Product Review – Hawke Vantage IR Turkey Scope

Why I like this scope

I was drawn to the Hawke Optics booth at the Great American Outdoor Show. Engaging with their knowledgeable staff, I unexpectedly became intrigued by the Hawke Vantage IR Turkey Scope, despite not initially being in the market for one. Their passion and detailed explanations about the scope’s features convinced me to give it a closer look.

What truly sets the Vantage IR Turkey Scope apart is its versatility. Offering three reticle options, including a black reticle that illuminates red or green when the illumination rheostat is turned, it equips you to adapt your hunting strategy to various conditions. The rheostat’s five brightness levels further enhance this adaptability, making it an essential tool for any hunter.

When I finally got my hands on the Vantage IR Turkey Scope and peered through it, I was instantly convinced of its quality. Weighing a mere 11.7 ounces, the scope felt light yet sturdy. The glass was exceptionally clear, and the sight picture was vivid, enhancing my hunting experience. The 1-4×20 scope adjusted effortlessly and remained crystal clear, further solidifying my decision to purchase one.

Easy Installation

One of the main reasons I bought the Vantage IR Turkey Scope was that I needed it for my new Mossberg SA-28. The scope had plenty of eye relief for that gun and would mount easily on the Picatinny rail. Once the gun arrived, I spent an evening in the basement, reassured by the ease of installation, setting up the scope.

I took my time attaching the scope rings to the Picatinny rail before laying the scope on the rings. After a few minor adjustments, I secured the scope of the gun. Next, I carefully leveled the scope and snugged up the screws on the rings. The installation was complete. All that remained was for me to boresight the gun.

The white walls in my basement make it a perfect place to boresight my guns. I grabbed my boresight kit and put the laser in the barrel. Carefully, I unscrewed the caps on the turrets, exposing the dials. Looking through the scope, I moved it to the red laser dot. Next, I moved the scope to the right to align with the red laser dot. The scope was easy to boresight and was ready for action.

How to sight in this scope

I needed four shots to dial in the Vantage IR Turkey Scope. I took one shot with a Federal 9-shot target load to ensure the gun was good on paper, and the next three shots were taken with Verdict 9-shot TSS. Turkey Splattering Targets helped make adjusting the scope easier. After adjusting the scope up and to the right, I knew it was where I wanted it.

The Hawke Vantage IR Turkey scope has a No-Fault Lifetime Warranty, which gave me confidence. In addition to the warranty, the scope comes with two lens covers and a lens cloth. The instructional manuals are easy to read, and Hawke also includes a CR 2032 battery to illuminate the reticle.

Before I was introduced to the Hawke Scopes line, I wasn’t sure what to think. Now that I have personally set them up and used them, I like all the features and their durability. I am excited to see Hawke’s other scope offerings.

Where to Purchase:

• Optics Planet (Click to Shop)

Hawke Vantage IR Turkey Scope – Specifications

The Hawke Vantage IR Turkey Scope stands out as an optimal choice for turkey hunting enthusiasts.  Key features that make this scope desirable include:

1. Illuminated Reticle for Enhanced Accuracy: With its advanced illuminated reticle, this scope excels in low-light conditions typical during early morning or low light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility and target acquisition. The scope is ideal for novice turkey hunters as the reticle helps create a perfect sight picture by outlining the head of the turkey with the lighted reticle.

   

2. Optimal Magnification and Objective Lens: Designed with the turkey hunter in mind, it provides the perfect magnification range (1-4X) with a 20mm objective lens that captures sufficient light, crucial for maintaining visibility in varied lighting conditions.
3. Durable, Shock-Resistant Construction: The rugged build of the Hawke Vantage IR Turkey Scope guarantees durability and reliability, essential for enduring the rugged environments often encountered during hunting expeditions.
4. Turkey-Specific Reticle Design: This scope features a choice of a red or green reticle specifically tailored for turkey hunting, with calibrated aiming points that caters to the unique size and range of a turkeys head, aiding in remarkably precise shots.

   

5. Superior Optics Quality: Known for its exceptional optics, the Hawke Vantage IR provides crystal clear and sharp images, critical for the accurate spotting and identification of turkeys.
6. Excellent Value for Money: Despite its specialized features and superior performance, the Hawke Vantage IR Turkey Scope is competitively priced with a retail price under $250. It offers outstanding value to both seasoned and novice turkey hunters.

For turkey hunters seeking an optic that combines high-performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, the Hawke Vantage IR Turkey Scope is the definitive choice.  Here I am on the range showing how I tested and zeroed this scope.