ASK THE GUN EDITOR
Letters containing questions for answering by Nick Harvey must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope. Mail your letters to: The Technical Editor, 3 Reef Street, Hill End, NSW 2850.
Clean Bill of Health For Panamax Scope
Q I recently bought a Howa 1500 in .243 Winchester and want to put a scope on it. The Gun Shop where I deal tried to sell me a Nikko Stirling Panamax 3-9x40, but I am not sure how reliable this scope will be as it is quite inexpensive. Will it hold true to point of aim with each power setting and track accurately?
– Jerry Davis
A When the Panamax was introduced I reviewed one and it surprised me how precisely it tracked when I shot the square with it. Variable scope technology has come a long way. Today’s variables, for all practical purposes, hold true to point of aim with each power setting. The differences are so subtle that hardly anyone can tell the difference. I've tried several, and the changes were so slight (most varied less than 1/4 inch at 100 yards) that in most cases I couldn't tell any difference. The Panamax checked out O.K for an economy class optic. If it is within your price limit, go ahead and buy one.
