All 'round Varmint scope - magnification

[Gearhead1940]

I've got a question for you guys. I'm finally to the point of looking for a scope for my varmint rifle and want to know what power I should get.  I am looking at a Leupold for dropping yotes as well as sage rats.  I am kind of on the fence between the 4.5x-14x and the 6.5x-20x.  Would 6.5 as a min power be too much for Coyotes and would 14 be to little for sage rats? At this stage I am kind of looking to do a 50/50 between the two critters hunting time wise......

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

[jackelope]

I went with 4.5-14 on mine. i think with a 20x it's too much magnification. thats just me. i'm sure people have better opinions than that.

[Intruder]

What gun and what distances do you normally shoot?  I'd generally lean to the higher power stuff..... but I wouldn't think the other is going to be a major hinderance or anything. 

Some of the guys that hunts dogs a lot can give you better insight but it doesn't seem like I drop below 8 or 9 X very often on my varmit gun.  With squirrels I'm cranked up most of the time assuming I have good light and a steady rest.   

[Bofire]

 :)I like 3.5X10, but I hunt alot more dogs than varmits. I have wanted the 3.5 power much more often than the 10. I generally leave it set on 4-5 power.
Carl

[Straight Shooter]

I really like the 4-16 scopes... that would cover any hunting/paper-punching that I do.  I have two 4.5-14x44 Swift Premiers that are also working out great.

[stumprat]

I really like a 4-16. Although I rareley turn it up past 7X
Most of my shooting is at 4X or 6X
In western Washington a bigger is not always better. If you hunt on the east side you might need it.

[Straight Shooter]

I am looking at a Leupold for dropping yotes as well as sage rats.  I am kind of on the fence between the 4.5x-14x and the 6.5x-20x.

Obviously, Leupold makes great glass, but take a look at the Pentax Pioneer.  It's essentially a Burris Fullfield II... but a lot cheaper!  If I didn't already have scopes in that power range, I'd grab a couple before they're gone.

http://www.eabco.com/cgi-bin/shopper.exe?preadd=action&key=007-89620

[Wanttohuntmore]

I hunted for years with a Simmons Prohunter 6x18 on a savage 22-250, it saw duty as a sage rat gun and a coyote gun.  Shot about 15 yotes with it.  I found the 6 power was too high for the yotes called in close (about 60% of them).  Sold that gun, put the scope on a 223 and still use it for the same purpose, but I also use a 4.5x14 Buckmaster on my AR, which I really like and feel would be optimum for a double duty scope.  I have a 4x16 Weaver as well on another 22-250 Ackley which is also a great double duty scope.  Never felt the 16 power was to low for sage rats, and I doubt I will feel that way about 14 as well.

[Gearhead1940]

Thanks for the info guys! Much appreciated! I was going to go with something other than Leupold (Nikon Monarch) but I was recently presented with the opportunity to get a deal on a Leupold that I just cant refuse.

[wastickslinger]

I have always thought the bigger the better on my varmint guns, until last year. I really got into yote hunting last year more than ever and I got a good deal on a VII 4-12 X50 and did not know if it would be enough power. I tell you what it was the best decision I have ever made with a scope. I love the 50 objective. The only time my power on the other scopes ever go past 9-10 is at the range on a bench.

Also keep in mind if your ever going to hunt at night in a spotlight that 3 and 4 power gets used the most. If you start a 6 power it can be a challenge to get on the critter quickly.

[ivarhusa]

I opted for the Leupold VX-II 4-12, figuring it to be good enough for 'yotes.

Then I went all turbo, an purchased a 3x multiplier for $100 form Bulzeye  http://www.bulzeyepro.com/testimonials.php. It is a 'cheat' in that the cross hair thicknesses get multiplied too, but I don't find that a problem.

I shoot in 300/600 yd competitions at the range, and I don't need a spotting scope to easily see the spotting marks posted on my target.  I just look through my 36x scope.  Not a bad compromise, as I get to keep my 4X for hunting.

Still, I think I would give up my 4x for 6x at the low end, if I were to do it again.   

[rasbo]

westside love my straight 4 power leoupold...

[Jim the Plumber]

A 3.5x15 Nightforce NXS with MLR reticle and  milrad turrets is what I have on my varmint rifle. Works great and the glass is so good that at 15 power it is clearer than a Leupold at 20 power.

[Straight Shooter]

A 3.5x15 Nightforce NXS with MLR reticle and  milrad turrets is what I have on my varmint rifle. Works great and the glass is so good that at 15 power it is clearer than a Leupold at 20 power.

Now, you're just showing off!     Sure... for $1,500+, that scope better be sooooooo clear that I could see the future... and be able to cook me dinner and cut my lawn!  

[demontang]

If your going to hunt dogs I would go with a 4-16 scope, Its hard to see them up close with a 6x. I normally have my scope on 4x when Im on a stand becuase I have had a lot of coyotes sneek in close.