These are our top picks for Air Rifle Hunter Field Target Shooting. We've chosen these based on our experience of using these scopes in the field.
Overview:
Most Hunter Field Target (HFT) competitions are shot at a range of 8 - 45 yards. Scope adjustment is prohibited during the competition, meaning you'll need a scope with a large depth of view. Hunter Field Target shooters generally prefer scopes with magnification between 6-12x.
Magnification:
For HFT Shooting, keeping to a low magnification I key can help to increase depth of field, meaning you can see a greater distance clearly without adjusting the parallax. The favoured magnification is 10x as it gives a good balance between depth of field and ability to see the target clearly.
Reticle:
Reticle choice can have a big impact when it comes to Hunter Field Target shooting. It affects how accuractley you can rangefind targets as bracketing is the only you can use the scope to give an indication of distance. Generic Mil-Dot is sometimes used too but the gaps between the aim points are a little too large to make accurate measurements. A Half Mil-Dot or Mil-Hash reticle is a better option as it provides multiple aim points that can be used to gauge the distance.
‘FFP’ (First Focal Plane) & ‘SFP’ (Second Focal Plane)
In First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes, increasing or decreasing the magnification will cause the reticle to become larger or smaller respectively. This means that your aim points will be the same at any magnification. This functionality is great if you are using your scope in more than one shooting discipline because it means you can alter your magnification while out in the field and not have to worry about your point of impact changing.
Entry Level Nikko Stirling Panamax 3-9×50 AO Illuminated Half Mildot + Free Scope Rings
£174.99 £85.00
The Nikko Stirling Panamax 3-9×50 AO Illuminated Half Mildot Riflescope has been designed around an extremely wide angle field of view which is approx 20% more than the average comparable 1” scopes on the market today. Continuing with our proven hard anodized high grade aluminium main tubes the new design is not only visually appealing but also durable to handle heavy recoil rifles. Available as well with parallax adjustment on bell (AO) and illuminated reticle (IR). The Nikko Stirling Panamax 3-9×50 AO Illuminated Half Mildot Riflescope features a red and green illuminated Half Mil Dot reticle and make it a top performer from Dawn-till-Dusk. This scope is sure to be a hit with hunters and recreational shooters everywhere.
Mid Level SWFA SS 10×42 Tactical Side Focus Riflescope
£525.00
The SWFA SS 10×42 Tactical Side Focus has been a favourite for many years amongst air rifle / rimfire and centerfire shooters. All SWFA SS 10×42 Tactical Side Focus rifle scopes are precision made in Japan and feature top quality lenses & multi coating systems. Each SWFA SS Riflescope is built on a 30mm main tube with the option of a matching MOA 1/4 MOA or MIL 0.1 MIL reticle depending on how your shooting brain thinks.
Top Level Vortex Viper PST Gen II 2-10×32 FFP Illuminated 30mm Riflescope
£926.89
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 2-10×32 FFP Illuminated 30mm Riflescope hands an unfair advantage to shooters who seek to keep the upper hand in every situation from close quarters to long-range shots. The illumination dial is cleanly integrated into the side focus adjustment knob for easy access and streamlined performance. The glass-etched reticle offers shooters highly functional, intuitive, and detailed hold points, yet remains uncluttered for optimal viewing and features 10 intensity levels with off positions between each setting.