Ultimate guide to Hawke Scopes

Though ideal for rimfire and centre fire use, the Sidewinder 30 series (‘30’ refers to the 30mm diameter tube) is extremely popular with airgunners as well. Comprising three different models, each is available in a range of different magnification ranges and reticle styles. In addition, all models have exposed, lockable turrets to allow for quick, precise adjustment and feature side focus/parallax adjustment. 

The Sidewinder 30 SF comprise a range of products each with varying magnification ranging from 4-16x to 8-32x and objective lens from 42 to 56mm. 

The Sidewinder 30 SF ED – ‘SF’ stands for side focus and ‘ED’ indicates the use of ‘Extra-low Dispersion’ glass – comprises two high performance models: an 8-40×56 and 10-50×60, both of which feature the TMX reticle and have an illuminated reticle with five brightness settings in red and green. The 10-50×60 model has interchangeable turrets which allow the ¼ MOA turrets, which are standard on all Sidewinder 30 models, to be changed for ⅛ MOA and 1/10 MRAD turrets.

For those who prefer a first focal plane scope, which enables the same hold over and under points to be used regardless of the magnification setting, there are two Sidewinder 30 SF FFP models – a 4-16×50 and a 6-24×56

Best suited to:

Though marketed for rimfire and centre fire use, the Hawke Sidewinder 30 range makes a superb airgun optic as well – as do many other Hawke products. With so many products available, there’s a Sidewinder 30 to satisfy just about every airgunning discipline from hunting to target shooting.

The high levels of magnification on the Sidewinder 30 SF ED range are most relevant to bench rest shooters.

Hawke’s Airmax range has been developed specifically for airgun use. With five different variants comprising 14 different scopes, there’s an option for just about every airgunning discipline. Available in one inch and 30mm tube, all products feature the AMX mildot reticle which is illuminated on 30mm tube scopes only. The parallax adjustment on one inch models is achieved via a collar on the objective lens and via a side wheel on 30mm tube scopes.

The four products in the entry level Airmax one inch tube range vary from a 2-7×32 to a 4-12×50 and are ideal for those wishing to keep their set up light. Each has ¼ inch MOA low profile turrets.

To cater for bullpup shooters, the 30mm tube Airmax SF Compact range comprises three scopes – a 3-12×40, 4-16×44 and 6-24×50 – all of which benefit from side-focus parallax adjustment to infinity, six-setting illuminated red reticle and 1/10 inch MRAD capped, resettable turrets.

The Airmax 30 Touch 3-12×32 AMX IR model is the only zero-eye relief scope in the line up. Light and compact, it too is ideally suited to bullpups and features a six-setting red illuminated reticle, side wheel parallax adjustment and 1/10 MRAD capped turrets.

The four scopes in the Airmax 30 SF range are extremely popular with airgunners, covering a magnification range from 3x to 32x with a 50mm objective lens across all models.  All four 30mm tube products have side wheel parallax adjustment to infinity, six-level red reticle illumination and ¼ MOA exposed but lockable adjustment turrets.

Rounding out the Airmax range are a couple of first focal plane options – the Airmax 30 FFP SF AMX IR in 4-16×50 and 6-24×50 formats. Each has side wheel parallax adjustment to infinity, six level red reticle illumination and 1/10 MRAD capped adjustment turrets.

Best suited to:

With its Airmax range, Hawke has set out to cover just about every airgunning requirement, not only in terms of discipline but budget as well. No matter how you plan to use your air rifle, the chances are there’s an Airmax that will suit your needs perfectly.

Another line up designed principally for rimfire and centrefire use, the Vantage range is also hugely popular with airgunners, especially those looking for a good quality scope at the low end of the fiscal spectrum.

Comprising six different sub-ranges, each containing several scopes, there are nearly 30 Vantage products with one inch and 30mm tubes. Some have fixed parallax at distances that may not be appropriate for airgun ranges, so you’ll want to either opt for a model that has parallax adjustment (designated by ‘SF’), or make sure the fixed parallax product you choose will work for you. An ‘IR’ designation indicates an illuminated reticle function, whilst ‘WA’ stands for wide-angle. At the top of the Vantage range are a couple of first focal plane (FFP) options.

Best suited to:

Although the Vantage range is enormous and offers excellent budget price models, it is important you choose a model that will work at shorter airgun ranges. Fixed parallax scopes may not focus properly at distances below 100 metres for example, so go for one that has adjustable parallax either via an objective lens collar or side wheel.

Like all good laser range finders, the six models, three each in Hawke’s Endurance and Vantage ranges, are reliable, simple to use with a single push of a button and accurate. Furthermore, they fit easily in your hand and are small enough to slip into a pocket or the carry case that is provided. 

The Vantage range comprise models offering 400, 600 and 900 metre ranges, whilst the Endurance line up covers 700, 1000 and 1500 metres. All use a CE approved laser and claim a field of view equal to 420 feet at 1000 metres as well as accuracy +/- one metre and an auto-shut off function and 6x magnification. The Endurance range benefits from high light transmission optics and a red coloured OLED display to provide a bright image and read out for distance, horizontal and angle. In addition, ‘Rain’ and ‘Hunt’ modes across all models accommodate different environments.

Best suited to:

Invaluable for hunters who need to apply the right amount of hold over or under to accommodate an air rifle’s loopy trajectory, the Hawke Endurance LRF also helps range shooters and informal target shooters work out their distanced.

Although initially designed for hunters who need quick target acquisition in driven or wild boar shooting situations for example, red dot and laser sights are increasingly popular with air rifle and air pistol shooters as well. Hawke’s line up of four different products, each comprising several different products, is one of the most comprehensive available in terms of application and budget. 

The Red Dot, Vantage Red Dot, Spot-On Red Dot and Reflex Red Dot ranges comprise more than a dozen different sights to suit 9-11mm dovetail and weaver/picatinny rails. In addition, there are standard and wide-view models, some of which have digital or automatic brightness control.

Best suited to:

Though they can be used in some vermin control situations, a traditional telescopic sight is preferable. When it comes to air rifles and pistols, red dot and laser sites are best suited to plinking and informal target use.

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