Optics for larger caliber very short distance hunts

AdamRoby

AdamRoby

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Kirkland, Quebec
I want to equip my 30-06 for hunting white-tail deer from a tree blind.
The distance will be quite restricted based on the trail I am setting up on, so likely 20-30 yards.
The rifle does not currently have any sights on it, so I either put iron sights, or find a 1-4x / 2-7x smaller scope for closer shots.
I am having some trouble determining an appropriate scope for such small distances. Most I am finding are rated as "rim-fire" or "air-gun" use.

Are there specific scopes for larger caliber rifles at shorter distances, without breaking the bank (say $200 range)?
I have a Bushnell 3-9x40 and 4-12x50 which are way too large for my needs, I want less zoom and overall size/weight.
 
You don't need magnified optics for white-tailed deer at 20-30 yards. What you need is quick target acquisition. A red dot is what you need.
 
A low powered variable works at close range and has the versatility for most any reasonable range that might occur. Consider a 1 1/2-5 Leupold.
 
jiffx2781 said:
You don't need magnified optics for white-tailed deer at 20-30 yards. What you need is quick target acquisition. A red dot is what you need.
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I agree.
A good reflex red dot would be the best option.
If you really wanted a scope I would definitely want a 1x on the low end.

Most 1-4x are a 20mm objective if you would be taking moving shots the FOV would be limiting I think.
 
I agree with an LPVO, I have two on hunting rifles.

The illuminated dot at 1x is excellent for what you require and 6x to 10x is good for longer shots.

My LPVO's are set at 1x or top power which is 6x and 7x in my case.

Last range session was getting hits on 18"x18" steel plate at 1090 yards or 1000m with scope set at 6x.

I find the 4x LPVO's do not have enough on the top end ,prefer at least 6x.
 
I would do an AR scope 1-6 or 1-8 still gives you the option of magnification if you need to but great for short range target acquisition

Vortex Strike eagle 1-6 or 1-8 is a good value or the Burris RT-6
 
I'm gonna weigh in as I hunt deer in a treestand in a small draw on a mountainside here in BC that funnels the deer into my shooting lanes. Maximum visibility to spot an animal is 45 yards and all shots take place inside that radius but once they get past me they are gone from sight inside 20 yards downhill. I take all my shots on the uphill side and most often the deer are facing the stand from the trails they approach on. I have to wait for them to get in real close to be able to pick a shot placement other than a head shot..... which i prefer not to take.
I have tried many different optic choices inside my affordability range and I think overall I would have to go with the 1x Prismatic with an etched reticle. Leupold made a really nice one but I think it was discontinued for a newer version. I've tried most of the lower to mid priced vortex models and was not impressed with the weight of any of them.
Right now I have 2-7x32 on the treestand rifle as I needed that rifle for another hunt so swapped it.
Whatever you choose, if the rifle is going to be used for different hunting scenarios, get it equipped with a picatinny rail and get lever release rings for any scope that may be used on it. That gives you the option to switch between a scope and a "red dot" sight with ease.
 
That little Leupold prismatic is an excellent sight for shorter ranges. Reticle can be illuminated if desired, but the etched reticle is well defined without. Any sight with battery dependence may be problematic. The electronics work just fine until they don't.
On my Ruger .44 I have a Bushnell Trophy 1-4. A modestly priced scope, but I shot it hard on an AR including in pouring rain before mounting it on the Ruger, and it has held up very well.
 
All the options mentioned will work: red dot (reflex or prismatic) or LPVO. As just mentioned, the prismatic has the advantage of the etched reticle if your battery goes, whereas the reflex has unlimited eye relief. The LPVO has the extra magnification (as do some prismatics). So there are pros and cons to any choice. Whatever you choose, if you don’t already, practice shooting both eyes open with the LPVO on low power to mitigate FOV limitations. Same with any red dot — both eyes open.
 
Irons for sure but if the rifle does not have irons to steer with it could be pricey to get good ones installed, that is why I say red dot!
 
A low mag scope like a 2.5x Leupold or 1-x, 1.5-x, 1.75-x, yadda yadda works fine at 25 m and gives you the benefit of light gathering at close distances in thick bush. A big benefit I have personally noticed while calling and shooting at close distances of these over irons is seeing if anything is obstructing your shot, nothing to line up either.

Depending on your gun a pic rail and good RDS might cost as much as a skinner peep and front sight install. Optics trade has a bunch of mounts for RDS on bolt actions I’ve used as an alternative to a pic rail another is putting a micro sight on a weaver base

Rail and RDS will make that 200 dollar budget disappear fast…

Bushnell makes a 1-4x32 prime that is less than 200 bucks to meet your criteria. Never tried one but lots of guys on here like their 1-4x24 prime that were made for the euro market and liquidated here
 
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Thanks for all the feedback, I have some things to consider (I will research all the suggestions). I may want to use this rifle one day for different kinds of hunts, having something I can put on and take off is a good option. I was considering a red dot for my turkey shotgun, as it does not quite fit right so patterning is a bit of an issue for me. If I can use the same red dot for both, that would be good, and I could invest a bit more considering it would be shared for two firearms.
The rifle in question is a Mossberg 4x4 with walnut stock, similar to this one but without the fluting and muzzle break. I think it has weaver style bases... need to double-check when I get back home after my turkey hunt. It has been a quiet morning, so taking a quick break... I heard some shots off in the distance, so someone got lucky.
 
I have seen European Driven Hunters use a Burris Speed Bead type sight .
Seems to work very well for those guys at sometimes fast moving Boars and other game animals.
Check You tube for the applications and see if it would work for your application.
Rob
 
AdamRoby said:
... If I can use the same red dot for both, that would be good,....
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Hard to do in practice - You might have to spend hundreds on the mount to get good enough return to zero when moving between firearms.

Strongly recommend a 1-4x. I think both Bushnell and Vortex make reasonable options in "hunting scope" format (not the AR scopes, they are unnecessarily heavy and large and snaggy).
 
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