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Introduction
We recently reviewed the
first Hawke crossbow offering, the MAP scope (here)
, it is now time to take a look at the MAP
bigger brother: the Hawke SR crossbow scope.
Packaging
The Hawke SR scope comes
packaged in a blister box, just like the MAP.
The package includes: Lens covers, Cleaning
cloth and the scope itself. No rings are
included in order to let you chose whatever
suits you best.
I think this is good choice
as some manufacturers unfortunately chose to
include very low quality rings just to be able
to advertise their product with "free rings
included, a value of XXX$" . Trust me you will
be happier with a good pair of rings even it
means spending a few more bucks.
The scope is available in
both non glare lack and in
Realtree APG HD® camo,
we reviewed the black version (the APG camo can
be seen in the MAP review
here )
Technical data:
The Hawke SR is compact scope, it measures 8.5
inches for 11oz. weight. The magnification is
set at 3x with a front lens measuring 32
millimeters. The resulting exit pupil is an
astonishing 10.6. Field of view is 50.2 feet at
100 yards. Eye relief is around 4 inches. The lenses
are multi coated for optimal light transmission.
Reticle is adjustable in both windage and
elevation via two turrets that are easily
operated with fingers (no tool required) and
turrets can be reset. Each
click corresponds to ½ MOA.
Usage
The scope is very well finished in a deep black
non glare anodization, the impression is that it
is a high end
product. The turrets are protected with aluminum
caps and sealed against dust an moisture via
rubber gaskets. the reticle can be illuminated
in 5 levels of green and red in order to suit
the target illumination and provide optimal
contrast. The rheostat controlling illumination
is a bit hard but this will prevent accidental
activation.
As with the MAP brother
the SR is fitted with lenses of astonishing (for
its price range) clarity and sharpness. The SR
scope gives you an undistorted image sharp from
edge to edge plus there are no color dominant:
colors appear true and lifelike. The relatively
low magnification (3X) coupled with a good
diameter of the front lens element (32mm)
results in a very large exit pupil (8) and this
is a bonus for hunting in low light conditions.
The
Hawke SR scope features a black etched and
rather complex reticle. The main feature of the
SR reticles are: small hollow circles of
decreasing diameter to represent a 2" killing
zone at various distances plus a different
thickness on the reticle marking may be used for
range-finding (6 and 12 inches at various
distances)
The horizontal main markings lines are set for
20,30,40,50 yards plus two markings on the
stadia to indicate 10 and 60 yards. As the SR
does not have any speed regulation you may now
wonder how you can use this scope on your
crossbow... simple: as with the Hawke MAP the
best feature of this scope is not shipped in the box…
you will need to go onto the Hawke web site (http://www.hawkeoptics.com)
and download the Hawke BRC software.
The Hawke Ballistic Reticle Calculator is one of
the most advanced ballistic programs for scope
setup: you will need
to input the data of your very own crossbow and
accessories (Scope type,
arrow speed, scope height, zeroed range and ED
Value: either via POI drop or speed at given
distance) and the software plots out the arrow
trajectory with all the needed data a scope label they you can
print out and stick to your scope Flip Up lens
covers that will indicate clearly at what
distance each marking corresponds (see picture)
for the given setup. If you change something in
your setup, for example arrow weight or vanes
size resulting in different arrow drag, you just
need to a few shots trough the chrony, input the new data into the software and print
another label: quick, clean and simple
Since the software uses a method that takes into
account (actual data) how the arrow decelerates
it is accurate even with non standard setups
(short-small vanes, large or extra drag vanes,
different FOC setups
etc)
Conclusions
The Hawke SR scope is as impressive as its MAP
brother, adding the bonus of illuminated
reticle. The Hawke SR is
small light and compact, it is bright and sharp
with a very good low light performance. This
scope is really high end product offered at a
bargain price: it is not uncommon to find online
the SR scope in Black at under US$135 and the
camo at under US$165.
We have seen optics with similar sharpness and
clarity but at a much higher price point ...
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