Scope magnification for juniors

[Battle River]

I am getting my son ready for his first hunting season. We are shooting three times a week prone at 4" dots 100m. he is doing very well so far shooting my Rem classic 6.5x55. I made the decision to scope it with a very reliable Weaver 4x wide angle. I could have put a 3-9 on it, but feel that field of view, and the lack of power adjustment issues, is the way to go. Kids are always fidjeting with something, and he would likely have it on 9x all the time, which is not good. Shots will be from 125-250 yards.

Your opinions on my choice of optics?

BTW we are shootng prone off our deck, not off the bench, I have pretty much given up on bench time and am really enjoying some actual field shooting positions. last night we saw 4 wt bucks from the deck on my hayfield, so the upcoming season will be very interesting.

 

[Scott_N]

I have straight power scopes on two of my hunting rifles, one a 4X and one a 6X. I prefer the 4X when I hunt areas with thicker cover and the 6X works great when I hunt the prairies. I would probably say go with 6X myself, but that's just my opinion. I kind of like straight power scopes... nothing to screw around with when the time to shoot comes up.

 

[huntinstuff]

You are right on the money. 4X is great for most conditions. And he wont be on 9x all the time......I think you have it ready as it sits.

Nice choice in calibre too.

 

[todbartell]

the simplicity of fixed power scopes is a wonderful thing

 

[CoryTheCowboy]

I think that's the right choice. And I really like the 6.5x55 too

 

[Grizzlypeg]

You're a great dad, and it sounds like you have set him up with a winning combination. 6.5x55 was my first calibre and I still think its one of the best.

 

[Battle River]

I have made this a qualification goal, 4of 5 shots must be in a 6" circle from a prone position 110 m . This is harder than it looks, neither of my brothers have "qualified yet and they have hunted for 20 years.

I am lucky to have a gun range out my from deck, and a pile of 6.5 bu;llets that i have been sitting on for years. The 6.5 is about the best junior rifle there is.