Scope Magnification

[PacificNWhunter]

Well I am out shopping for a new scope and was wondering what magnification you all shoot with. Currently right now I have 3x9 scopes on all my rifles. I am not sure if I need to go up to a 4x12, I think that might be a little big for Deer and Elk. I am really considering a 3.5-10 power. Anyhow like I said open to all suggestions. I have always hunted the West side until this last year, I plan on doing more hunting on the east side and will also being going out of state for muleys too. Thanks.

[bobcat]

I wouldn't go with any more magnification than a 3-9 or a 3.5-10. I have a Leupold 3.5-10x40 on a 270 and a Burris 3-9x40 on a 30-06. I think a max of 9 or 10 is more than enough for a deer/elk rifle.

[MountainWalk]

i can agree with bobcat... more mag. more weight.. i used to shoot all my elk with a k-4 fixed four power, and was totally happy with it.. elk are big, so its not really a handicap to me. but now im with a nice sinsible burris 3x9... i see no real advantage using 50 mil scopes either.

[PacificNWhunter]

Thanks for the input so far. I am looking at getting the new Vortex Viper scope and if the web site is correct the 4x12 scope is actually lighter then their 3.5x10, only by an ounce or so. But the 4x12 is 40mm and the 3.5x10 is 50mm. Historicly I have never shot anything over 400 yards so I am really leaning towards the 3.5x10. Keep it suggestions coming!

[bobcat]

I wouldn't recommend a 50mm objective. Can't you get a 3.5-10 with a 40mm objective?

[Red Dawg]

i would not go with 50mm unless you have poor eyesight. Or you are buying less than quality optics. But I would even go as far as saying you need to go up to 14 power. you may never need it but you will have it if you ever do need it. that is how i role anyway. I dont think a few ounces in weight will make a big difference anyway.

[MountainWalk]

i think you cant go wrong with a brand like leupold, burris, or nikon.. i have never even seen a vortex.. there is a fellow around here who sells them. first time i ever heard of them.. i would buy something that has been around awhile.. again,, you would be smart to avoid the 50

[bobcat]

Vortex is fairly new but has a very good reputation. I'd give them a try if I was in the market for a new scope, for sure. The problem with going up in power is that you will generally lose eye relief. To me eye relief is much more important than extra magnification.

[Red Dawg]

I will only have a Leupold on my scope. Everything that company stands for is enough for me. You will not be disappointed with a Leupold scope. No matter what you buy. My next choice would be a Burris though. They also make a good product.

[PacificNWhunter]

Thanks guys, I am still unsure of what brand I will be going with. Just have been reading alot about Vortex and was looking into it.

Red Dawg- Your dead on with leupold...love my 3x9, it's taken some abuse over the last couple years and always performs awesome.

[Head-shot]

I wouldn't recommend a 50mm objective...

Why not?

[MountainWalk]

too heavy,, too much money,, cant get as low to the barrell, receiver

[LongTatLaw]

WOW now fellas.....WTH?

whats this avoid 50mm discussion?

The objective lens determines the amount of light collection. less than 40 sucks... and 40 is almost as good as my eyes but 50mm means I can see better than with my naked eyes!!!

I normally find myself mid-pack on most of these discussions but I gotta interject!

Heres my 2 cents, if ya have... then ya have it if ya need it.   but...if ya dont got it... better hope ya dont need it!

I currently have a 6.5-20x50 on my 300 win mag and although its a lesser brand it lasted me 10 happy years. It died this season and Im back in the market and I promise regardless of the pain of cost... I REFUSE to go below 18 power or 44mm obj lens!!!!!!!!!

The sexiest scope on the market as far as Im concerned?
 Leupold VX-L 6.5-20x56mm with BDC  = 1,000$

Its got quality glass, substantial power, and amazing light collection ... oh did I mention the low profile which in my opinion is the ONLY reasonable complaint about the larger obj lens!

Even with a normal profile... the light collection is well worth the weight, high profile, ect!

thats my 2 cents...   I gotta ask who has owned a high power 50mm obj and then traded down in mag or size???  anyone?

[MountainWalk]

i have...a khales.... nice scopes for sure.. but,, for all the reasons i said,, sold it,, and went back to my k-4... im silly like that.. im really into the fixed powers.. plenty for me..i like a low profile on my scope. the fixed is pretty short, and i get tons of eye relief.. but i did retire it.. it would be hunky dory with me if all the scope companies would take a year or two offf..LTL diff'rent strokes

[Intruder]

Unless you're really getting into long range shooting you really don't need more than a 3-9 or 3.5-10.  Both will work just fine for 98% of the hunting you're likely to do.  As far as brands and options and things like that I would suggest focusing on glass/coatings first.  While you can argue BDCs, 30mm tubes, and 50mm objectives may offer advantages you're generally paying a significant amount of $ for a very marginal increase in capability. 

Check out the Bushnell Elite 4200 and the Ziess Conquest.  In the 3-9 power I'm not sure there's anything that can touch these scopes for the $.  The Sightron is a nice scope for less $.  I believe Vortex is a good scope too although I haven't seen enough of their rifle scopes to give a first hand account.  I like the binos and spotters though.