The new Sidewinder range of scopes from Hawke are here, and Dave Barham has the 4-16x50 30 FFP model on test in this riflescope review
credit: Archant
The much anticipated, new and improved Sidewinder range of scopes from Hawke Optics has just been launched. Featuring a complete redesign and sporting the new System H5 Optics system, they’re also lighter and stronger than their predecessors. Available in First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane models, there are no less than ten new additions to the line-up.
credit: Archant
New Optical System
The backbone of the new design lies within the System H5 optics. Basically, H5 gives a massive 24-degree ultra-wide field of view, which is up to 20 per cent wider than previous models. Increased clarity and improved sharpness are also part of the new package, with 18-layer multiple-coated lenses for intense light transmission completing the set-up.
credit: Archant
Witness Window Turrets
The Sidewinder’s new push/pull locking elevation turret has a ‘Witness Window’ to ensure that you always know which revolution your turret is on. Whilst most of us will only ever be using the first level of rotation for our shooting, it’s a brilliant innovation for rimfire and centrefire rifle shooters, and can also be used in extreme benchrest competitions.
It’s designed for shooters who like to dial out to longer distances and need to keep track of how many revolutions have been made. As the elevation turret passes through each full rotation, the internal scale travels up or down and can be seen at a glance. No more uncertainty or lengthy click counting needed to get back to your original zero.
Both the elevation and windage turrets are operated by pulling the turret up to unlock it, then you can click away to your heart’s content before pushing the turret back down with a satisfying ‘click’ to lock them in place. Again, this is a great addition to any scope for any hunter, ensuring that zero stays locked, and providing extremely quick adjustment times if required in the field.
credit: Archant
Zoom Lever
One of the key additions to the new design that I absolutely love is the zoom magnification lever. It’s not fitted at the factory, but comes supplied with the scope in the box. Simply use the Allen key provided to remove the ‘plug’ on the zoom ring and screw the little lever into place. This makes zooming in and out far easier and much more controlled – a must when out in the field in a hunting situation, especially if you are wearing gloves.
credit: Archant
Quality Glass
Crown glass is used for the lenses in this scope. It removes radial distortion and gives a flatter field of view – very important given the increased 24-degree, ultra-wide FOV. It also reduces the effect of curvature and blurriness around the edge as you look through the scope, something you can quite often pick up on with cheaper scopes.
The lenses are 18 layers and multi-coated , including an ion-assisted coating that provides superb light transmission and a high level of abrasion resistance – far exceeding military standards for hardness and durability.
credit: Archant
Set And Forget
Another great feature on these scopes is the ‘Set it and forget it’ feature, whereby you can twist the fast focus ring, then lock it down via another locking ring to hold it in place. I found this to be extremely useful, especially if you opt for the optional extra flip up lens covers.
By being able to lockdown the ocular focus, it’s one less thing to worry about when in a hunting situation – everything should be crystal clear, all the time.
FFP Half Mil Reticle
The FFP Half Mil reticle was developed specifically for first focal plane optical systems and based around the common principles of mil spaced reticles. With half mil spaced markings out beyond 5 mil in all directions, the FFP Half Mil is a versatile reticle that provides aim points no matter how extreme the conditions. I like FFP scopes, because the reticle changes in size in line with the magnification as you zoom in or out.
A series of crosses etched on the lower section of the reticle in the ‘Christmas Tree’ formation make for extra windage aimpoints and act to give an easy quick-glance method of counting which mil spacing you’re aiming with. Outer posts are segmented into half mil spacing and 0.2 mil spacings, so can be used for bracketing and rangefinding.
The centre crosshair is illuminated for 5.5 Mil and it features six different levels of intensity via the click to level/click to off knob on the left-hand-side turret.
Parallax Adjustment
This scope comes supplied with a 100mm index-matched sidewheel ring, which simply pushes onto the parallax adjustment dial situated inside the illuminated reticle knob on the left side of the turret configuration. You can also purchase a small 65mm sidewheel if you prefer..
As far as adjustment goes, it runs from ten yards to infinity, so you should have no problems getting things crystal clear at close range.
Sidewinder 30 SF Features
Resettable locking turrets with witness window
30mm Mono-tube chassis
Side Focus
Illumination
Side wheel - index-matched (removable)
Ultra-wide Angle 24° FOV
High volume eyebox
100mm eye relief
Multi-LED high intensity reticle
High grade, low dispersion Crown glass
18 layer Fully Multi-Coated lenses
Zoom magnification throw lever (removable)
Fast focus eyebell with lock ring
SPECIFICATION
Model: Sidewinder 30 FFP
Manufacturer: Hawke optics
Tube Size: 30mm
Optical System: 4-16x
Objective: 50mm
Reticle: FFP Half Mil
Illumination: 6-stage red
Focus/Parallax: 10 yards to infinity
Field of View: 10.6-2.7mm @ 100m
Eye relief: 102mm
Length: 339mm
Weight: 725g
Battery: CR2032 (included)
RRP: £599
Website: www.hawkeoptics.com