Center point scopes
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:32 am
A friend of mine can get me a good deal on a center point scope 8-32x56. Has anyone used this scope and what are your thoughts. Thanks in advance
Intrigued by a brand I never heard of I checked their online catalog. My first impression regards the salami cut objective housing - smacks of some cheap Asian possibly Chinese optics, but they don't state where they are manufactured. The Importer is Crosman Corp. the airgun and paintball gun company.
Thoughts on the subject is that these scopes are retailed by some popular online retailers such as Wal-Mart, Amazon and Sportsman Guide. Sportsman guide offers the 8-32 x 56 for $259.99. These are 30mm illuminated scopes. The website states that the lenses are fully coated, which means a single coating is applied on each air to glass surface. The best system is fully multi-coated where each lens has several coatings applied on every surface for light transmission and color correction. The salami cut objective is touted as making the scope suited to the most extreme weather conditions, but limits the ability to screw on a sun shade, or find lens caps. That angled objective is about as useful in protecting the objective lens as using a colander for a bucket. This feature is not advantageous. Advertising also mentions the "30mm European style one piece tube" which may imply a European origin without reality. The warranty is a limited lifetime original owner warranty.
Other thoughts. Do you really want or need an 8-32 power variable? I purchased one and sent it back as maintaining a sight picture at anything above 24 power was near impossible in a field situation. As magnification increases brightness decreases, so these scopes at the low end are less than satisfactory. If you are hunting varmints a 6-24 is about max I would recommend, and even something in the 6-18x range is ideal. I find mine set at 10 -14 power most of the time as the higher magnifications are not needed, other than at the range in working up loads. 32x Scopes are best in fixed power, such as the Weaver T-32.
If you are looking for a less expensive scope, take a gander at the Clearidge Scopes at The Optic Zone. I just received one in 6-20 and I can't see much difference between it and the Bushnell Elite 4200 or Nikon Monarchs. They are made in the same factory as the Elite's and share the same glass as the Elite 4200's or 6500's. They also have an unlimited lifetime warranty to any owner without a sales receipt required. Other than that, stick with known brands.
PS. repeatability would be on my mind with any cheap scope.