Let’s Talk About Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane
The Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope Second Focal Plane is designed specifically with airgun enthusiasts in mind, offering a compact and lightweight optic solution. This scope promises high performance and accuracy for air rifles, bridging the gap between traditional rifle scopes and the unique needs of airgun shooting.
My journey to finding the perfect scope for my Weihrauch HW97K air rifle led me here. I was seeking a scope that was compact, durable, and offered excellent clarity at various distances, specifically tailored for airgun use, including reliable parallax adjustment.
Unboxing the scope, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel and compact design. The matte black finish gave it a tactical look, and the adjustments felt precise and smooth, suggesting high-quality construction.
Compared to the Leupold VX-Freedom and the UTG Accushot scopes I’ve used in the past, the Hawke Airmax seemed to offer a better balance of features and size for my air rifle. I opted for this scope because of its specifically designed AMX IR reticle, its side focus parallax adjustment down to 10 yards, and its reputation for handling the unique recoil characteristics of airguns.
My first impression was one of excitement; the scope felt well-made and perfectly suited for my air rifle needs. It promised a significant upgrade in accuracy and clarity compared to my previous setups, setting a high bar for its real-world performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hawke Airmax at my local outdoor shooting range, focusing on targets between 10 and 50 yards. The weather was clear, but slightly breezy, providing a good baseline for testing its accuracy and windage adjustments.
The scope performed admirably under these conditions, providing a clear and crisp image even at higher magnifications. The side focus parallax adjustment was easy to use and made a significant difference in target clarity, especially at closer ranges.
Getting used to the AMX IR reticle took a few minutes, but once I understood its holdover points, my accuracy improved dramatically. The high-torque zoom ring was smooth and easy to adjust, even with gloved hands.
The only initial issue I encountered was that the illumination knob was a bit stiff, requiring more effort than expected to turn. However, this didn’t significantly detract from the overall shooting experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Hawke Airmax has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the scope’s body, and the lenses remain clear and scratch-free.
Cleaning the lenses is simple, requiring only a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution. The turrets have maintained their zero, and the illumination still works perfectly, showing no signs of battery drain.
Compared to some cheaper scopes I’ve used, the Hawke Airmax is in a different league in terms of build quality and optical clarity. It has significantly improved my accuracy and overall enjoyment of airgun shooting.
Breaking Down the Features of Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane
Specifications
The Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane boasts a range of impressive specifications tailored for airgun and varmint shooting. It features a 4-16x magnification range and a 44mm objective lens diameter.
The scope utilizes the AMX IR reticle, illuminated in red with six brightness settings, and is housed within a 30mm tube. It has a second focal plane (SFP) reticle design, meaning the reticle size remains constant throughout the magnification range.
Other key specifications include an exit pupil of 2.8-11mm, eye relief of 76mm, and a weight of 621g. The adjustment click value is 0.1 Mil Rad, offering precise adjustments for elevation and windage, with a total adjustment range of 20 Mil Rad.
The side focus parallax adjustment ranges from 10 yards to infinity, ensuring sharp images at various distances. The Hawke Airmax is constructed from aluminum and features fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission and image clarity.
These specifications translate to a scope that is compact, lightweight, and capable of delivering accurate shots at a variety of ranges. The illuminated reticle and side focus parallax adjustment enhance target acquisition and clarity, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Hawke Airmax excels in its primary function: providing a clear and accurate sight picture for airgun shooting. The AMX IR reticle offers precise holdover points, crucial for compensating for pellet drop at longer distances.
The scope’s windage and elevation adjustments are accurate and repeatable, allowing for fine-tuning of the zero. The illumination system works flawlessly, providing a clear reticle even in bright sunlight.
While the illumination knob could be smoother, the overall performance of the Hawke Airmax is excellent. It meets and even exceeds my expectations for an airgun-specific scope.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hawke Airmax boasts a robust and compact design. Its matte black finish provides a tactical look and reduces glare, crucial for hunting.
The scope feels comfortable in hand, and the high-torque zoom ring is easy to grip and adjust. The side focus parallax adjustment knob is conveniently located and allows for quick and precise focus adjustments.
The scope has a slight learning curve for understanding the AMX IR reticle, but once mastered, it greatly enhances accuracy. Overall, the design and ergonomics of the Hawke Airmax are well thought out and contribute to a positive shooting experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hawke Airmax appears to be built to last. Its aluminum construction and fully multi-coated lenses suggest a high level of durability.
After months of use, there are no signs of wear and tear, and the scope has maintained its zero. Cleaning the lenses is simple, ensuring long-term optical clarity.
The scope is also waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof, further enhancing its durability and reliability in various weather conditions. With proper care, the Hawke Airmax should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hawke Airmax comes with standard accessories, including lens covers and a lens cleaning cloth. While there are no specific customization options directly from Hawke, the 30mm tube allows for the use of a wide range of aftermarket rings and mounts.
The scope is also compatible with various 30mm scope accessories, such as sunshades and bubble levels. Its compatibility with standard accessories from other brands enhances its versatility and allows users to tailor the scope to their specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity: The fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright and clear image, even in low-light conditions.
- Precise AMX IR reticle: Designed specifically for airgun shooting, the AMX IR reticle offers accurate holdover points for various distances.
- Side focus parallax adjustment: The side focus parallax adjustment allows for precise focus from 10 yards to infinity, ensuring a sharp image at any range.
- Compact and lightweight design: The compact design makes it ideal for air rifles without adding excessive weight.
- Durable construction: The aluminum construction and waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof design ensure long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Illumination knob stiffness: The illumination knob can be a bit stiff, requiring more effort to turn than expected.
- Learning curve for AMX IR reticle: The AMX IR reticle may require some time to learn and fully utilize its holdover points.
Who Should Buy Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane?
The Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope Second Focal Plane is perfect for serious airgun enthusiasts, varmint hunters, and target shooters who demand accuracy and clarity from their optics. It is particularly well-suited for those who shoot at varying distances and require precise parallax adjustment.
This scope is ideal for shooters using high-powered air rifles and forward-loading air rifles. It will help them achieve consistent accuracy.
This product may not be the best choice for those seeking a scope for long-range centerfire rifles. Its features are optimized for airgun and close-range varmint shooting.
A must-have accessory for this scope is a set of high-quality 30mm scope rings, such as those offered by Hawke. Additionally, a bubble level can aid in ensuring the rifle is perfectly level for accurate shots.
Conclusion on Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane
In summary, the Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope Second Focal Plane is a top-tier optic designed specifically for airgun enthusiasts. Its exceptional optical clarity, precise AMX IR reticle, and durable construction make it a standout performer in its class.
The price is justified by the scope’s high-quality components and features, offering excellent value for serious airgun shooters. It bridges the gap in quality glass on airguns.
I would personally recommend the Hawke Airmax to anyone seeking to upgrade their airgun setup. It offers a significant improvement in accuracy and overall shooting enjoyment.
If you’re ready to take your airgun shooting to the next level, the Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 4-16x44mm Compact Rifle Scope Second Focal Plane is an investment you won’t regret. Experience the difference that dedicated airgun optics can make!