These past several months I’ve been putting Hawke Optics Panorama EV 4-12×50 AO rifle scope through it’s paces. You can get the latest from Hawke Optics in social media on Twitter and Facebook.
You know me, I’m a everyday, practical guy who loves to take his boys hunting, shooting, and fishing. And in so doing, I like to do it on a budget that doesn’t compromise our family resources. So when it comes to rifle scopes I am looking for an optic that is durable, reliable, and practical for my young boys to use.
Therefore I mounted the Panorama EV up on my boys Remington Model 700 SPS 7mm-08 for several reasons. I wanted it mounted to the gun the boys would be using most and one in which I could get a since of what a scope of these specs would look like on a Model 700 bolt action.
5 rounds at 100 yards
In doing my research I found several really great qualities that prove to be true not only in print, but in practice at the range when we put rounds on target. For a VIDEO of our day at the range CLICK HERE. The optic has a field of view that is 20% wider than normal in a one inch tube which is also 20% lighter than normal. The “EV”, well it stands for Extreme View for good reason. I found it quite remarkable in target acquisition and continuous viewing was improved. Far better than a couple of other name brand rifle scopes I own. If fact, I did a night time test with a buddy of mine comparing his $1500 scope he uses in 3-gun matches with the $239.99 Panorama by Hawke. Hands down the Panorama was clearer. Not my words, his. He was amazed that Chinese glass had come so far. He went from asking who Hawke was to ordering one online. Now that’s proof positive.
Now a feature my boys thoroughly enjoyed was the Red and Blue glass etched illuminated reticles. They are split evenly on their favorite. I personally found the blue better or day and the red for late evening. Of course, you always have the option of black when in the off position. As with most all IR’s they are powered by a single CR2032 battery. From a technical standpoint: the glass is the etched version of the popular MAP 6 reticle,featuring aim points deigned to work with your rifles trajectory. The hollow bars are calibrated for 3, 6 and 9″ bracketing when set on 6x magnification.
One of my greatest learning with the Panorama EV happened long before I got to the range. The optic is held within a 1” mono-tube with a black anodized finished. When I met with the owner of our local gun shop it turned out finding 1” rings became a littler harder than I expected. In addition, it turns out that due to the size of the 50mm housing I also had to purchase tall 1 1/2” bases. As we were mounting up the scope to our Remington Model 700 7mm-08 we also recognized that due to the 3.4” eye relief, we would not be able to move the scope far enough back near the butt to give me the proper fit for my shooting style. Another great learning… to do so on this particular model of rifle I would need to add an additional pica-tinny rail to give me the range of motion needed for proper alignment for me. In this review we decided to not add the rail as that would have added an additional $100 to the setup fee. I kept my budget on base and rings to $50. Remember, I have a budget I am working within. So… the learning is I need an eye relief of at least 4.5” on this particular rifle and in most cases at least 1 1/2” of base height with rings for my shooting style.
Other nice features are the low profile Turrets design with ¼ MOA per click. The knurling on the turret caps and the zoom ring is a high grip design. The zoom ring also incorporates a thumb bump, good when using gloves, which I use. The only real issue for me is the turrets were not as ‘positive’ in clicks as I would like for them to be. I personally like to feel the clicks. It gives me more confidence that the 0 is set and will hold it’s setting.
Hawke adds a great feature in the Hawke Ballistic Reticle Calculator (BRC) available for PC or as an iPhone App. I did notice; however, I could not download the program to my MAC laptop. But the iPhone App is always another option.
I give the Panorama EV 4-12×50 a thumbs up on price, durability, clarity, and field of view especially when compared with other brands in this particular market. Well worth the $239.99 investment. Knowing what I know now I would opt for the 40mm housing and a scope with at least a 4.5” eye relief. And after my time at the Shot Show this year with the Hawke Optics Team I see that they have a scope that will do just that. So, be on the look out for my next review on another Hawke Scope.
Additional Features & Photos You May be Interested in:
Key Features:
Extreme View optical system for 20% wider FOV
Illuminated ½ Mil Dot reticle for improved accuracy
Glass etched special ballistic reticle with multi-aim points
Red / Blue illumination for better Night / Day use\
1″ mono tube construction to withstands heavy recoil
Fully multi-coated optics: Edge-to-Edge clarity / brighter view
Hawke BRC compatible – ‘Blueprint’ your rifle
Additional Features:
¼ M.O.A Low Profile ‘No-Snag’ fingertip turrets
Coarse Knurled Magnification Ring
Fast-Focus ocular adjustment
Threaded for sunshade
All Firearm Caliber Rated
Waterproof, Shockproof and Fog Proof
Hawke Worldwide Warranty
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- 5 rounds at 100 yards
