Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Predators and Varmints scope magnication

I need to rescope my M77 Mark11 223 and need opions on power levels,I usually go with 3x9x40 or 50 but Im considering a 2.5x7 32 this time as the reallity of my hunting is really heavy cover and a really long shot would be 200 yrds.The farthest shot to date was 180yrds.Most would be 50 to 125yds.
Would there be advantages using a lower magnification in my situation.
Thanks,Bob

I don't think you would be better served by the 2.5-7, as opposed to the 3-9, I doubt you see much of a difference at all really. If shots are quick in the timber, try a fixed power scope, or leave the 3-9 on 3 like I would.

I have a 1.5-5X on my .223 coyote rifle, and I keep it on 1.5X unless and until I have a long shot. Those arms-length appearances in heavy sagebrush are all too common. I think your reasoning is quite sound.

I don't think you'd see much difference between the 2.5 and the 3 but I think the guy suggesting the 1.5x is onto something. With the scope set on 1.5 you can almost "wing shoot" a pop up target.

And Ive got the 1.5-5X on my light .22-250 which I frequently use for deer...so I too think your idea is pretty sound...a 2x7 would sure work well for you...
Ingwe

Consider a good 3x or 4x fixed power scope.
That's what I have on most of my hunting rifles, and we have the same kind of conditions you mention, with most shots less than 150 yards.
I would suggest if you buy a variable, you'll have it set at a low power 100% of the time. I personally think a fixed 3x or 4x is brighter than a variable set at one of those powers.

Most of my calling guns have 1x4x20mm to 1.5x6x40mm as Rocky said they stay on the lowest power. There is plenty of time to crank them up if you have one out at 300 which is a very doable shot with a 4x.

erich

This scope will so get you where you want to be with that calling rifle:
http://swfa.com/Weaver-15-5x24-Super-Slam-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P40570.aspx

Tell ya what, boys. I fully expected to be lambasted and spitted over a slow fire for advocating a low-power scope. The "Tim Allen" optics folks with their chants of "More power! More power!" pretty much dominate MOST scope discussions.

It is most heartening to see that the Campfire Crew is more sensible. (Smarter, too!)

Amen.

A second on the Amen.

I run a 1-4X30 on the my AR and a 1.5-5x32 on my 22mag.

Likewise, I always get odd looks for having a "little" 2.5-8x36 on my 7Mag. But it works so good and carries even better.

Love the Leo 1.5 x 5 have one on my Homeland Security Urban Home Defense rifle.

A big +1 on that...I never expected so many like minded ( and obviously intelligent and observant) individuals...
I usually get a derivation on the old joke when they see my little scope..
"Who do you expect to please with THAT???"

ME! Dats who....
Ingwe

The low power setting gets a lot more use than any high settings when I call coyotes. I use the 3X9 compacts from Leupold on my light .223 and .222 rifles. I wouldn't argue against the 1.5x5 or the 2x7.

Thanks for the input guys,I was a little supprised I didnt get the why would you do that.Only now I need to check out some 1.5's.
Let the shopping begin.
Thanks again,Bob.

RockyRaab, I agree with you. I think perhaps the reaction is due to some folks actually having field experience calling coyotes. In wide open country a higher magnification may have some advantages, but in country is not wide open it's low magnification all the way. In fact, sometimes they come in so fast and close that one wishes for open sights...guess that's what a shotgun is for.

Well, it sho'nuff is open country out here, but it is amazing how little a wrinkle in the land is required to hide a coyote or fox sneaking in. How many times do we get our first glimpse of one at 100 yards or less? There's nothing - and suddenly, there's a 'yote!

My calling rifles sport 2x-7x, 2.5x-8x, or 3x-9x. I keep them on about 3x 95% of the time. Field of view is more important to me than magnification when calling coyotes, especially when things happen fast as they often do.

If you think you need a lower-power scope based on your experiences, then you are more likely right than wrong. You are figuring out that ranges and target size are a huge factor in what magnification is appropriate.
Good luck...

Of all the coyotes (and fox) I have called in, I think I can count on 1 hand the number of times I have took my scope off 3X. It is nice (but not necessary) to have that extra power for the dogs that hang up at 300-400 yards though, but that is not really your described situation. That is really the only reason I have not switched to a 1.5-5X or something similar. Honestly, can you even hold still at a range far enough to warrent 9x? I can't, at least not in a non-prone field position.