Product Review: Hawke XB30 Compact 1.5-6x36

Little overdue on this one, been a tad busy of late it seems...

Some here may recall that several years ago I upgraded the scope on my Matrix 380 to the then new (and shortly thereafter discontinued) Hawke XB 30 Compact.
That old scope took a real beating over the years, and bears many scars to prove it.
But it never lost it's zero, always lit up when asked to, and performed well under all conditions.
So it was with some trepidation that I considered removing it from the bow, likening that to somehow losing and old and reliable friend.

This what she looked like with that scope on her:

https://i.imgur.com/JEL1wdD.jpeg

However some of the features of the newer scope appealed to me. Larger objective lens (more light gathering) better long distance chevrons that light up all the way out to 100 yards, locking speed ring etc etc. So, I ordered one at the best price I could find, and paced until it arrived. When it did I was pretty pleased with what I saw:

https://i.imgur.com/FZdSQNA.jpg

And I rather liked the view peering downrange:

https://i.imgur.com/4sIqPHZ.jpg

So, even though it felt strange, I took the old tried and true scope off, and dropping this one into it's new cradle:

https://i.imgur.com/U7WiweG.jpg

It is noticeably longer than the old one, and that objective bell just barely cleared the rail with the low mounts. I greatly prefer the low mounts, as that allows me to achieve the right cheek weld required for me to shoot with accuracy.

The night before I went out to shoot, my Lady inquired just how I was going to deal with the heavy rag bag I have. It is just shy of 200 pounds, and very much takes two men to move around. No worries, said I, I'll simply leave it ion the back of the truck and shoot it there. Then drive the truck further away from the bench each time I need to tack on some more distance...
Always fun until someone shoots out their own windshield was her smartass reply. https://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/ph...s/icon_wtf.gif
Gotta admit, I did wonder about that some...

Continued...

But I set the bench up the very next day, then drove the truck 20 yards away and set up the target in her bed:

https://i.imgur.com/MQ16qro.jpg

It was only a little bit of tweaking to get the desired result:

https://i.imgur.com/J1RDsNd.jpg

And yeah, the windshield was safe...

So then I put it through the paces at 40, 60, then 70:

https://i.imgur.com/qgW6rKW.jpg

And she kept doing what she does best. 70 yards:

https://i.imgur.com/uRiqJvk.jpg

80 Yards:

https://i.imgur.com/An7hEHh.jpg

And with that I deemed both of us Ready should the roads open up next week and allow me to wander over to the Okanagan for the late whitetail archery season...

Findings:

This scope does gather substantially more light than the previous one. Side by side comparison at dusk well conformed this.

The reticles are rather fine, and took a minute or two to get used to. But the two colors of graduated illumination work well, and helped with that.

The locking speed ring was a nice touch IMO.

Adjustments with the low profile turrets were crisp and accurate.

The scope was very clear wall to wall, and the focus adjustment was smooth and worked very well.

The lens covers work as advertised, although I generally take them off when hunting.

Overall I am impressed. I will likely have more to say once I've hunted it a bit, but rather suspect it will be staying on the Matrix for a considerable spell.

Here's the specs on the scope for anyone interested: https://us.hawkeoptics.com/xb30-compact-15-6x36-sr.html

Side note: Always knew this Matrix 380 was a little on the fast side. So, I ran a few few through the chronograph.
Understand I am using a custom Boo string with Cat Whiskers, and my arrows all weight in at 405 grains on the nose.
Thus the results surprised me somewhat. Six shots averaged was 372 feet per second.
Kind of thought they'd be more in the 350ish range, but hey, I'll take it!
Guess those limbs must be a little on the fast side as I suspected...

Cheers,
Nog

Great report - thanks for sharing. Been looking at getting rid of the shitty Tact Zone scope on my Micro Supressor and will have a look at the Hawke XB30. Does Hawke also offer reticles that are a little less "busy"? That is one nice setup you got going on Nog, love the table and the rag bag in back of truck idea (nice to not have to worry about missing your target with an Excalibur eh?). Hard to beat Zombie Slayers

I too hope they open the Hwy to more than just essential service next week, but I suspect there's no chance in hell they will. (hope I'm wrong) Good luck if you're able to make it out there

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Harvest the Land

... Does Hawke also offer reticles that are a little less "busy"?

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They offer a range of reticles. I like this one as I commonly shoot my bow to 100 yards most sessions.
Makes hunting ranges seem like a "chip shot" once you get used to the longer target distances.

The bow has been customized to the extreme.
Custom Trigger Tech single action trigger at 1.75 pounds.
Custom strings from Boo.
Always ran with aftermarket scopes as I don't care for the cheap kit versions.
And custom arrows designed explicitly for long range accuracy. None vary more than 1/3 of a grain.
All together, it is a fine performer.

I actually think I will make it going through Princeton.
Fingers crossed of course, but I feel the need.
If I don't, it will be the first season in 51 years I haven't taken at least one big game critter.
NOT a streak I wish to break...

Cheers,
Nog

Nice set-up

I heard someone say 'anyone that can get out of jury duty can label themselves essential'
;) not sure what that meant ...........