longer tube-style sunshades.
Who Should Buy Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade?
The Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade is perfect for hunters, target shooters, and tactical enthusiasts who frequently encounter bright sunlight conditions. Anyone seeking to improve their target visibility and reduce eye strain will benefit from this simple yet effective accessory.
Those who primarily shoot indoors or in low-light conditions may not find the sunshade as beneficial. Additionally, individuals using flip-up covers on Hawke Frontier 30 SF and Frontier 30 riflescopes or XB/XB1 crossbow scopes should consider the potential incompatibility.
A must-have accessory would be a lens cleaning kit to ensure that both the scope lens and the sunshade itself are free of dust and debris for optimal performance. A scope cover can also protect the lens and sunshade from damage during storage and transport.
Conclusion on Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade
The Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade is a valuable addition to any rifle setup, particularly for those who frequently shoot in bright sunlight conditions. Its ability to reduce glare and improve contrast significantly enhances target visibility, making it easier to acquire and engage targets.
At a price of $31.99, the Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade offers exceptional value for its performance. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your shooting experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Hawke Sport Optics 36mm Honeycomb Sunshade to anyone looking for a simple, effective, and affordable way to combat glare and improve their shooting performance. Don’t let the sun dictate your shooting experience; take control with this excellent accessory and see the difference for yourself!