I have used a couple of scopes for my 54 and they simply do not stand the pounding. Even Simmons, and some BSA can't handle it. After a few shots they get totally out of wack and change the setting.

I want to do some FT competition but before I invest in an expensive scope I am wondering what your experiences are with scopes that can handle the strong pounding of a 54.

I am considering the Leapers 8-32 sidewheel, or the bushnell 8-32 elite. What are your thoughts?

i have a .177 M48 coupled with a BSA AR 3-12x44 AO scope. so far it is indestructable with a little over 3,000 shots through it. just make sure you loc-tite all screws on the gun and scope mounts. do a search, you may dig up some more info, good luck

Steven M.

Thanks. Do you mind describing how you have it mounted? One piece, two rings, use of the original pin drop holes? or dropping the pin in front of the receiver? etc.

Much appriciated!

i wouldnt recommend doing it this way. before i knew the do's and dont's of this rifle, i bought cheap 2pc. rings and they didnt last more than a few hundred shots. the guy at the sports shop that i bought them from looked at it and could not believe that a pellet gun could destroy the rings that way!!! either could i, until i did some more research. i'm sorry but i dont remember which brand rings i have. its been a few years. i know they are real high quality centerfire rings. but use a 1 piece mount, i dont know which ones, someone else here may be able to chime in here. i shimmed the back of my scope with a piece of camera film and still have more than 30 clicks high on the scope. this is not good but this scope can really handle the punishment, do a search and youll find some of my older posts on my set-up, later

Steven M.

Elite 4200 handles the recoil pretty well.

But they are heavy. That tends to affect the recoil-sled of the 54...and accuracy.
A light scope is better.
But FT scopes are always heavy. That's probably the reason very few try the 54 in FT.

Good poing Michael. I had not thought of that. The scope you mention is actually pretty light in comparison say to a Leepers 8-32. The 4200 is 20 Oz. compared to the leepers at 29 oz! I also realize that depending on the angle of shooting things could get VERY tricky. If you shoot downhill the anti-recoil system would probably not budge under the weight of action and scope. If you shoot up into a tree it would come back slamming very hard disrupting accuracy perhaps. Wow! I can see why FT people would not gravitate to this gun. However I have it and will use it, I am sure I will learn a lot.

do not use that big sidewheel i don't believe it hold up as it weighs to much. i have a 4200 and a simmons 44 mag on my 54 and have not had an issue.

use a 1 piece mount
use a lighter scope vs a heavier one
if its for ft you might try the weaver t-36, but i havent tried one yet

Yes, the actual weight will affect the recoil sled.

But what I am referring to specifically is the binding forces exerted onto the recoil system from the scope weight being above the center of gravity. The more the scope weighs and the higher it is mounted both combine to affect this.