Grasshopper, you are wise. I feel the same way about youngsters and varible scopes. I think a fixed four power is best as it keeps them from shooting moving game too readily and also keeps them looking through their binoculers instead of their riflescope. Doug
Doug,
I think it is better to teach a youngster to be a
HUNTER rather than a sniper. If he learns the proper basics first, he will never have to rely on gimmicks to take his share of game.
IIRC, Our very own Mule Deer (John Barsness) reported that he had taken his longest shot on deer with a 2.5X scope. I also remember reading about a professional guide who told his client to shoot, and when he didn't, he looked up to see him fiddling with the adjustments on his scope. And he lost a trophy because of it...
Problem with variable scopes, is all too often someone turns up the power so he can see better, and forgets it. Then when he needs to use it a closer range, he can't find the objective in the scope.... There is a reason experienced hunters still use fixed power scopes.
I have a farmer buddy who always sits with his back to the woods over looking a field. He likes to have a good view... Trouble is, he always has to shoot running deer. He laughs at me for sitting in the woods... Perhaps I don't see as many deer, but I rarely, if ever, shoot past 100 yds. And NEVER at a running deer. Mostly the deer I see, have no idea anyone is even around.
(BTW, I get more deer than he does...
)
BTW: Your comment on the use of binoculars is SPOT ON!
GH
