Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope 30mm Tube First Focal Plane Review

Let’s Talk About Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope 30mm Tube First Focal Plane

The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope 30mm Tube First Focal Plane is a versatile optic designed for a range of shooting disciplines, from hunting to target shooting. This scope promises crystal-clear imagery, precise adjustments, and a robust build, making it a contender for any serious shooter’s rifle. I’ve always believed in investing in quality optics, and the Sidewinder line from Hawke Sport Optics has a solid reputation, making it an intriguing choice.

I was looking for a scope that could handle both close-range engagements and longer-distance precision shots. My old scope just wasn’t cutting it anymore, especially with the increasing distances at my local range. The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder’s 4-16x magnification range and its first focal plane (FFP) reticle seemed like the perfect solution.

Unboxing the Sidewinder revealed a well-packaged scope with a solid feel. The matte finish gave it a tactical look, and the weight felt substantial without being overly bulky. The turrets had a positive click, and the included throw lever for the magnification ring was a welcome addition.

I considered the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 and the Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 before ultimately choosing the Hawke. The Vortex was more expensive, and while the Primary Arms offered good value, the Hawke seemed to strike a better balance of features, glass quality, and price. I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype.

My initial impression was very positive. The glass appeared clear, the reticle was crisp, and the adjustments felt precise. It was time to mount it on my rifle and head to the range to see what it could do.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope 30mm Tube First Focal Plane to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder at my local outdoor shooting range, which offers distances out to 600 yards. I mounted it on my AR-15 platform rifle, zeroed it at 100 yards, and then started stretching out the distance. The weather was clear and sunny, providing excellent visibility.

The scope performed admirably in these conditions. The image was bright and clear, even at the higher magnification settings. The FFP reticle made holdovers easy to calculate, and the turrets were easy to adjust, allowing me to quickly dial in corrections for bullet drop.

There were no immediate issues during the initial zeroing and testing. The parallax adjustment was smooth and effective, allowing me to eliminate parallax at various distances. The throw lever made quick magnification adjustments a breeze.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder has proven to be a reliable and durable optic. I have taken it on several hunting trips and shooting competitions in varying weather conditions. It has held zero consistently and has shown no signs of internal fogging or water intrusion.

The finish has held up well to minor bumps and scratches. I’ve cleaned the lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner, and they remain clear and scratch-free. Maintaining the Sidewinder is very simple, requiring only occasional cleaning.

Compared to my previous scope, the Hawke offers significantly better clarity, a wider field of view, and more precise adjustments. It has definitely improved my accuracy and confidence at longer distances. It has exceeded my expectations, making it a great optic for the price.

Breaking Down the Features of Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope 30mm Tube First Focal Plane

Specifications

• The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope features a 50mm objective lens, which provides excellent light gathering capability. This is critical for low-light situations, such as dawn and dusk hunting.
• It offers a 4-16x magnification range, making it suitable for both close-quarters engagements and longer-distance shooting. The magnification is easily adjusted using the included throw lever.
• The Sidewinder utilizes a FFP 1/2 Mil Dot + reticle, allowing for accurate holdovers at any magnification. The reticle is also illuminated with adjustable brightness settings.
• The scope has a 30mm tube diameter, which provides a wide range of adjustment for elevation and windage. This is important for long-range shooting where significant adjustments may be needed.
• The adjustment click value is 0.1 Mil Rad, which provides precise and repeatable adjustments. This is crucial for dialing in accurate shots at various distances.
• It has a parallax adjustment range from 10 yards to infinity, allowing for sharp focus at any distance. This feature ensures that the reticle and target are on the same focal plane, eliminating parallax error.
• The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder’s lenses are made of Extra Low Dispersion Glass, which minimizes chromatic aberration and provides superior clarity. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and reduce glare.
• This scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof, making it suitable for use in harsh environmental conditions. These features ensure reliable performance in the field, regardless of the weather.

Performance & Functionality

The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope performs its job exceptionally well. It offers excellent clarity, precise adjustments, and a user-friendly design.

The strengths of this scope include its clear glass, accurate tracking, and versatile magnification range. The illuminated reticle is also a plus for low-light conditions. One minor weakness is the stiffness of the parallax adjustment when brand new.

The Hawke Sidewinder has definitely met and exceeded my expectations. It has improved my accuracy and confidence in the field.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder features a robust and well-built design. It uses high-quality materials and feels solid in hand.

The controls are well-placed and easy to use, even with gloves. The included throw lever is a nice touch. There is a slight learning curve associated with the FFP reticle, but it is quickly overcome with practice.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder should last for many years. The durable construction and weather-resistant features ensure reliable performance in the field.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner. The scope is also backed by Hawke’s warranty, providing added peace of mind.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder comes with a removable throw lever, lens covers, and a sunshade. These accessories enhance the scope’s functionality and versatility.

While there are no direct customization options for the scope itself, it is compatible with any standard 30mm scope rings and mounts. This allows for easy installation on a variety of rifles. The scope is also compatible with aftermarket bubble levels and other accessories.

Pros and Cons of Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope 30mm Tube First Focal Plane

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Who Should Buy Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope 30mm Tube First Focal Plane?

The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder is perfect for hunters, target shooters, and anyone looking for a versatile and reliable optic. It’s a great choice for those who need to engage targets at varying distances and in different lighting conditions.

This scope might not be ideal for those who prioritize ultra-lightweight optics or those who prefer simple reticle designs. Anyone prioritizing extreme close quarters engagements might consider an alternative optic with a lower bottom end magnification, and faster target acquisition.

A must-have accessory for this scope is a good set of 30mm scope rings and a torque wrench to ensure proper installation. A bubble level can also be helpful for long-range shooting.

Conclusion on Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope 30mm Tube First Focal Plane

The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope is an excellent optic that offers a great balance of features, performance, and value. The price is justified by the scope’s high-quality glass, precise adjustments, and durable construction.

I would definitely recommend this scope to anyone looking for a versatile and reliable optic for hunting or target shooting. It has exceeded my expectations and has significantly improved my shooting performance. If you’re in the market for a new scope, give the Hawke Sidewinder a serious look. You won’t be disappointed!