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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,756
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,756 |
Yep, a 3-9 or 2.5-8 scope will do nicely for The big woods and thick hellhole hunting where I spend My Whitetail hunting time, but if I get the notion I want to shoot deer @600yds (which I never will) im going to want more scope...I'd probly mount a 4.5-14 on a long range rig but long range in the places I hunt is 100yds....lol..........Hb
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,752
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,752 |
alternative thread titles:
"Why do folks these days feel the need to twist and fiddle with a rifle scope before a shot?"
or
"How did north american game animals get so hard to see and so much harder to kill with a moderate rifle cartridge?"
just a couple. . .
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,752
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,752 |
maybe one other:
"How movies like "Shooter" and "Sniper" has affected the way i think about hunting and the gear i use."
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12,664
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12,664 |
Most of the time a 3x or 4x would work fine for me.
The Karma bus always has an empty seat when it comes around.- High Brass
There's battle lines being drawn Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,927 |
I know I'm not the only one that remembers when a VXII 3x9 was the holy grail. At least for Virginia boys...
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,032
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,032 |
I know I'm not the only one that remembers when a VXII 3x9 was the holy grail. At least for Virginia boys... mississippi boys too ...
Uber Demanding Rifle Aficionado
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 20,202
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 20,202 |
I run about 15 or so hunting rifles consistently, and all have either 4X or 6X scopes, with 1 exception...and that is a 10X on a 22 k-hornet which is mainly a play rifle with some varmint/predator forays.
My lone variable is a 1.5x-4x leupold on a .450 Marlin, but haven't fired it in several years...and plan to put either a 2.5x or 4x on it when I feel like shooting that heavy boomer again.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130 |
Regarding your fixed 4x Swarovski, how's the eye relief? What model is it and could you post a picture of or mounted on your Kimber? ... Pictures below. Eye relief, with that scope, on that rifle, with the Talley Ex-Lows, just right for me. Close my eyes, mount the rifle, open my eyes, and I have a clear sight picture surrounded by solid black circle. It is a .270. So, not concerned about getting "scope bit". I did chamfer the front scope base to be able to slide the scope a little further to the rear. Titanium bolt knob already had a small scallop to clear the ocular bell on a Leupold 6x. Was sufficient for the Swarovski in the Ex-Lows as well. 6.00 lbs as shown. ... This, plus where can I get one? ... I lucked into this scope, used. Either here on the 'Fire, or AR, or eBay. Can't remember. Can't seem to find them commercially NIB. Casually keeping my eyes open for another one, either 4x or 6x with German #4. ... A Left Hand version of this rifle would be a "forever" rifle for me. Thanks for the pics. That's a sweet little setup!
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,143
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,143 |
I have a lot of 2-7x and 4-12x scopes in service.
Weight wise, the Leupold VX-2 2-7x33, 3-9x40, and 4-12x40 scopes are all within 2 ounces of each other, from 9.9, 11.2, and 11.6 ounces.
I've shot a lot of pdogs with rifles topped with 4-12x40 scope with and without an AO.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 19,179
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 19,179 |
Same thing with my big game rifles. I usually hunt with a 2.5 x 10 B&L or 3.5 x 10 Leupy's, but will move up a bit this year with a 4.5 x 14. Many times the game likes to hide or walk though brush or trees. Being able to see an opening big enough to shoot through when game is feeding through can make a difference between having a shot and not. Not everyone gets broadside 250 yard shots at game or unobstructed targets every time. Have to make the best of what is offered. Bob
I'm similar but a little different. All mine are 4-12, except one 3-9. Higher mag to me isn't about seeing or hitting a deer. The higher magnification allows more PRECISE bullet placement. IF, WHEN you hunt with antler point restrictions -- higher mag makes seeing number of points easier/accurately at longer distances. Jerry
jwall- *** 3100 guy***
A Flat Trajectory is Never a Handicap
Speed is Trajectory's Friend !!
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,734
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,734 |
Straight 4 power or a good 1.5 x 4...
I hunt predominantly 30/30 ranges...
2 x 7 if needing a variable..
"Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC
“Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 19,106
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 19,106 |
IF, WHEN you hunt with antler point restrictions -- higher mag makes seeing number of points easier/accurately at longer distances. Here also. I know they will start with the binocular rant soon, and I carry binoculars, but most times you do not have time to change back and forth. I know that it is a deer, so no danger as to target, just need to count points. I can analyze the rest at the same time. miles
Look out for number 1, don't step in number 2.
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 403
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 403 |
I know I'm not the only one that remembers when a VXII 3x9 was the holy grail. At least for Virginia boys... I remember well, I had one too. A 9-10 power 40mm has always worked for me. I used a VX2 forever and then went to a vx3 3.5x10x40 when they came out and have been using it every since. I've also always preferred a 40mm over a 50mm.
Life's Tough, God's Good, Pray Hard!
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 19,106
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 19,106 |
I've also always preferred a 40mm over a 50mm. Got a 50mm back before cataract surgery, and it helped. Still use it and have no problem with the size. I was gifted a Ziess a while back, a 6.5-20X50 that I am going to give a try. It has knobs sticking out all over and will give most here a fit just thinking about, but I figure that I can kill a deer with it. miles
Look out for number 1, don't step in number 2.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,459
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,459 |
Currently, my favorite scope is the SWFA 10x42 SS. I hunt from elevated stands with solid rests, over big agricultural fields. I have a couple of rifles with 4-16 Vipers, 3-9 Conquests that work just fine.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,158
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,158 |
There's all kinds of hunting and all kinds of hunters. Some folks seem to think that the more X's on their scope the better and some like to snipe away at animals in the next county. My personal comfort zone is not much over 300 yards so 9-10 power on the top end is more than enough. I don't need a bunch of hashmarks and I am very comfortable with a plex scope in a Leupold 3.5-10x40 scope on most of my deer rifles. I will probably never again shoot any game animal at over 300 yards. We have antler restrictions here in PA and my 67 year of eyes need a little help these days. donsm70
Life Member...Safari Club International Life Member...Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Life Member...Keystone Country Elk Alliance Life Member...National Rifle Association
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,792
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,792 |
For me, magnification is not nearly as important as the mechanics and reticle. To 600, a 6x would do, but my aging eyes prefer more. I use a 10x and 3-12 now, but I could definitely make do with a 6x and the right turret/reticle combination.
John
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,651 |
My scopes range from fixed 2x to variables with a 14x upper limit.
They all work.
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.
A good .30-06 is a 99% solution.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 78,300
Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 78,300 |
A 3x9 would be on the upper end of what you will ever need for hunting the vast majority of what we hunt. Truthfully 95% of your shots are under 200 yards, most hunting cartridges shot relatively flat out to 300 yards. You don't need dots, you don't need to spin turrets, at the closer ranges game wont put up with much fiddling.........I like my true hunting scopes to be like my pocket camera...point and shoot.
"...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,744
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,744 |
CJ I too generally have my variables on their lowest setting . The beauty of variables is for load development and I'll admit to cranking mine to the top power when at the bench. I often joke I don't need a 3 to 9 variable but instead a 3 or 9 variable with a simple switch lever instead of an adjustment ring. Orion that's a pretty sweet zeiss. This makes a lot of sense. That said, the next scope I get for a deer rifle will probably be a fixed six, which should cover both bases pretty well and look good and carry easy to boot.
What fresh Hell is this?
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