Close range hunting with 6-power scope?

MD

MD

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I recently acquired a 270 rifle with a 6X scope.

I have until now always used 4X scopes. I have a 3x-9x on another scope and last fall for example, I had it set on 4 and when I saw and shot a deer I never even considered playing with the magnification before shooting at about 100 yards.

I've encountered deer and black bears as close as 3 or 4 yards and even a 6x7 Roosevelt elk at that range once.

Realistically speaking though, I find it is not unusual to see game at 20 to 40 yards on occasion, so will a 6X scope be too powerful?

I guess I'll find out when I try it at 25 metres at the range, but I don't have another 4x available and it is a nice rig as is so I'd prefer not to change anything.
 
Before variable power scopes became popular the 4X scope was the all around scope and the 6X the open country scope!

When it comes to close range shooting less is more and 6X would not be my choice!
 
I'm in coastal BC. I can possibly come across game from 3 to 300 yards away.
 
MD said:
I'm in coastal BC. I can possibly come across game from 3 to 300 yards away.
Click to expand...

In your case I would be inclined to use a 1.5-5X scope to cover all your shooting options! You will be amazed how quick you can get on game in tight cover with it on low power and if need be crank it to max for longer shots!
 
If you can shoot with both eyes open (and everyone should), a fixed six won't be a liability.

My favorite whitetail rifle had a 6 on it for years, and many deer were killed with it, from rattled in to jump shot on the run, to deer in open fields waaaaay out there.

Great all around glass if you are using something like a Leupold 6x42 with a wide duplex.
 
a quality scope will still focus on near targets. I used a bench rifle with an 8-32x scope for hunting over bait once -- with both eyes open it worked fine.
If you are able, setup a few targets at different distances and practise with both eyes open. You will be surprised how easy it is to transition...
 
25 yards at the range. If I were you I'd hope that it has an adjustable objective that you can dial down to this distance.
Myself I have a 6x42 Leupold on my 222. However in Europe the fixed 6 power is popular for big game hunting from a raised platform.
The only time I might suggest you would be really handicapped, is chasing wounded game into the thick briar patch.

my 2 bits only
 
That is a real nice set up MD and the front bell clears the rear sight.
Might be a bit of a chore to try and replicate this with another optic
fitting that profile without excessive clearance.
Send that there trubblesum scope my way.
Heck, I'd even pay the postage if'n ya yewse me Adventure Uno numero.
 
I have a 5-15 zeiss on one of my rifles and I have shot animals with it at very close range (less than 5 yds) and it was not an issue.
 
I have that Excellent 6x42 Leupold on several of my hunting rifles.

I have never found it to be a handicap, even right close in.

I also shot a mule deer with one on a 270 at long, long range with no issues.

That looks like a very nice setup!!

Regards, Dave.
 
I think John Barsness and Wayne Van Zwoll have both recommended 6x as excellent scopes, even in close cover. 4x may be preferable but doubt you'd be hampered. Set a target up at 15-20 yards and see if it works for you. Best of luck.
 
You've got one of the best hunting scopes EVER on that rifle. I have the same one on my 7-08, and have never wanted for more, or less. I shot a deer on the trot in thick bush with it last year and wasn't handicapped in the least. I doubt very much that those who claim it is too powerful have ever tried it. Do yourself a big favour and keep it.

I have a second on a bolt action 223, and it's brother, a Leupold 6x32 on a 7mm Rem Mag, and 6x is perfect on those applications too. If I have one regret, it is that I didn't go with the Heavy Duplex for my 7-08 as it sticks out a little more in dim light.
 
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