Hawke 1.5-5X MAP scope

[bryman021]

I just received my new Hawke 1.5-5X MAP scope today. I got it installed and leveled and went to the backyard to sight it in. Got it all sighted in @ 20 yards and was able to hit bulls very consistantly. Then I moved back to 30 yards and adjusted the speed ring to the 280 hash. Took a shot and it hits about 6 inches low. I am shooting an Excalibur Ibex with a ViperX bowstring(material is BCY 8190), and stock Firebolt arrows with 150 grain field tips. Total arrow weight is close to 422. The Ibex should be at the very least shooting 280fps, but I had to adjust the speed ring on the Hawke down to its lowest setting 250 to get the shots close. Even then they are still about 2 inches low. Why would this be happening? I have no way to measure my actual FPS but the Excal website shows that with the stock Dacron string and firebolts with 150 grain tips will be averaging 282 fps.

I really want to like this scope but it doesn't quite seem to be working as its supposed to.

Any help, or ideas appreciated!

[bryman021]

Just a little more info, previous to installing the Hawke scope I was using the TRUGLO red dot that came with my kit. I had it set on the 300fps setting(lowest one for the sight), and I had it zeroed at 20yds hitting about 1 inch high, and the dots for 30, 40, & 50yds were dead on.

[Cossack]

The 'speed ring' only changes the scope's magnification thereby changing the distance between hash marks and isn't an indication of speed. You could try two things: zero at 25 yards with that arrow, that will put you closer at 30 but a bit hi at 20. Or, reduce the weight of your arrow by using a 125 gr -or even 100 gr - tip.
Hawks seem to be calibrated for faster bows. My 3.5 MAP is right on 20 through 50 but with a 430 gr arrow at 345 fps. (from a compound X bow)

[bryman021]

Yep I understand that the yardage on the "speed ring" is just a guide so I am going to ignore that part and just try to use the BRC program to tune the scope for my Ibex.

Ok well I found out I had an older version of the Hawke BRC program and it didn't have my MAP scope on it. I went back to the Hawke website and found they just came out with an updated version(I had v1.1.0 new is v1.1.1). With the update I am now able to choose my scope and can change the magnification. After spending some time with the program I think I have found a good setup for my Ibex. According to the program with a 20 yard zero, velocity of 282-292 and 5X magnification each hash mark comes out to be almost perfect 5 yard increments rather than 10. So counting the very top hash mark I would have 15 thru 60 yards using all 10 aimpoints. I want to go test this now but it is getting dark, so I guess I will have to wait until morning. If it works out like the program says it should I think that will be sweet! I can have the higher magnification and have 5 yards increments! I will post my results after I do some more testing with the hawke tomorrow.

[Dash]

The hawke program is a great little tool. The only thing I'd like to see added to its options are projectile grain weight. It seems a bit more long winded to do longer distance shots to work out ED and then to the calculation.

[awshucks]

So counting the very top hash mark I would have 15 thru 60 yards using all 10 aimpoints.

Might that be too much to factor when a nicely antlered buck comes in?

I believe I'd ask the Hawke people if that scope goes low enough for your bow speed.........

My Leupold does that same 5 yd thingy, but it's on 7x which makes it hard to shoot accurately off-hand..........

Good luck in any event!

[bryman021]

OK I have determined that I just didn't spend enough time with the Hawke scope last night to get it set up correctly. After spending some time in the BRC program I came up with two setups that I liked and tested them this morning.

1. Magnification @ 2.0X gives me the advertised 10yd increments, which also corresponds to about 290fps on the "speed ring", which is right where my Ibex should be at. I can't figure out what I did wrong last night but today with the scope on this setting I am hitting bulls very consistently from 20 - 40 yards. At 50 yards I need to aim a bit high but thats ok cause I will only be shooting from that distance in the backyard.

2. Magnification @ 5.0X gives me 5yd increments. This setting also performed very well and the hash marks are accurate from 20 - 40 yards. Again @ 50yds I need to aim a bit high.

I am very happy with the scope now and I like having the option to switch from 2X to 5x and knowing I will still be very accurate!

I think that last night I may have subconsciously wanted the Hawke to fail because I do like the compact size of the red dot better, but after getting the scope dialed in and shooting so well with it I think the Hawke will stay on my Ibex. It is pretty compact for a scope, it measures 8.3 inches in length. Eye relief is set perfect, and it is very clear when looking thru it. The only thing I can complain about with this scope is the flip-up lens covers it comes with are pretty cheap. When they are closed they are ok and seem solid, but once you open them the rattle and are very noisy, especially when shooting. Also the pins that hold them together are too small and I have already had trouble with them falling out. So I think I will just toss those covers and look for something different.

Overall I am very impressed with my new scope and it's well worth the $82.00 I spent on it!