Would you use a 3-9 setup for an overall hunting rifle?

Slaymoar

Slaymoar

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I just want to throw this out there... would you think it is a good idea to use a decent quality 3-9 scope setup that would be used as a brush gun and also could go up to 200 yard shots on deer or coyote? Would you look elsewhere and pick a 2-7?

Basically is the 3x low end magnification too much scope for shots in the bush/brush?

Thanks
 
I've had no trouble in the woods with mine on three different rifles. If it's nothing but bush shots where you're hunting you might be happier with a lower magnification like a 2-7x or a 1.5-4x, but for a mixed bag of up close and longer shots the 3-9x is well suited.
I find I rarely ever crank up the magnification anyways. I used to do all my hunting with a couple old 4x Weaver scopes and shot deer out to 300 yards with that setup. Having higher magnification hasn't really improved my shooting all that much.
 
I shoot with both eyes open and don't have a problem using 4x at close quarters. I am reluctant to take shots at ranges that 9x isn't enough for, (I don't practise enough) and I presently have only one scope with more than 6x magnification.

3x-9x is probably enough for 90% of the shots that 90% of hunters are presented with. The only scope that I regret getting rid of is a Weaver V9 Classic,( that's 3-9x38). I wish I still had it for a versatile scope that I could stick on pretty well any hunting rifle to use while I thought about whether there is anything more suitable.
 
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Yeah there just isn't anything that compares to the viper 3-9 glass in 2-7 at the $300 range.. unless I could get my hands on a 2-7 viper somewhere..
 
My hunting consists of about 200yds max as well. My 270 wears a 1.75-5X32 and gives me lots of zoom for far, and lots of FOV for close-up shooting. Don't see a need for any more magnification.
 
until your eyes start giving - then you go to a 4x12x44- I've always been a fan of the 4x12, with the 4 being about the lowest I shoot anyway- but most of my shots were open prairie
 
Ive got a 6-20x44 on my 223 right now. I use to like using more power but Im finding now Im not using it as much anymore. Yesterday when I was out I was shooting 200-250 with 8-9 power and thought it was great.

Edit: Better glass make a difference
 
Have used 3-9 for most of my 30+ year hunting career and most of it in dense bush. Never have it up past 3 except at the range. Works well for me.
 
canoetrpr said:
Really wish Zeiss hadn't discontinued the old 3-9x 40mm Conquest scopes. A fine scope for the money that is. Have it on my FN Win 70 30-06
Click to expand...

Terras seem to have moved in to fill that gap. I had a chance to check one out, seems like damn good glass for dollars spent.
 
Probably anything from 1-3 x in the low end and 4x or higher on the high is fine for your purpose (brush - 200yds).. but other important factors are scope weight, field of view, eye relief and scope height from bore....any of these factors can adversely effect getting the rifle up quickly and finding your target in the bush....also some very low power scope settings may include a lot of your rifle barrel when sighting which "can" be a distraction till you get used to it.
 
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