Hawke 4-16x50 SF Rifle Scope Review
Our verdict
The Hawke 4-16x50 SF is listed as a 4-14x scope on a 50mm objective with an illuminated IR reticle and a rimfire mount, priced at $399.99. The 5.0 rating comes from only 2 reviewers, which is too small a sample to draw conclusions from.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Rimfire shooters who want a large 50mm objective for bright optics and an illuminated reticle at a mid-range price, and who are comfortable making a purchase with minimal buyer review data.
Skip if
You want validated buyer consensus before purchasing, or your platform uses a standard Picatinny rather than a rimfire-specific mount.
- Magnification 4-14X
- Objective lens 50 Mm
- Field of view 28.3 Feet
- Reticle Ir
- Mount Rimfire Mount
- Material Aluminum
- Priced 36% below the category median ($625.24 across 94 tracked models)
- Weight of 26.1 lb - heavier than 90% of the 95 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating5.0/5
5.0 average across 2 owner ratings
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Popularity0.5/5
2 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Hawke 4-16x50 SF uses a 50mm objective lens, which is notably large for a rimfire-designated scope. The 50mm aperture provides strong light transmission across the magnification range, which is an advantage for low-light rimfire use. Magnification in the listing data reads as 4-14x despite the model name suggesting 4-16x, a discrepancy buyers should clarify with the seller.', 'The illuminated IR reticle adds a brightness-adjustable aiming point for use in low-contrast conditions. Field of view is listed at 28.3 feet, which is a reasonable figure for this objective and magnification class. The rimfire mount is the key compatibility note: this scope is configured for rimfire receivers, not standard Picatinny rails, which limits its application to appropriate platforms.', "At $399.99, this scope is priced above typical rimfire optic budgets but reflects the 50mm objective and illuminated reticle. The 5.0 rating from 2 reviewers provides no actionable buyer data. Interested buyers are working essentially without peer review input and should weigh Hawke's general brand track record instead."]
Pros
- 50mm objective lens provides strong light gathering
- 28.3-foot field of view suits moderate to close-range use
- Illuminated IR reticle for low-light target definition
- Hawke brand has an established mid-tier optics reputation
Cons
- Only 2 reviews, so no meaningful buyer validation exists
- Rimfire mount limits compatibility to appropriate rimfire receivers
- Magnification discrepancy between model name and listing spec requires clarification
- $399.99 is on the high end for a rimfire-specific scope
Specifications
| Magnification | 4-14X |
|---|---|
| Objective lens | 50 Mm |
| Field of view | 28.3 Feet |
| Reticle | Ir |
| Mount | Rimfire Mount |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 26.1 lb |
Performance notes
A 50mm objective at 4x magnification yields a theoretical exit pupil of 12.5mm. At 14x, that drops to 3.6mm, which is serviceable in good light. Field of view at the low magnification setting is 28.3 feet. The illuminated IR reticle uses battery power to illuminate the aiming point, which helps in transitional light. The rimfire mount configuration means the scope is designed for the receiver groove geometry common on .22 and similar rimfire platforms. Aluminum body construction is standard for this price tier.
What buyers say
Two reviews at 5.0 is the smallest meaningful sample in this category. No buyer trend can be established from two data points. Potential buyers are relying on Hawke's general brand reputation and the scope's specifications rather than peer experience when making a purchase decision at this price.
More from Hawke
Similar optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars to consider
Frequently asked questions
Why does this scope have a rimfire mount instead of a standard Picatinny mount?
Rimfire rifles, particularly .22 LR platforms, often have a narrow dovetail groove on the receiver rather than a full Picatinny rail. A rimfire-specific mount is designed to clamp onto that groove geometry. Trying to mount a Picatinny-specific scope on a rimfire receiver groove, or vice versa, results in poor fitment and can compromise zero stability. This scope is designed for rimfire receiver compatibility.
Is the magnification on this scope 4-14x or 4-16x?
The product listing data shows 4-14x magnification while the model name designation references 4-16x. This discrepancy should be resolved directly with the seller or Hawke before purchase. Confirming the actual upper magnification limit matters if you are purchasing specifically for a use case that requires a particular zoom level.
What does the IR designation mean in the reticle description?
IR stands for illuminated reticle. The scope includes a battery-powered system to light the center of the reticle, making it visible against dark or low-contrast backgrounds. Illumination brightness is typically adjustable across multiple settings. This feature is useful in overcast conditions or when aiming against a shadowed background where a dark reticle becomes hard to see clearly.