Super Sidewinder

Mark Camoccio peers through the Sidewinder 6-24 x 56 SF FFP mil IR scope from Hawke Optics

- Mark Camoccio

As a pro-active optics company, Hawke has evolved and developed to the point where they now offer models to cater for shooting disciplines right across the board. Their Sidewinder range is geared toward long-range shooting primarily, and for live shooters as well as airguns.

SIDE-MOUNTED

Built around a 30mm mono tube, this model gets its name from the side-focus facility, the modern way of dealing with parallax correction in place of a front PA collar. In airgun field target, for example, this development has enabled competitors to rangefind the target via a side wheel, whilst the gun is still in the aim, which is obviously a big help. Hawke now compete in this arena with their dedicated Sidewinder ED 10-50 x 60 SF model, with correspondingly high magnification, yet the model on test here is an interesting prospect. The Hawke Sidewinder 6-24 x 56 SF FFP Mil IR, not only offers highly useful mag’ up to 24x, but it is also specified first focal plane, denoted by the ‘FFP’ in the model name. For those unfamiliar, this means that the reticle size and reference marker segments stay in proportion relative to the target, when the magnification is altered. As opposed to the more common second focal plane encountered.

KIT BOX

Hawke really upped their game a few years back, and their presentation and packaging is excellent. These Sidewinders come supplied in a padded box along with; metal screw-on, flip-up lens covers, 4-inch sunshade, 4-inch side wheel, range pointer, CR2032 battery, lens cloth, instructions, and even lens cover adjuster tools.