[Karl.Luhr]

I was wondering what members thought about this. I am a believer that most of us shouldn't shoot over 200 yards at deer size game. If that is the case why are shooters flocking toward mega scopes. I see alot of 4x12 or 3x10 scopes at the range on sight in days. The old standard was a 4x fixed and that is now replaced by a 3x9. I have a 2.5x8 that is wonderful shooting groups at the bench but I have always used it set at 2.5x when hunting. Are others finding the same thing, a powerful scope is an aid at the bench but then do we all crank it down to the lowest setting on hunting days. I have a couple of low powered variables 1.5x5 and 1.5x4.5, are others switching over to these too? I am just looking for your opinions here, there is no right or wrong.

Karl

 

[Hunting Man]

Lots of opinions so lots of offerings. I mostly use 3X9, 2X7, I would have no problem on the right rifle a 4X12X50 for elk, or more for varmit hunting. Western hunting where a 300-400 yd shot is taken would be routine with higher optics. Many of us need some additional eye help and thus higher scope power. Most of my eastern deer hunting is in the middle range 4-5 power.

 

[wmi]

I like big scopes for details. They make me feel more confident about my shot placement. Besides it has saved many a bucks life from being shot before his time and allowed to get a year or two more under his belt.

 

[onehorse]

I believe your choice of scope has a lot to do with where and how you hunt. Here, Montana, I can get a 25 yard shot or a 425+yard shot on any given day. I woud say my average has been around 150 yards. Unlike some, I DON"T use my scope for finding or looking at game - that's what my binos are for - and they're a LOT safer for that. One thing to keep in mind, especially for you newbies, a scope doesn't make you shoot more acturately. In fact, too much power makes shooting MORE difficult because it decreases your field of view making it harder to initially get the game into your scope and it increases percieved scope movement due to breathing, wind, etc. All my scopes are 3-9, and when I'm hunting antelope, I set them at 9 and forget it, but when I'm moving in and out of dense to open cover while hunting deer and elk, I'm continually cranking them up and down. The buck I shot in 2008 was about 40 yards out and moving toward me; last year's was about 200 yards out and quartering away. The first one shot at the 3 setting; the second one shot at the 9 setting.

 

[BruceBruce1959]

I believe your choice of scope has a lot to do with where and how you hunt. Here, Montana, I can get a 25 yard shot or a 425+yard shot on any given day. I woud say my average has been around 150 yards. Unlike some, I DON"T use my scope for finding or looking at game - that's what my binos are for - and they're a LOT safer for that. One thing to keep in mind, especially for you newbies, a scope doesn't make you shoot more acturately. In fact, too much power makes shooting MORE difficult because it decreases your field of view making it harder to initially get the game into your scope and it increases percieved scope movement due to breathing, wind, etc. All my scopes are 3-9, and when I'm hunting antelope, I set them at 9 and forget it, but when I'm moving in and out of dense to open cover while hunting deer and elk, I'm continually cranking them up and down. The buck I shot in 2008 was about 40 yards out and moving toward me; last year's was about 200 yards out and quartering away. The first one shot at the 3 setting; the second one shot at the 9 setting.

Very well said, I totally agree!

 

[ronn]

most of my scopes run between 3X9 and 4X10 the atec on my 22.250 is a 3.8X12 i do have a 9X18 and would you believe thats on my ruger 77-22.

 

[huntr-]

Typically in our area you can get a 200-400 yard shot if you sit the fields , but in the woods a 3x9 or 2x7 is fine. Now if your shooting coyotes or woodchucks I prefer a much stronger scope.

 

[rdrader2002]

I don't think I have a single scope "larger" than a 3x9x40 on any of my rifles. But then again, with the limited distances (~100 yards max) I have to shoot on my meager 15 acres that is more than enough. I'll use the 9x when zeroing the rifle, but back it off to around 4 or 5 during season.

Would love the chance to see what some of my rifles would do out to 300 - 400 yrds, but that's not going to be happening any time soon.

 

[WisconsinDeer]

All of my scopes are either fixed 4x or 3-9 power. Overall it just depends on where you hunt. In my area your shots can be 25 yards or less in the woods or they can be 200 yards or more in a field...

 

[Samson]

Karl:
these replies /posts basically communicate the same message. Specifically, take heed to the post by "Onehorse" as he nails it on the head!

 

[wmi]

I have a 4x12x50 on my T/C, 3x9x50 on the Knights, 4x16x50 7mm Ultra Mag, etc... The thing with big scopes is light gathering and just because it maybe a 12 power you don't need to have it set on 12,I set mine at 5 most times and only zoom in just before the shot. Like onehorse stated I never use my scope in place of binocs. Use your binocs for just looking around and the scope should be only used for taking the shot. I stated that it has saved many bucks lives because I zoom in on the buck to take one last look before to tell if the rack is intact and he is truly of the age class I am looking for. In most cases in my area you have just a small window of time to size these old wary bucks up before they vanish into the brush. Fumbling around with binocs to do all of the analyzing will leave you with nothing but a story of the one that got away. Thought I better clarify my statement.

 

[hunt NH]

on my shotgun i got a 1.5x-5x by 32. on my .270 o got a 3x-9x by 40

 

[daddus1]

I use mostly 3x9 but have some lesser power scopes. For me typically if I can"t use the 3x9 it is too far for me to comfortably shoot, if a big boy goes by farther than the 3x9 can do good for him,he wins that day.
A lot of this is personal choice and what you were brought up to use.
My 2 cents,
thanks,daddus1, but good thought provocing post!

 

[RayChez]

scopes

My favorite scope that I have on my 300 Mag BAR is a Leopold Vari-XII 4X12 scope. I have to make some long shots at times hunting in Utah for big mule deer. Last buck I killed was a three hundred yard shot. I set the scope at six power and I dropped him in one shot.

 

[ronn]

My favorite scope that I have on my 300 Mag BAR is a Leopold Vari-XII 4X12 scope. I have to make some long shots at times hunting in Utah for big mule deer. Last buck I killed was a three hundred yard shot. I set the scope at six power and I dropped him in one shot.

sounds like a great choice. and welcome to the club from nh

 

[Hunting Man]

Welcome RayChez, nice rig you have.