Wrong scope for the job!
- Thread starter Jetjock
- Start date
I can shoot with both eyes open with magnification up to 4x.
Hunting can be done without high power scopes, and that's how I like it, but it's just a preference. If someone wants to take long shots they still have to spot the game and they need to have invested more in equipment and shooting practise that I do. Just different techniques, needing appropriate equipment.
Most of my scopes are low power fixed or variable, (2.5x, 1-3x, 4x, 6x, 1.5-6x) and most of my hunting has been done with those. The highest power scopes I have are a 3-9x and a 4-12x. I've used those at their max a couple times, but have never taken a shot I couldn't have taken with only 6x. I'm not taking shots anyone would call long.
O'Connor's view on big game scopes which is still relevant I believe -
I have a fixed Leupold 3x M8 on my 9.3mm, and found out last week that it's not enough magnification. I spotted a nice buck across a meadow, and just for s&g, tried aiming at him just to see what I could see. Dark bodied buck against a dark background, belly deep in grass and in the shade: I could see him fine through the 8x30 Swaro's, but I couldn't see well enough through the 3x to have taken the shot if I'd wanted. Distance was 300 yds, or a bit over.
Now I'm shopping for a new scope with more magnification at the high end. I've never found 3x to be too much magnification, and I hunt in some pretty thick spots.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
How many people do you know that put in the time to teach themselves to shoot with both eyes open?
Sakoman .308
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
I think variable power scopes that start low are the way to go for hunting.
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
For the areas I hunt, an old Weaver V-3 (1x-3x), a pair of Leupold VX-II's ( 1x-4x ) and a Leupold VX-II in 2x-7x have worked very well.
- Location
- Fort St John B.C.
i do but only because of 3gun competition.... its magical when you basically see that reddot in both eyes. (leupold 1.1-6)
Amoung my shooting friends and family most of them shoot with both eyes open. In my own case it never even occurrred to me to close an eye. With my kids I just suggested they try it, that's all it took.
When people say that a 4X scope makes everything look 4 times the size that's probably true for them. What I see is a big old world with an X hanging in the middle of it. It looks a little closer but not much, just in sharp focus. Those very low power scopes makes everything look farther away. I'm not the only one.
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- Location
- In the shadows of the Rockies
A challenging shot for sure at that distance on a Deer that's about 1/2 the size backbone to brisket compared to an Elk. O'Connor must have been thinking Elk or Moose when he stated 4x is sufficient out to 500 yards.
- Location
- In the shadows of the Rockies
Or consider that when calling in Moose or Elk the shot will be at very close range. How convenient - wouldn't require higher magnifications at all. The lower power settings of my Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 1.75-5x32mm that's on my .45-70 Marlin will work just fine.
A four power scope makes the animal appear to be 125 yards away. If you can successfully aim at a deer at 125 yds with iron sights, you can certainly aim at one at 500 yards.
This is especially true when you consider the scope puts everything in one focal plane, rather than at least two using iron sights.
Ted
It's not too often that I switch a scope from one rifle to another rifle. And if I do then I know that I'll have some work to do in re-dialing the scope in on the new rifle... I do think that buying the best glass one can - is a great idea because the clarity brings dividends in low light situations... Also good - is to never cheap out on cheap rings as there is a quality difference and the better rings usually do not require any significant lapping of the rings.
For hunting application - the mid priced scopes are where the best bang for the $ invested. Also I like good eye relief an the purchase of a scope is not brand specific - but is decided based on the eye relief. If one does not have decent eye relief (and clarity) then changing powers during a hunt will be noticeable. And a crucial opportunity may only happen one or twice during the hunting season.
So my best advice is to go to a shop where one can look through scopes where outdoor settings can be seen right outside the shop. And compare a few options, like power levels and pick the one that will best reflect where and how the scope will be used.
For hunting application - the mid priced scopes are where the best bang for the $ invested. Also I like good eye relief an the purchase of a scope is not brand specific - but is decided based on the eye relief. If one does not have decent eye relief (and clarity) then changing powers during a hunt will be noticeable. And a crucial opportunity may only happen one or twice during the hunting season.
So my best advice is to go to a shop where one can look through scopes where outdoor settings can be seen right outside the shop. And compare a few options, like power levels and pick the one that will best reflect where and how the scope will be used.
1.25-8x32 Elite 6500
1.5-5x20 Leupold VXIII
3-9x40 Zeiss
Those are the power ranges I have used on big game rifles.
Like others have said, it depends on your hunting situation... Wide open prairie rifles need more powerful glass than thick woods rifles...
Cheers
Jay
1.5-5x20 Leupold VXIII
3-9x40 Zeiss
Those are the power ranges I have used on big game rifles.
Like others have said, it depends on your hunting situation... Wide open prairie rifles need more powerful glass than thick woods rifles...
Cheers
Jay
Binoculars are the proper tool for identifying game animals.
- Location
- In the shadows of the Rockies
Iron sights on Deer-sized game at 125 yards? I wouldn't be confident to take the shot because I'm accustomed to, or rather, dependent on using scopes.
I used a 1-3x scope on my SKS set at 3x to down a Mulie at approximately 300 yards so that's equivalent to 1x at 100 yards. It was an older Weaver scope with amazingly sharp and bright optics which made that shot easier.
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...... hoping you are not always pointing your rifle at things you need to identify. Maybe you need to retake the CORE Course.
