Let’s Dive into Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scopes 1in Tube Second Focal Plane
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scopes 1in Tube Second Focal Plane is designed for versatility. This scope aims to bridge the gap between affordability and performance, promising clear visuals and reliable operation for various shooting applications. The Hawke Vantage series is known for being an entry to mid-level line. It often provides more features than its price tag suggests.
I was looking for a scope that could handle both my .22LR for small game hunting and my AR-15 for occasional range sessions. I needed something with adjustable magnification and decent light gathering for dawn and dusk hunts, without breaking the bank. The drop compensating reticule feature also stood out. It promised quicker target acquisition than relying solely on turret adjustments.
Upon unboxing the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage, I immediately noticed the solid feel and matte finish. The scope feels surprisingly sturdy for its price point. The adjustments on the magnification ring and turrets moved smoothly. The overall design is functional, without feeling cheap.
Compared to a Bushnell Banner and a Simmons Whitetail Classic I’ve used in the past, the Hawke Vantage seemed to offer a noticeable step up in clarity. It also provided a more intuitive reticle design. I ultimately chose the Hawke because of the illuminated reticle. This was a feature missing on my older scopes, and because of the positive user feedback mentioning accurate BDC calibration with .22LR.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see how it would perform in real-world conditions. I suspected it could be a significant upgrade over my existing budget optics.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scopes 1in Tube Second Focal Plane to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range. This range offered distances from 25 to 200 yards. I mounted the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage on my Ruger 10/22. This rifle is primarily used for squirrel and rabbit hunting. The weather was overcast, with a slight drizzle, presenting a real-world challenge for light transmission.
The scope performed admirably, even in the less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The 50mm objective lens allowed enough light to gather. I could still maintain a clear sight picture at 100 yards, even with the overcast sky. Adjusting the magnification was simple. The illuminated reticle, set to a low green setting, helped visibility against the dark backdrop of the treeline.
I did not need a significant amount of time to familiarize myself with the controls. The turrets were easy to adjust, with audible and tactile clicks. The eye relief was forgiving, allowing me to maintain a consistent sight picture.
One minor surprise was the fixed parallax setting. I was expecting a side focus knob for parallax adjustment, given the 4-12x magnification range. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage has proven to be a reliable optic. It has been subjected to a variety of conditions, from damp mornings in the woods to dry, dusty afternoons at the range.
The scope has held its zero consistently, even after being bumped around in my gun case. There are no visible signs of wear and tear. The matte finish has resisted scratches.
Maintenance has been minimal. I simply wipe down the lenses with a microfiber cloth after each use and occasionally clean the exterior with a damp cloth.
Compared to my previous budget scopes, the Hawke Vantage has exceeded my expectations. It offers better clarity, a more useful reticle, and greater durability. It has definitely improved my accuracy and confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scopes 1in Tube Second Focal Plane
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm. This larger objective lens gathers more light, providing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions.
- Magnification: 4-12 x. This variable magnification range allows for both close-range and longer-distance shooting.
- Tube Diameter: 1 in. The 1-inch tube is a common size, making it compatible with a wide variety of scope rings and mounting systems.
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP). The reticle size remains constant throughout the magnification range, which simplifies holdover calculations.
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 – 12.5 mm. This is the size of the light beam exiting the scope. A larger exit pupil makes it easier to acquire a target quickly.
- Illumination Color: Red, Green. This allows the user to choose the color that provides the best contrast against the target and background.
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA. Each click of the turret moves the point of impact by 0.25 minute of angle, allowing for precise adjustments.
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in. The distance between the eye and the scope’s eyepiece. This ensures a comfortable and safe shooting experience.
- Adjustment Range: 80 MOA. The total amount of adjustment available in both elevation and windage.
- Length: 341 mm. This is the overall length of the scope, which affects its balance on the rifle.
- Fixed Parallax: 75 yds. The parallax is fixed at 75 yards which means that it is optimized for .22LR and similar rounds.
These specifications translate to a versatile scope suitable for hunting and target shooting. The fully multi-coated optics, adjustable illumination, and durable construction enhance the overall user experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage performs its job effectively. The image is clear and bright, the adjustments are precise, and the reticle is easy to use.
The scope’s strengths include its excellent light gathering capabilities, thanks to the 50mm objective lens. Its illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light conditions. The scope’s clear glass and accurate adjustments make it easy to dial in and maintain zero.
One area for potential improvement is the fixed parallax setting. While suitable for rimfire rifles, a side focus parallax adjustment would make it more versatile for different distances and calibers.
Overall, the Hawke Vantage meets and even exceeds my expectations for a scope in this price range. It delivers reliable performance and a clear sight picture.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage features a solid build quality with durable materials. The scope’s matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The scope’s weight is reasonable. It doesn’t add excessive bulk to the rifle. The turrets and magnification ring offer a tactile and audible click, making adjustments easy and precise.
The scope has a comfortable eye relief. There is minimal learning curve. The design makes it easy to use, even for novice shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage appears to be a durable scope. The Hawke Sport Optics warranty adds peace of mind.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe down with a microfiber cloth is usually sufficient to keep the lenses clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage comes with lens covers and a lens cloth. It is designed to be mounted using standard 1-inch scope rings, which are not included.
There aren’t any significant customization options for the scope itself. Users can choose from a variety of reticle options at the time of purchase, including the L4A Dot, 30/30, and Subsonic reticles.
The scope is compatible with various aftermarket accessories. This includes sunshades and bubble levels, available from Hawke and other brands.
Pros and Cons of Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scopes 1in Tube Second Focal Plane
Pros
- Excellent light gathering capability with the 50mm objective lens. This feature is beneficial in low-light hunting conditions.
- Illuminated reticle (red and green) provides enhanced visibility against various backgrounds. This helps improve target acquisition.
- Durable construction and waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance. It ensures reliability in different weather conditions.
- Precise 0.25 MOA click adjustments for accurate zeroing and holdover adjustments.
- The drop compensating reticule option allows for faster target acquisition and eliminates constant turret adjustment.
Cons
- Fixed parallax setting at 75 yards limits versatility for long-range shooting with higher-powered rifles.
- The 1-inch tube may require purchasing new scope rings if you’re upgrading from a scope with a different tube diameter.
Who Should Buy Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scopes 1in Tube Second Focal Plane?
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage is perfect for hunters using rimfire rifles for small game. It is also well-suited for recreational shooters who want a clear and reliable optic for their .22LR rifles.
Those who need a scope with adjustable parallax for long-range shooting with high-powered rifles should skip this product. Similarly, competitive shooters seeking the highest levels of precision may want to consider a higher-end optic.
A must-have accessory is a good set of 1-inch scope rings that matches the height of your rail system and rifle.
Conclusion on Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scopes 1in Tube Second Focal Plane
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x50mm Rifle Scopes 1in Tube Second Focal Plane offers a compelling combination of performance and affordability. It is a reliable and versatile optic suitable for a variety of shooting applications, especially rimfire hunting and recreational shooting.
The price is justified given the scope’s features, build quality, and performance. The illumination is a nice touch.
I would personally recommend the Hawke Sport Optics Vantage to anyone looking for a solid, budget-friendly scope for their rimfire rifle. Upgrade your shooting experience today and see the difference a quality optic can make!