2-8x32 good enough?

[Cab]

So I just moved from Maine a couple months ago and I was excited as can be to be in a state like WA to hunt! About 6months before I left Maine I bought a Vortex diamondback HP 2-8x32 scope for an old hunting rifle from my grandfather. In Maine you never get much of a shot over 75yards and most are in the 30yards or less range so a 2-8x32 was perfect. Well now I'm out here and I see the country and I'm starting to think that I might need a new rifle and scope. Just wanted to get some seasoned hunters options on this and if I'm ok with what I have for a scope or not.

[JoeE]

2-8 is plenty. Most my rifles have 3-9 scopes. I used iron sights on a model 99 Savage my first few years hunting.

[Bill W]

I've shot a 3x9 for years.  Never missed a shot because of the scope.  There are those who will say you need higher power but your scope is good enough.

[Cab]

Thanks guys! I guess my big concern is the 32mm part should I being using a 40mm? Is it really going to hinder me with a 32mm?

[Taco280AI]

No matter what variable I had, 2.5-10, 3-9, 4-12, 5.5-16.5 I usually hunted with it on 5 or 6x, so after a while I simply bought a fixed 6x and am sticking with them.

[JoeE]

No. One of my rifles is a 3-9x33. I don't notice much of a difference between the 33 or 40mm scopes. I prefer a smaller more compact scope for all my hunting.

I also prefer a lower magnification 2x or 3x on my scopes in exchange for a higher 12x plus magnification. Your scope is fine for anywhere in this state.

[Dan-o]

I'd take your 2x2 Vortex Diamond back over a cheaper scope of higher magnification EVERY time.

[Eric M]

That scope is fine. The scope may not be as effective gathering light at beginning and end of legal shooting light. The power is fine until your eyes get old. Then you may want a little more magnification.

[gee_unit360]

No

[Wanttohuntmore]

Scope is fine.  You may want to invest in stainless and rainwear though!   

[Cab]

Thanks guys I really appreciate all the feedback and noted on the stainless and rain gear ahaha!

[Bill W]

My 3x9 Leupold is a 32mm objective as it's a compact scope mounted on a Win Featherweight.   Been using it since 1984 or 1985.  Just as bright as any other scope.

[Firedogg]

That 2-8x would go nicely on my .450 Bushmaster.

[Bofire]

 :)Oh come On Cab, you moved here and you need I say NEED a new rifle, you must have a big scope or you just aint it. So get out there and buy. Nice long range bolt gun and a great scope, and sling and case and ammo and rings and all kinda stuff. cuz its fun. now go.
What are you gonna buy next?
Carl

[Wacenturion]

Have an older American made Burris Signature 2x8x32 variable on a 1964 Sako Mannlicher .308.  Have hunted with it for the past 25 plus years and never felt the need for more optics.

[Tiger1358]

Most people don't feel comfortable even with expensive high power European glass, so if you trust your scope and feel comfortable shooting a couple hundred yards, then you got nothing to worry about.

[follow maggie]

Welcome, Cab. You have plenty of scope. In all my years, I've never had to shoot more than 150 yards for an animal, even in Eastern Washington.  I hunted with a tasco same as yours for years before I broke it falling down a hill.

[700xcr]

Plenty of scope. I use a Leupold VX3 2.5-8x36mm on the 375 Ruger. Have used a Leupold VXIII 1.5-5x20mm on 338win for years. Had a Lyman All American 4x on the 300 H&H till it got cloudy, then went to a Leupold VX3 3.5-10x40mm.

[TeacherMan]

2-8 works good just depends on what you want your limitations to be... You are in a state that has unlimited potential for types of terrain and distance. My 45/70 has a Leupold 1-5 on it and it does well in brushy areas but I also own several guns with 6-20 or 5-20 scopes on them and LOVE them in some of the open country in Eastern WA. There are times that you just cant get closer than 500 yards because of a canyon, etc... and still want to take them