Old coach I have an 8x32x56 Nightforce on my 300 win mag. It is a reasonably light weight rifle at 9.8 lbs. I spot with binoculars and use the scope for details such as rack quality or to see any obstructions such as small limbs in the way. By having a high power scope it becomes more than just a sight, it allows you to place you shot more precisely. Most of the time it is not necessary but it can make the difference between a really nice trophy and no shot opportunity. The large scope allows me to leave the spotting scope home. I use a set of Vortex Kiababs binoculars for finding the animals and the Nightforce for assessing what I have found. Most of our shots are 300 to 500 yards in brushy canyons at blacktail deer that are pretty small so precision shooting is critical. Typical deer is only about 100 pounds on the hoof. 50 to 70 pounds dressed.
