Which one do you use/prefer and why?

I have and use both, also have a 6.5X20...I like the bigger scope personally. More magnification for pinpoint shooting. Each one has its own application. 3/9 on rim fires. 4/12 on my 06 and 7mag. and 6.5/20 on my 22-250.

just depends if i'm hunting hill country i'm gonna go with the 3x9 just cause that's all i need and i can shoot at 20-300 hundred yards with it very comfortable 1 inch groups now if i'm goin to south texas i go with the 4x12 to hit those 400 yard shots with ease

The higher magnifications are good to see targets and horns. I rarely shoot above 8 power to normal ranges. Most of my guns carry 4x14 or bigger.

As magnification increases, light-gathering capabilities decrease in even the best of scopes.

Keep in mind too that rifle scopes should be used for taking shots after you have clearly identified the target. A good pair of binoculars is best for doing the later of the two.

From a 3-9x to a 4-12x, for me is a no brainer. I would gladly give up the 1x on the low end to gain the 3x on the top end. But that's me. Personally, I like at least a 4.5-14x. Again, giving up 1.5x on the low to gain 5x on the upper.

It's all a mater of opinion and application though. I've got one rifle with a good 6.5-24x on it. And it's virtually useless beyond 18-20x because mirage gets so bad or light transmission degrades. But again, opinions will vary. Some will say that 7x is plenty, others will say you can't have too much power, and they're both right, for them. For you, only you will know. But unfortunately, not until you experiment a little bit.

Jay

if you plan on doing any late night hog hunting go 3-9
otherwise 4-12 is ok
The light gathering is crucial when hunting the moonlit roads for pigs to see your crosshairs and objective.

3x9 would be fine in most situations with a good set of binos

I have both and it doesn't really matter to me. I just don't like the scopes with the AO or side focus once you start getting into higher powers.

I've only ever used the 3X9. So the 4X12 has more magnification than the 3X9. I'm guessing the higher you go on the top end, the further you can see?

Yes, the higher the numbers, the more magnification they have. Also, the higher power you use, the less light transmission you have, meaning it won't be as bright. This relates big time to late evening and early morning hunting (low light periods). Or even at night.

As cbump alluded to, when you get up to and over about 10x there are parallax adjustments built into the scopes. These correct a blurry sight picture, and must be adjusted to the desired yardage when using the high end power setting. The higher the power setting, the more critical it becomes.

To me, they are not such a big deal. I leave mine on a moderate power setting when in the stand, and preset the focus ring to 100yds. Then if I do get the time to dial the scope up in power, I also have time to give the focus ring or knob a twist too. If there isn't enough time for this,, then the moderate power setting lets me acquire the target faster and have a nice clear sight picture.

Interesting. I'm looking to upgrade my scope this off season, and wanted to get something different than the 3X9. I think I may experiment with the 4X12 and see if I like that, then may look to a slightly higher magnification. However, where I hunt, I don't need anything too strong!

Not sure if this helps you decide or not. From everything i've read, the Army and Marine Corp Sniper rifles all have fixed 10 power scopes. These guys shoot 1000 meters on a regular basis. IMO you really done need anything larger than 12 power unless your shooting pasture rats at 500 yards.

Yeah it isn't a big deal if sitting in a stand, but my experience comes from varmint hunting at night in sanderson where shots could be less than 50 yards out to 300 depending on where they pop out. It was a mess.

3 x9 or 3.5 X 10 or 4x 12 are all good. Biggest thing, make sure you get the X 50. That will make more of a difference !

I have a 3-12x56 Zeiss Conquest (30 mm tube) and I love it. The only problem I have with it is that it doesn't have quite as much eye relief as I would like, but it's not that big of a deal.

I've shot pigs in the middle of the night with no lights with a half moon. It gathers light like crazy!!

I disagree here. I can't tell enough difference to justify the added cost and sitting an ugly fat scope on one of my guns.

I prefer the higher magnification (4X12) thanks to the new antler restriction in my county. Hence, I don't need any drama (fines and/or tickets) from the game warden.

3x9x50 This is the first 50 mm Objective I've owned and I will definitely be purchasing 50 mm for now on. That large objective really gathers light well. 3x9 because thats all the magnifcation I need. I keep it on 6 power most of the time because I like the field of view at that setting.

Maybe you need some binocs.

LOL!

Agree 100%

3-9x IMHO is more then enough for deer hunting even open country. Varmint and small game is a different story.

Mine sat on 4x the entire season. Killed my deer at 160 yards no problemo.

I already have some binocs.

I prefer 2X7's, 3X9's, and 3.5x10's. The bigger scopes hinder the balance an handling of the rifle, and are not necessary for deer at the ranges that I shoot. But it really is just a personal choice.

It really is more personal preference than anything. I hunted for years with a 3x9x40 Leupold VX-II and loved it. When my kids got old enough to hunt, I purchased another rifle for them and bought me a Leupold 4x12x50 VX-III for my rifle. I like the new one much better, especially late in the evening. Part of it may be the upgrade in quality also. As i get older, I can tell that my eyesight is getting worse.

Put my old scope on the kid's gun. It has worked out great for them. I can tell a little bit of difference when comparing the two scopes, especially in brightness, but both are good scopes.

IMHO, the most important thing in buying a scope is quality, not magnification or power. You should spend just as much or more on the scope as you did on the gun. A cheap scope can easily ruin your day. The better quality scopes are more rugged and do not get "knoced off" easily. The glass in them is much better and clearer. They focus sharper also.