Would you deer hunt with a 10x scope?

subneural said:
Does anyone have an experience hunting with a fixed 10power scope? Do you find that it is too limiting, especially when faced with shots at less than 100yds? Any advice on which of the two Bushnell scopes to go with is appreciated.
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It is doable, I have used 6X and 10X in the past, but under 100yds is still a pretty wide range. Under 50 I would tell you to sort of forget it, or practice shooting with both eyes open and overlaying the reticle on the target. It is doable at 50yds or less, but not that easy.
My suggesting is get the 10X Bushnell, and then buy a Walmart cheapy for the hunting season, or a used fixed 6 or 4.
 
Never again. I hunted one day of deer season ten years back and had my 6-24X scope set to 10X (Newbie mistake - should have had it at 6X). Without warning, a deer bounded out into the field and stopped about 80 yds out. I had no time to readjust and couldn't get orientated on his body (just brown), and after 2-3 seconds he ran off. You'd think I would learn, but then six years ago I was hunting in a big field with a Leupold fixed 12X. This time the deer popped out at about 100 yds and same scenario. I think I could have acquired a responsible sight picture in time at 3X, but no way with 12X.

The only fixed power I now use is a 4X. I'd avoid a fixed 10X unless the shots were mostly 150yds and you're willing to pass on time-limited closer shots, otherwise I'd use a variable and set it on lowest power until needed.
 
Winnipeg: I don't know about "not seeing" a truck at 200 yds because it was obscured by a deer. I have yet to see a deer that was big enough that you couldn't see a truck directly behind it with the naked eye. If the truck was a 100 yds+ of the deer and the bullet passed through the deer and into the window that is one amazing fluke. Regardless, I am somewhat skeptical that a hunter would need a high power scope to see a truck behind a deer. Sounds like buddy needs a pair of glasses.

Back to original posts - lower power is better if you have to get a fixed power scope 4-6x range is perfectly fine - even in Alberta. Unless you are shooting 600 yds+ you will easily be able to make out your target and even count the antlers to make sure you are legal...
 
I wouldnt use it unless I was hunting an open field where shots over 75 yards would be the norm. Still wouldnt like it if I needed to make follow up shots, I like my 1.75-4x bushnell trophy
 
If you need to shoot a distance, you'll have more time to adjust the scope power up than you would if you needed to adjust it down for a close range shot.
 
Your Avatar does not mention where you live. When it comes to hunting, there is a big difference between Alberta and the east.

I have shot deer and moose at under 20 yards (in the east). A 10X would be terrible, but for antelope, it might be perfect.

A variable would be a better choice.
 
Thanks all for the suggestions. I've settled on a third scope :) i found a Bushnell 3200 3-10x40mm. I figure sacrificing the target turrets is a small price to pay (but I am going to contact Bushnell to see if the turrets can be swapped out).
 
Andy said:
Never again. I hunted one day of deer season ten years back and had my 6-24X scope set to 10X (Newbie mistake - should have had it at 6X). Without warning, a deer bounded out into the field and stopped about 80 yds out. I had no time to readjust and couldn't get orientated on his body (just brown), and after 2-3 seconds he ran off. You'd think I would learn, but then six years ago I was hunting in a big field with a Leupold fixed 12X. This time the deer popped out at about 100 yds and same scenario. I think I could have acquired a responsible sight picture in time at 3X, but no way with 12X.

The only fixed power I now use is a 4X. I'd avoid a fixed 10X unless the shots were mostly 150yds and you're willing to pass on time-limited closer shots, otherwise I'd use a variable and set it on lowest power until needed.
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X2! ........ Well said.

You want a scope for deer hunting? Buy a good 2x7 and leave the target scopes for the range.


.
 
80% of the time I use a Leupold VXIII 1.5-5x20mm for deer. I also use a VXIII 2.5-8x36
These both seem to work good in the bush when set on lower mag.
I think alot of new hunters make the mistake of bush hunting with a high mag scope ie:
4-12 or fixed 6X , then find out they could not find the animal in thier cross hair in time to get a good shot off. I like low power variable scopes like these:

Leupold VXII 1-4
VXIII 1.5-5
VXII 2-7
VXIII 2.5-8
Bushnell 4200 1.25-4
Burris also has a few low power wide field of view scopes you can purchase.
I tend to like leupold as i like lot of eye relief as well.
Hope this helps.

Tikka
 
Fixed 10X is likely going to get you in trouble at close range. Get yourself a variable power scope in the 3-9, 4-12 range and you've got a more versatile scope. Even a 4-16, can still be left on 4x for hunting, and give you lots of magnification for target shooting. And saying this, I am a fellow who prefers more magnification to less.
 
subneural said:
Thanks all for the suggestions. I've settled on a third scope :) i found a Bushnell 3200 3-10x40mm. I figure sacrificing the target turrets is a small price to pay (but I am going to contact Bushnell to see if the turrets can be swapped out).
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Other things to look at other than magnification are weight , and balance on the gun, and brightness (the important factor). A hunting gun / scope combo has been used for many years now, and keeping it simple is the key, a low fixed power is great for brush hunting, and a low variable excellent for mixed terrain.
Sight in for one or 2 inches high @ 100 meters , and enjoy. You could go the extra step and use the caliber to determine sight in. Lots of info avail for this ..
 
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