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Deer Rifle Optics
#7312823
10/13/18 02:59 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
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Back in the day if a rifle had an optic, it was a 4X or 6X fixed power. Then for about 40 years the 3-9 variable power became the new standard. Seems lately everyone has moved up in magnification. I see a lot more 15X-20X on the top end at the range and in hunters hands.
I still use 3-9x40 on most of my deer rifles. What is everyone using now?
Last edited by scottfromdallas; 10/13/18 03:00 AM.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7312832
10/13/18 03:18 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
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68A
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Have a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 that’s 15 years old that sits on top of the only true “deer” rifle I have. Everything else is high magnification on heavy barrel rifles.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7312854
10/13/18 03:56 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Tactical Cowboy
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Weaver K4, 1-4, or a 4-12
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7312861
10/13/18 04:17 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
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gusick
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I used 3-9x for a long time and I kept it on 3x most of the time. Now I use 4-16x and usually keep in on 10-12x, I almost never turn it down to 4x anymore.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7312869
10/13/18 04:59 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
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I mostly leave mine between 4-6 power.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7312886
10/13/18 10:23 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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I have inched up from fixed 4x (as a kid) through 2-7x, 3-9x, 3.5-10x and am now using 4.5-14x on my mountain rifles and 5-18x on my deer rifle.
The size and weight of scopes also inching downward through the years has made this more practical.
When hunting, I keep my scope on a lower power (usually 6x) which allows a larger field of view and faster target acquisition. I then dial up the magnification to make the shot - presuming circumstances permit it.
I have come to value the ability to dial up the magnification for the shot. Killed a pronghorn a few days ago at 337 yards and being able to dial up to 14x was really nice. I’m probably done with the “evolution” of acquiring ever higher magnification scopes, as 14x and 18x on the high end are plenty for the ranges I shoot.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7312896
10/13/18 10:35 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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3.5-21X 5-20X 5-25X Are my options.
I stay at the lowest magnification available, while on the move. Elevation zero, wind zero, focus set for 100 yards. I know if I have to shoot something far, everything has to come up.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7312926
10/13/18 12:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 19,638
Pitchfork Predator
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I go 15-18 power on the high side for most of my optics for hunting. Those damn cell phones and computers are the reason our eyes need them when we hit middle age IMO.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7312942
10/13/18 12:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612
QuitShootinYoungBucks
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My hunting scopes are 9, 10, 18 and 24 on the high ends. I won’t buy anything new going forward that’s not 15 or better. Aim small, miss small.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7312986
10/13/18 01:31 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,606
603Country
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All my hunting scopes are in the 4-16 and 4.5-14 range, except for the Leupold 6.5-20 on the 220. I have to remember to turn them down to lower magnification once I’m finished target shooting. I’ve found that it’s about impossible to find a coyote in the scope when it’s set to 20. That one got away.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313038
10/13/18 02:14 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
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Seems like the 4-16X range is becoming the new 3-9X.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313107
10/13/18 03:42 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,050
RHutch
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For a loosely defined sporter weight " deer rifle", a 2-10 or 3-12 is my preference. As barrels get fatter and range gets longer, I migrate to the 3-15 or 4-16 powers. I've moved away from much higher powers for anything other than range rifles or p-dog rifles.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313119
10/13/18 03:59 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,177
DH3
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I have one old Leopold 2X7, all the rest are 3X9 or better. I leave them all at highest power available.
Last edited by DH3; 10/13/18 03:59 PM.
Old age and treachery beats youth and stupid every time!
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313154
10/13/18 05:05 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
ChadTRG42
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My main hunting rifle is in 300 blk out with a vortex pst 2.5-10x32 mil/mil. When in the stand, I keep it on about 3X. It's a simple scope, nothing fancy. When I need to make a more precise shot, I might dial in to 10X. But the last few years, I have shot everything on about 3x or 4x power. My 270 wears a leupold vx7 3.5-14x50 with the collapsible moa turrets. I like this scope a lot but I don't shoot much with it anymore. This years rifle will be a Rem 700 Varmint in 308 Win chopped to 16.5" wearing a Primary Arms 1-8x24 mil/mil scope. I will also hunt on about 3x-4x power. Here's the thing. Most hunters buy a big magnification scope and hunt with their scope power on max. That's great for at the range shooting tiny groups. But for hunting, if you get a coyote or a target moving through and you have to make a quick shot, it will be near impossible to quickly get on target, find your target, and shoot. Why? You have no field of view to see. You can't pick up the target quick enough. On lower magnification, you can quickly pick up the target and engage. If I need to dial up, there is almost always time to do that. But never enough time to dial down and shoot that coyote running through.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#7313174
10/13/18 05:25 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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^^Exactly why I leave them on the lowest magnification.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313207
10/13/18 06:02 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,356
bronco71
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I have a variety from older 3-9x40 to newer 6-20 or 24x50. All my newer scopes have at least a 44mm objective, most are 50mm with a 30mm tube. My big gun has a 6-25x56 with a 34mm tube but it doesn't go deer hunting, long range elk would be about it for that one.
Last edited by bronco71; 10/13/18 06:03 PM.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313256
10/13/18 07:07 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 738
Jhop
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My daytime hunting rifles have a 3-12x42 or a 3-15x42 scope on them. I always leave them at the lowest setting just in case something pops up close. There's always time to zoom up if it's far away. I hardly ever deer hunt out of a deer stand or over a feeder.
Retired U. S. Army, which means I still have to work to make a living.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313262
10/13/18 07:12 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
redchevy
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Couple 3x9’s One 4x16 And one 3x10 What power they are on depends on what I’m doing stand hunting I usually have them around 6-9 walking I’ll keep them lower.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313333
10/13/18 08:22 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 777
MClark
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I have been going the other way. 2.5x Leupold fixed, 6x42 Leopold. Rifles with variable power are low X end, 1-4x, 2-7x, 3-9x. I keep variables at lowest power unless higher is needed. I don't shoot at long range, not my thing. Big issue I have is being to close to be in focus. I have switched to iron sites for some spots.
M
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313546
10/14/18 12:03 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,157
Smokey Bear
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2-10x42(2 of these and I like them), 4-12x50(favorite), 3-18x50(overkill for the deer hunting I do). All are on full size relatively trim sporters that are dedicated big game rifles. They are not set up as target rifles. Depending on cover I hunt with them set at 2-6x.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313556
10/14/18 12:22 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
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Cleric
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I think 3-18 is the best all around scope. You can use to carry distance if you need to but also hunt.
For most Texas deer hunting (inside 150-200) you shouldn’t need more the a 3-9 or 4-16
I usually have mine set around 3 or 4x and use binos to scan
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313744
10/14/18 04:08 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Tactical Cowboy
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Y’all must either be blind, or intend to shoot halfway to Alaska.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#7313942
10/14/18 02:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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Y’all must either be blind, or intend to shoot halfway to Alaska. Some of us like being able to cover more acres. Not necessarily halfway to Alaska. You cant hit what you can't see.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#7313991
10/14/18 03:55 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,991
ImTheReasonDovesMourn
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Y’all must either be blind, or intend to shoot halfway to Alaska. What's your idea of a perfect hunting scope?
Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#7313994
10/14/18 03:59 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Y’all must either be blind, or intend to shoot halfway to Alaska. I’m not sure what you consider “halfway to Alaska”. I guess if you consider 150 yards a long shot, then 300-400 yards is crazy long. But a deer or pronghorn doesn’t look very big at 6x and 350 yards. They don’t even look outsized at 14x, but they are certainly easier to make an accurate shot on at the higher magnification.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7313996
10/14/18 04:02 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 32,601
sig226fan (Rguns.com)
duck & cover
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I like the 2.5-10x a lot for most deer hunting scenarios; although depending on where I am hunting, the venerable dependable 3-9x Burris atop the carbine gets a lot of work, as does the 4x-20x on the long range gun in west texas. ...
If I had to pick one, for deer hunting, the 2.5-10x Trijicon is very good, and still allows me to reach out far enough
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7314013
10/14/18 04:20 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
wp75169
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I usually like a fixed 4x or 2-7 for my hinting in the woods. Fortunately I have had some experience shooting long range. They clear cut my place this year and I now have unlimited line of sight down the edge of the hardwoods on the bayou. This year I will be using a 3-18 on a rifle I am very comfortable with out to 350 yards. Probably much farther but I’m not willing to push it.
In truth the 3-18 would have covered any hunting I’ve done in my life but the fixed 4x would not. I sure do like the 4x on a short stout rifle like the 338-06 though.
The FX-2 6x has less field of view than I want. I didn’t notice it until I tried tracking a running pig through the trees. That’s when the lower power shines. A 2X with a red dot is awesome in that scenario.
Now days a 2-12 sounds about perfect for a best all around. But what’s the fun in that.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7314130
10/14/18 05:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,432
Big Fitz
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4.5-14 Leupold with their Boone and Crockett reticle is my favorite for deer/elk/etc. I too leave it on 4.5 and dial up magnification when the situation permits.
I was wrong...on anything technical. Fitz............. is right, ya know............
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7314354
10/14/18 10:31 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
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Adchunts
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3-9 on my muzzleloader 4-16 on 6.5 CM 3-9 on another 6.5 CM 2-7 on my .44 Mag pistol 3-9 on my .300 BLK
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#7314535
10/15/18 01:52 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Tactical Cowboy
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Y’all must either be blind, or intend to shoot halfway to Alaska. I’m not sure what you consider “halfway to Alaska”. I guess if you consider 150 yards a long shot, then 300-400 yards is crazy long. But a deer or pronghorn doesn’t look very big at 6x and 350 yards. They don’t even look outsized at 14x, but they are certainly easier to make an accurate shot on at the higher magnification. I’ve shot deer with irons at 150, and more than a few over 200 with a 4x. It’s not that hard. For 95% of the folks hunting (and apparently only a handful of folks on this sight), a 200 yard shot IS pretty far, and 300 might as well be a mile. In such a case a 3-9 or 4-12 would be a much better choice, given you can typically get better glass for less money.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: Tactical Cowboy]
#7314559
10/15/18 02:31 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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Y’all must either be blind, or intend to shoot halfway to Alaska. I’m not sure what you consider “halfway to Alaska”. I guess if you consider 150 yards a long shot, then 300-400 yards is crazy long. But a deer or pronghorn doesn’t look very big at 6x and 350 yards. They don’t even look outsized at 14x, but they are certainly easier to make an accurate shot on at the higher magnification. I’ve shot deer with irons at 150, and more than a few over 200 with a 4x. It’s not that hard. For 95% of the folks hunting (and apparently only a handful of folks on this sight), a 200 yard shot IS pretty far, and 300 might as well be a mile. In such a case a 3-9 or 4-12 would be a much better choice, given you can typically get better glass for less money. Only if you can get better glass for less money? If so, I agree. Those that I listed are excellent glass, WITH high magnification available if I need it, for some reason.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7314566
10/15/18 02:40 AM
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Scott W
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Yep, only time I'm not on lowest magnification is after I've found my target and have time to zoom in.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7314580
10/15/18 02:50 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,090
Brother in-law
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Back in the day if a rifle had an optic, it was a 4X or 6X fixed power. Then for about 40 years the 3-9 variable power became the new standard. Seems lately everyone has moved up in magnification. I see a lot more 15X-20X on the top end at the range and in hunters hands.
I still use 3-9x40 on most of my deer rifles. What is everyone using now? Probably because of the ffp trend A 2x10 is plenty fine
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7314663
10/15/18 07:57 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,062
Toxarch
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I'll dial mine up even inside 200 if they are walking or standing. I can shoot with both eyes open. Aim small, miss small.
Last edited by Toxarch; 10/15/18 10:12 PM.
It is far more important to be able to hit the target than it is to haggle over who makes a weapon or who pulls a trigger.
� Dwight D. Eisenhower
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7314911
10/15/18 02:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
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Interesting. The responses reflect what I thought. Many people are moving up in magnification.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7314935
10/15/18 03:04 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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I suspect the variances you see may reflect the differences in types of hunting and/or terrain also.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7315025
10/15/18 04:10 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,809
Cleric
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Interesting. The responses reflect what I thought. Many people are moving up in magnification. Think optic improvements has a lot to do with it. A number of years ago 3-18 was a lot harder to do while maintaining quality
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7315036
10/15/18 04:18 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
ChadTRG42
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Scopes are being made much better now. Also, I think a lot of shooters are wanting more precision and better rifles that are more capable of better precision. I hear from customers all the time about how they spend good money on a rifle and scope, and can not get the results they want from factory ammo. They plug in the speed written on the box and can not figure out why it shoots bad and/or they are off target at longer ranges. They need something better and more consistent to get that precision. That's where better ammo comes into play. I see this all the time!
But for hunting optics, I shake my head when I see a Hubble telescope on top of a 257 Wby rifle. Hunters think they need 20x-50x power scopes to shoot long range. (and yes, I have seen some 50x power scopes on a hunting rifle!)
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: Cleric]
#7315042
10/15/18 04:21 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Interesting. The responses reflect what I thought. Many people are moving up in magnification. Think optic improvements has a lot to do with it. A number of years ago 3-18 was a lot harder to do while maintaining quality That’s a fact. Weight has gone way down also. My first “ultralight” Leupold scope was a little 3-9x33 that weighed 11 oz. A new Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x40 only weighs 13 oz today. Plus its optical quality is WAY better than the first Leupold 4.5-14x40 I bought 20 years ago. IIRC that scope weighs 19-20 oz.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#7315067
10/15/18 04:44 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
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\ But for hunting optics, I shake my head when I see a Hubble telescope on top of a 257 Wby rifle. Hunters think they need 20x-50x power scopes to shoot long range. (and yes, I have seen some 50x power scopes on a hunting rifle!) I am with you on that. Part of a good hunting rifle is balance. Some of the scopes are so heavy and large the rifle doesn't balance well. The current trend is trying to find one scope that is great for both but people end up with compromises. For shooting targets, I like higher magnification, MIL reticles, exposed MIL turrets & Front Focal plane. I don't care about size and weight. I want consistent tracking. For hunting, I like a 2-7, 3-9 or 2-10. I want second focal plane to so it's easy to see on low power, capped turrets so nothing gets bumped and a reasonable weight and size that won't throw off the balance of the rifle. An illuminated mil reticle would make it ideal. I want it to hold zero.
Last edited by scottfromdallas; 10/15/18 04:44 PM.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7315812
10/16/18 09:52 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,394
booradley
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1.75-6 on a 30-30 3-9 on a .270, 30-06 and .243 3.5-10 on a 6.5x55
Don’t roll those bloodshot eyes at me.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7315824
10/16/18 10:21 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279
onlysmith&wesson
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279 |
Leupold VX5 HD, 3-15 x 44. Rarely dial it past 6x. At 3x, right at the end of shooting light it gathers more than enough light. I've learned to spend the coin on quality and light gathering clarity rather upper end magnification.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7328253
10/26/18 10:31 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 484
howl
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 484 |
Times have changed from people shooting a lot with iron sights to buying a Hubble and shooting very little. It's apples and oranges.
Average age of hunters is getting older. If you aren't much of a shooter, upping magnification seems like a way to make up for weakening eyes. Doing so actually makes you a worse game shot overall, but if you only take the shots such a system applies to, then your small volume deer shooting might be better.
I use low power variables; 2-7x, etc. I shoot a lot. A good bit of my shooting is with iron sights. Zooming in and picking a hair on a calm animal just isn't part of what I do. My rigs usually won't print as small a group off a bench with the hunting scope, rather than the load testing scope, but if I'm shooting in the field I'm hitting vitals.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: howl]
#7328324
10/26/18 11:48 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,991
ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Snarky Mark
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Snarky Mark
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,991 |
Times have changed from people shooting a lot with iron sights to buying a Hubble and shooting very little. It's apples and oranges.
Average age of hunters is getting older. If you aren't much of a shooter, upping magnification seems like a way to make up for weakening eyes. Doing so actually makes you a worse game shot overall, but if you only take the shots such a system applies to, then your small volume deer shooting might be better.
I use low power variables; 2-7x, etc. I shoot a lot. A good bit of my shooting is with iron sights. Zooming in and picking a hair on a calm animal just isn't part of what I do. My rigs usually won't print as small a group off a bench with the hunting scope, rather than the load testing scope, but if I'm shooting in the field I'm hitting vitals. A scope makes you a worse shot on game animals than with open sights? A target is a target, whether alive or inanimate. Iron sights also don't gather light, and there's no way to adjust them for parallax. You'll have a hard time convincing many folks that their scope is actually a handicap.
Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: ImTheReasonDovesMourn]
#7328428
10/27/18 01:45 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,157
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,157 |
Times have changed from people shooting a lot with iron sights to buying a Hubble and shooting very little. It's apples and oranges.
Average age of hunters is getting older. If you aren't much of a shooter, upping magnification seems like a way to make up for weakening eyes. Doing so actually makes you a worse game shot overall, but if you only take the shots such a system applies to, then your small volume deer shooting might be better.
I use low power variables; 2-7x, etc. I shoot a lot. A good bit of my shooting is with iron sights. Zooming in and picking a hair on a calm animal just isn't part of what I do. My rigs usually won't print as small a group off a bench with the hunting scope, rather than the load testing scope, but if I'm shooting in the field I'm hitting vitals. A scope makes you a worse shot on game animals than with open sights? A target is a target, whether alive or inanimate. Iron sights also don't gather light, and there's no way to adjust them for parallax. You'll have a hard time convincing many folks that their scope is actually a handicap. X2 As my eyes have aged a scope on my rifle makes me a far better shot. My son is 19 and he has shot a lot. Not as much now because he is in college. He is no slouch with irons or a scope. What he is capable of with a scoped rifle far surpasses what he can do with irons. The only exception is aerial targets. Before anyone gets heated up about shooting targets out of the air with a rifle, we are shooting skeet with 22's and ARs in a box canyon with a solid back drop. It is a ball.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: ImTheReasonDovesMourn]
#7332622
10/31/18 02:59 AM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 484
howl
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 484 |
It's funny to read posts where people think they are disagreeing with you, but really just failed on the reading comprehension.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: howl]
#7332654
10/31/18 03:29 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,991
ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Snarky Mark
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Snarky Mark
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,991 |
It's funny to read posts where people think they are disagreeing with you, but really just failed on the reading comprehension. Then WTF were you trying to say here? If you aren't much of a shooter, upping magnification seems like a way to make up for weakening eyes. Doing so actually makes you a worse game shot overall,
Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: ImTheReasonDovesMourn]
#7332792
10/31/18 12:01 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168 |
It's funny to read posts where people think they are disagreeing with you, but really just failed on the reading comprehension. Then WTF were you trying to say here? If you aren't much of a shooter, upping magnification seems like a way to make up for weakening eyes. Doing so actually makes you a worse game shot overall, I really don't understand how seeing what you are trying to shoot makes things worse.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7336021
11/02/18 09:11 PM
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 464
tailchaser93
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 464 |
4-12 on my main hunting rifle 4-16 on another one and the rest are 3-9 except for red dot
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7336098
11/02/18 10:39 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,782
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,782 |
I hunted for years with a 3x9 Redfield.
No way would I want to take a 200 yards shot with a 4x scope. Really I wouldn’t want to take a 100 yard shot with one.
Aside from the above mentioned 3x9 I have a 4x16 and a 3x18. I typically leave both on 8x and dial up from there.
On longer shots (250 yards and up) I prefer 12x
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7336290
11/03/18 04:16 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168 |
It's funny to read posts where people think they are disagreeing with you, but really just failed on the reading comprehension. Then WTF were you trying to say here? If you aren't much of a shooter, upping magnification seems like a way to make up for weakening eyes. Doing so actually makes you a worse game shot overall, I really don't understand how seeing what you are trying to shoot makes things worse. My guess is the amplified “shake” you notice on higher magnification.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7341939
11/08/18 01:52 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 197
Caskins
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 197 |
I prefer a Leupold 4.5 x 14. Most of the time I hunt with the scope set at 6X.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7343809
11/09/18 10:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 484
howl
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 484 |
Zooming in and picking a hair makes it easier to hit when you are able to do so. People whose eyes are not what they were are coming to rely on that crutch of magnification. However, there are a great many scenarios where you cannot do so. Being able to hold for hits with a lower power scope with a broader field of view means you are a more capable shot than one who relies on the crutch of high magnification.
Off the top of my head, I'm not coming up with a good way to explain that you don't have to be able to see it to hit it, but you don't. I've killed deer with iron sights on carbines and handguns past 100 yards and that's not even really anything to brag about. Y'all don't think I was picking a hair then, I'm sure. If I felt I needed to see sharp details there I would not have shot. When I shoot sq. in the head with iron sight revolvers, I can't even see any details at all. I just put the bump shape of the head on the post shape of the front sight and they fall.
And I have very poor eyesight, btw. Without glasses, I can see a few inches. With glasses, I can see details to about thirty yards.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7344288
11/10/18 02:58 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168 |
I still don't understand completely but I certainly get the Field of View discussion. I would bet more game is missed because the scope was dialed up too far then too little. I'm pretty anal about keeping my variables on 4X all the time. If I'm in very open areas, maybe 6X.
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Re: Deer Rifle Optics
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7344322
11/10/18 03:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
wp75169
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161 |
I took a shot last weekend. I had the scope set on 3x. Got on target and dialed it up while looking through the scope. After the shot while waiting the appropriate time I looked to see what I had dialed it up to. I was on 6x. I had the option of 3-18 and chose without looking 6x. I’m glad I have the 18 option because I have longer shots available in that stand but in most hunting scenarios I prefer a fixed 4 or 2-7.
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