Is 6x magnification too much for deer hunting in the North East?

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Snoochers

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I'm interested in the SWFA 6x42 fixed magnification scope. I want this scope because its affordable and apparently quite excellent. I want a fixed scope also because I like the idea of using MOA/Mil markings and I don't want to spend enough to afford a good front focal plane variable scope. I'd be open to an excellent and affordable 4x fixed magnification scope, but haven't found one that is nearly as good as the SWFA.

The SWFA 6x42 boasts an impressive field of view of 22 feet at 100 yards at 6x. I suspect a FOV of 11 feet is enough at 50 yards (2.5 deer width?), but I'm concerned the FOV of 5.5 feet will be too narrow at 25 yards. My understanding is that 25 yards is not an unusual range in the forests of the north east. I'll be trying to stick to clearings and fields, but its not unlikely that I run into one close up.

Is a field of view of 5.5 feet at 25 yards too little to be effective? Is 6x magnification too much for deer hunting in the North East?
 
I've never hunted in the the North East so you know the conditions of terrain and cover there as well as or better than I do. Can you keep both eyes open when you shoot? Have you tried doing so with 6x magnification?
 
You have remarked on the field of view with that 6x at 100 yards. Is that as far as you expect to shoot? 4x is more than enough. I took my first deer at approx 220m (paced) with 2.5x magnification.
 
If you think you'll be potting a deer at close range 6x is probably too much. I use a 1-4 for everything inside 100m. 1x to 25m, 2x to 50 and so on.
 
If you really want to have 6x magnification at the high end, maybe look into a 1.5x6... It really depends on what type or hunting you will be doing. If hunting from a stand or blind, then a fixed 6x would be doable. But for stalking and still hunting, I am be more comfortable with less magnification. In my book, a 1.5x6 is ideal.

At close range in the woods, it will be harder to find and maintain a quickly moving animal in the crosshairs with a fixed 6x... I would suggest assessing the type of hunting you are likely to do first, and then selecting the scope for the task at hand, not the reverse.
 
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BeaverMeat said:
A 4X is probably the most versatile fixed power scope for deer. Just my opinion.
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Agreed. Or maybe even a 2.5 if you're in thicker stuff. I shot my bear last fall at about 20m with my 3-9 on the lowest. I wouldn't have wanted twice the magnification that's for sure. I'm going to pick up a lighter rifle this year, and I'm thinking it'll get a 2-7 or 2.5-8 or something like that.
 
Can anyone recommend a great 4x that is reasonably affordable (<500$)? The Leupold stuff looks nice, but to be honest, they use the same glass and components as their variable scopes and sell them for almost the same cost, which is a bit of a turnoff. Very few people make quality fixed scope these days. The only ones I could find for reasonable cost were SWFA, and they only have the 6x.

I am open to a variable magnification scope, but the problem is that I want to use the MOA/Mil ratings for hold over and these are not accurate on most variable scopes (or, are only accurate at max range). For reliable values I need a first focal plane scope, which probably will cost over 1000$.
 
I also want to mention that the SWFA 6x scope has a field of view of 22 feet at 100 yards. Some 4x for example (Weaver comes to mind) have the same field of view at 4x. So an average or poor 4x would probably not offer much more field of view.

If someone can recommend a 4x with a good field of view, price, and quality, I'm very interested! Many are discontinued (IOR, for example).
 
I hunt in BC in everything from rain forest to huge clearcuts.

The last two deer I shot at 10 yards and 40 with my 270 with the 6X Leupold scope never noticed that it was "too much " magnification..
 
BeaverMeat said:
A 4X is probably the most versatile fixed power scope for deer. Just my opinion.
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Agreed. I have a 2.5-10x on my 30/30 and a 2-7 on my slug barrel. Both sights live at 4x and never move.

A FOV of 5.5 @25 yards you'd barely see the whole deer. I'd be worried that an off hand shot at close range at that power would be so shaky that you if you couldn't see the deer you would be hard pressed to know which way to look.

If you have any other scope, head to the range, set it 6 power and try shooting at those 25-50m distances and see how it looks. Try sitting, standing, off the bag or whatever position you suspect you would be using in the field. You will know right away if a fixed 6 power is acceptable.
 
Unfortunately I've moved and buying everything new and don't have access to a range, so I am buying blind! I am very open to a 4x for sure. If someone can point me in the direction of an excellent and affordable (<500$ preferably) 4x I'd consider it. The SWFA are so well regarded that compared to most 4x (Bushnell, Weaver) the SWFA looks amazing.
 
I think you should allow yourself to at least try the 6x SWFA and decide for yourself. I know that they have earned a stellar reputation south of the border for guys who like to spin turrets. I have read enough reports of them failing under heavy recoil I wouldn't be eager to mount one on a light weight magnum. Worst case scenario you part ways with it.
Myself I'd lean more towards a 6x Meopta, but I am a set and forget type for my hunting rifles.
 
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