Appropriate magnification for western hunting

C

canoetrpr

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
13   0   0
Location
Just North of Toronto
What is the maximum magnification you guys who hunt Elk in the open west use?

While reading the new Zeiss HD5 scope literature it seems they are marketing the 3-15x 42mm scope as an elk hunting rig for long distance hunting in the west. OTOH, I can't see why one wouldn't be better off with a bit lighter and smaller scope like the 2-10x 42mm or the 3-9x40 (a Zeiss that I currently own and love).

Is magnification beyond 9 or 10x at typical western hunting distances not a hindrance when it comes to lack of field of view?

What say you real world western hunters vs us arm chair types that are digesting this information from sales pamphlets?
 
So long as you can dial it back to 3 or 4 power and the fov is not handicaped at low mag (which some cheaper scopes do) it's the best of both worlds. FOV isn't a big issue for a long shot as you have time to set up properly. A long shot should never be a snap shot.
 
If you practise with your rifle FOV is not a problem at any time...if you're searching for your target you need more practise. IMO, a low power of 6 is fine.
 
What distance have you been practicing at? Can you see your 'target' well enough to know where to hold the crosshairs with the magnification you have? If so- there is your answer.
Personally I find my 3-9x40 adequate for 300-350 yard shots and if you are shooting farther than that I'd say there is more to think about than just whether you have the right magnification in your scope.
 
I don't think it makes much difference. I've used variables that go as low as 2x to as high as 14x as well as fixed 6x. I often have my variable scopes set to 6x. I believe it is more psychological than anything else - "I have high magnification, therefore I can see better, therefore I will make a better shot". In reality it won't make much difference in normal hunting situations. One thing you do want to watch if you go with a lower power scope is reticle thickness. I have a Leupold M8 2.5x Compact with the Heavy Duplex. Perhaps not surprisingly, it is not so good in open country!
 
I am not particularly in favor of the very long range shooting that is touted by some these days.
But within reasonable distances [up to 500 Meters, possibly a little more] 6x will work just fine.

Now if you are varmint hunting, the target is usually quite small in comparison, so additional magnification is advantageous.

I have never felt handicapped while Hunting big game with a straight 6x or a lower range variable.

That being said, I really like the 3.5-10 x 40 Leupold VX3.

Regards, Eagleye.
 
I recommend a 3-9.

Here in Alberta we have it all from wide open prairie to dense thickets a rabbit would have trouble with. Unless you are going after antelope and plan on lots of practice for long range shots with bipods out past 400 - the 3x9 will do ya fine! In the real thick crap irons or even a 1x optic would do. Do yourself a favour too - keep it cranked down to 3x all the time too. The flat land ain't that flat and the critters hunker down in the damndest places. Further, they are cagey and will stay hunkered down until you almost step on them. That goes double when you are in the deep bush too.

Mine are all 3x9's because I hate fiddling with parallax when I should be shooting.
 
I am not a fan of too high of magnification myself. 2-7's, 3-9's, fixed 4's and 6's are what I mostly use. I had a leupold that topped out at 14x thinking I would like it but I found it just wasn't my thing. High magnification on a hunting rifle makes me focus too much on little bumps and shakes that are really of no concern when trying to put a hole through a big game animals lungs.

Smaller-medium scopes also keep your firearm from looking and feeling bulky and I like that.
 
Once you start stretching your shooting distances then more magnification becomes critical....aim small/miss small. All of my "western" big game rifles wear a 3-15 or 4.5-14 scope. I'll put up with a few extra ounces even on a sheep rifle to have the ability to accurately shoot at extended ranges. If you never shoot past 300 yards you likely wouldn't see the benefit of going to higher magnification scopes. It really depends on how you want to hunt and shoot.
 
Glenfilthie said:
I recommend a 3-9.

Mine are all 3x9's because I hate fiddling with parallax when I should be shooting.
Click to expand...

Was thinking about this myself as the 3-15 is parallax adjustable while the 2-10x is parallax free to 500 yards. I'm far away from doing a real western hunt or feeling confident to do anything long range. Just starting with a deer hunt this fall which I expect will be under 200 yards; likely under 100 and I have a 3x-9x.

Really doubt I will ever consider taking a shot much past 300 or 400 yards. I will be practising a lot if I do. Just bought a Bog Pod so that I can practise off the bench.

I'm leaning towards one of the 3-9x Zeiss with the Z-600 ballistic retical which are on a good deal or the 2-10x HD5 with the Z-600.
 
unless you practice,practice,practice,shooting and scope operation, high mag scopes can mess up your hunt. Elk are very flight creatures and i have not taken one over 250y. 8-10 power is ideal imo for most large hunting rifles. with all the choices out there today its a complicated decision. I know as I just went through it for a new 7mm mag, for elk hunting. Good Luck.
 
canoetrpr said:
Was thinking about this myself as the 3-15 is parallax adjustable while the 2-10x is parallax free to 500 yards. I'm far away from doing a real western hunt or feeling confident to do anything long range. Just starting with a deer hunt this fall which I expect will be under 200 yards; likely under 100 and I have a 3x-9x.

Really doubt I will ever consider taking a shot much past 300 or 400 yards. I will be practising a lot if I do. Just bought a Bog Pod so that I can practise off the bench.

I'm leaning towards one of the 3-9x Zeiss with the Z-600 ballistic retical which are on a good deal or the 2-10x HD5 with the Z-600.
Click to expand...

It all comes down to what distances you are wanting to shoot and comfortable shooting. Lots of people are well practiced to 600 or 700 yards these days, necessitating the need for high magnification optics. In the west, those shots are a possibility and if you are a shooter that is wanting to take them, then you need appropriate optics. If you aren't, then there likely is no need. No right or wrong answer nor advertising BS...just a matter of application.
 
sheephunter said:
It all comes down to what distances you are wanting to shoot and comfortable shooting. Lots of people are well practiced to 600 or 700 yards these days, necessitating the need for high magnification optics. In the west, those shots are a possibility and if you are a shooter that is wanting to take them, then you need appropriate optics. If you aren't, then there likely is no need. No right or wrong answer nor advertising BS...just a matter of application.
Click to expand...

...AND opinion and personal preference. Lots of guys are shooting those distances with 10x fixed/top end power.

To the OP...buy what you feel will be best for yourself...after some time behind it you can always send 'er down the EE road if it's not everything you thought it'd be.
 
My usual scope is a 3x9. Got it set to 9 and have never found a reason to change it. This 6 to 700 yard shooting is pure BS. We're Hunters not Snipers.:) Very few people have the skill to make a killing shot at that range under field conditions, which is what it's all about, after all.

Grizz
 
Grizzly Adams said:
My usual scope is a 3x9. Got it set to 9 and have never found a reason to change it. This 6 to 700 yard shooting is pure BS. We're Hunters not Snipers.:) Very few people have the skill to make a killing shot at that range under field conditions, which is what it's all about, after all.

Grizz
Click to expand...

More and more everyday are developing the skills...it's a brave new world but it is critical to know and respect your limitations....which is what it's all about, after all. To each their own :)
 
I like how people think all the 600+ yard shots are normal. 9 outa 10 times your shooting with in 100y. 300 i would say the typical long range actual hunting shot.

If your going to do long range hunting its planned and in that case, You would not need to ask on here what zoom to use.

btw - I live and hunt in Alberta. My zoom ----- Iron sights.
 
Tikka6xc said:
I like how people think all the 600+ yard shots are normal. 9 outa 10 times your shooting with in 100y. 300 i would say the typical long range actual hunting shot.

If your going to do long range hunting its planned and in that case, You would not need to ask on here what zoom to use.

btw - I live and hunt in Alberta. My zoom ----- Iron sights.
Click to expand...

I definitely wouldn't say normal but they do present themselves occasionally....some people liked to be prepared and equipped when they do and others are happy to walk away and come back another day. Two different styles to be respected I'd say.
 
Someone once said 2.5 -3 X per hundred yards. That seemed overly simplistic until I started looking at my rifles, thinking approximately how far I would take each one and looking at the scope it ended up wearing. Most of my 5 and a bit rifles seem to be packing 15 ish power scopes nowadays. Haveing said that, my longest elk and red stag shots (469 and 568 yards) were taken with 3.5-10s. Just the way it worked out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom