Low magnification and larger than 24mm objective

conor_90

conor_90

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
91   0   0
Location
NW BC
I have only been hunting and shooting using scopes for a very short portion of my hunting career.

My preference is for scopes that offer low end magnification. I was really into 1.5-4x24 scopes for some time but found a lot of perceived advantage in terms of light gathering and clarity with 2-7x32 scopes and fixed 4x and 6x scopes with larger objectives. I have also found that on most of the rifles I have owned low mounts will allow for a larger than 24mm (much larger in some brands) objective scope to be mounted.

Figuring I might as well make use of the space I have tried to find the medium range in nominally 1.75-6x32 scopes. I really find there is no real difference between these and nominally 2-7x scopes I’ve used ( redfield, leupold).

So I’ve come to you for suggestions* on scopes with more low end and a larger than 24mm objective. High end over 4 is not a requirement but it doesn’t hurt. I know bushnell makes 1-4x32 scopes but I am looking for something a little higher end. I have had banner scopes but was not impressed; it might be the case that prime optics are a sleeper hit; I know a lot of guys on here who’s opinions I respect are big bushnell fans so I’m open.

I have also tried the vortex diamondback 1.75-5x32 which I believe was lower in magnification on the low end than listed. Not bad, mine was made in the phillipines I believe? Looks like they are made in China now, could be true of mine too and I’m just remembering incorrectly.

I’m interested in the bushnell legend 1.25-8x32 and vortex razor 1.5-8x32 but as with most things I like they are no longer in production. Would love to hear some suggestions that are in this price/build quality range and American, European or Japanese

Thanks!!









* in before someone suggests a 2-7x32, 1-6x24 tacticool scope etc….
 
Last edited:
Maybe I can not help, but the objective lens diameter measurement, across various brands, does not have a lot to do with the scope's "outside diameter" - which is what will make contact on your barrel. The OD of the objective, and then whether that same scope's eye piece will allow your bolt handle to clear, are kind of important - more so, I think, then the advertised objective lens diameter...
 
if you have a long eye relief need the bushnell 1.25-8x32 6500. no longer made but still foundable.

i tried the vx3 1.75-6x32 but i like more the 2-7x33 with newer lenses and german 4 reticle. this is a 30mm body.
 
I’ve never felt like 3x was too much magnification, maybe they had it figured out 40 years ago with your basic 3-9. Do you shoot with both eyes open?
 
Classic CGN, I guess I didn’t mention the 3-9 in my addendum. Against my better judgement I will explain my motivation


I find it much easier to shoot offhand at 1x. I also personally prefer low magnification, not everything is based in logic and reason, they are my guns after all.

Ultimately I am a much better offhand shot inside 100 yards with irons than a 3x magnification. I would not take an offhand shot beyond that in a real hunting situation. I would like to be able to use a scope in other field positions without sacrificing the ease of shooting offhand with no magnification

PM good point, but the (admittedly small) sample of 24mm objective scopes I have used have ample clearance of both bolt handle and barrel. Obviously this could vary with different mounts and rifles. I don’t know that there is much difference in eye piece size on scopes of the same make/line in different magnifications, could be the case. Either way I would prefer a larger objective or at least like to try one.
 
Anyone know if there is a 1.5-6x42 on the market that splits the difference between the S&B Zenith and cheapo Chinese clones?
 
conor_90 said:
Anyone know if there is a 1.5-6x42 on the market that splits the difference between the S&B Zenith and cheapo Chinese clones?
Click to expand...

tough question: for an european use the 1.5-6x42 was the 30-06 of the scope.

good or so so on average for battue driven and for stalking ... most of the time you preferred to have a 1-4x20 and then a 3-9x36 depending on your hunt. not good enough for high seat shooting under the moon where a 8x56 shines ...

i gave up all my 1.5-6x42 in favor of other scopes ... but that is just me.

nikon was doing a very good one with a germa 4 but a little too expensive. an old austro german may fit the bill or even the leupold lps ...

good luck.
 
Has anyone tried a bushnell prime 1-4x32 ??

Assuming they are better than the banner scopes? Any impressions?
 
For a while all my scopes were 32mm or 40mm objectives. I had a deer in front of me at dusk one hunt. I could see it with my eyeballs. It was right there in my 10x50 binos. But I couldn't pick it up in the scope. I went up to a 44mm (or maybe it's a 50mm?) and I felt so much more able to use all available legal light.
 
I have astigmatism, it’s not terrible if I can adjust the dot intensity but I really want to try an illuminated scope out.

If I don’t need magnification I use peep sights…
 
Bumping this to see if anyone can suggest current production scopes like this 1000 bucks or less preferably a lot less lol
 
Bushnell 2-7x32 sits on my 308, no worries so far
Leupold 1.75-6x32 is on my ruger 338, out of prod, current the 2.5-8x36 is popular and realistically may belong on a 'best' list
Most favourite is a Swarovski 2.5-10x42 30mm tube, brilliant scope, out of production but Burris has one in 1" tube
Have a Sig Sierra 2.5-8x32 30mm tube on a wishlist waitng to try out

but thats what I like
 
Can't beat a 2-7 x 32.

I'd think your limiting yourself of late evening hunting time.
A 24 just doesn't have the light gathering ability that a larger objective does.
A high quality 32 is easier to source than a high quality 24
 
Athlon has a variety of low mag or LPVO options that have very nice glass, good low light performance and don't cost and arm/leg.

I have received alot of positive feedback on the Midas HMR 2.5-15X50.

I am a big fan of the Helos BTR Gen2 family and I expect the new HERAS to offer many of the same performance/budget.

PM or email if you want to discuss further

Jerry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom