For several decades I've been running around with scopes that bottom out at about 6X. A couple years ago I equipped a Marlin Guide gun with a 2.5 X, headed to the range, and could not even see the 1/2" bulls eye on my workup targets. Needless to say, initial efforts were rather poor.
I worked up another target with a 3" bull that meshes with the scope perfectly, and now get near MOA performance out of a 45-70.
I think the answer to the original post is that it depends on ones target. Ground squirrels at 600 yds, I don't think so. Deer or elk, not a problem.
