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Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
#8376797
09/06/21 10:00 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
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This was the gold standard for the longest time. Seems like everyone is going high magnification.
If you were going to scope a general purpose hunting rifle, what magnification would you choose?
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8376806
09/06/21 10:12 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,249
stillhntr
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Leupold Rifleman is a 3x9 and still available, great out to 100 yds or so. Magnification just depends on your need ....old eyes may need more xx
Hunt Outside Of The Box
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8376822
09/06/21 10:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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General purpose, some of my favorite options:
2.5-10X 3-12X 3-15X <Top pick on this list. I have one
We have the option of a higher magnifier than 3X, I will use that option.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8376829
09/06/21 10:45 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,221
wp75169
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I don’t recall wanting more magnification but have definitely wanted less. Hunting with a 5-20 last year I was hating it. Had a doe come out at 40 yards, I sure was wanting a lower power. When hunting with a 3-18 I keep it dialed down and dial up as needed. I shot an Axis at 190-200 with it, dialed up until I was happy, it was on 7x. My favorites I think are fixed 4x or 2-7. I have a Meopta made 3-9 and it’s a great scope, I don’t find it a limitation at all. I like seeing people hunting in the woods with a 5-25, good times.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8376841
09/06/21 10:59 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,129
Brother in-law
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Was the 5/25 ffp?
FFP can suck for hunting
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: J.G.]
#8376844
09/06/21 11:01 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
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General purpose, some of my favorite options:
2.5-10X 3-12X 3-15X <Top pick on this list. I have one
We have the option of a higher magnifier than 3X, I will use that option. That's a good point. Maybe the 3X scope is dying so naturally we are going to get higher magnification on the top end. Seems like most are 5X or 6X now. Even 4X is not that common. Last year I hunted with a 4-16 but had it parked on 6X.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8376855
09/06/21 11:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,132
TXHOGSLAYER
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3-9 leupold vx2 has been good enough to 300 yards. Not sure I want to shoot further than that.
LETS GO BRANDON
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8376903
09/06/21 11:45 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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General purpose, some of my favorite options:
2.5-10X 3-12X 3-15X <Top pick on this list. I have one
We have the option of a higher magnifier than 3X, I will use that option. That's a good point. Maybe the 3X scope is dying so naturally we are going to get higher magnification on the top end. Seems like most are 5X or 6X now. Even 4X is not that common. Last year I hunted with a 4-16 but had it parked on 6X. Then Night Force swung for the fences and made an 8x
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8376928
09/07/21 12:15 AM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,880
jlsbassman
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On my 3 hunting rifles, I use a 2.5-15, 3-15 and a 4-16. First 2 are sfp and the 4-16 is a ffp. Out of them I prefer the 2.5-15 for my hunting optic. 50-300yd shots seems perfect for me.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: TXHOGSLAYER]
#8376976
09/07/21 12:48 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
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Seems like the 3-15 or 4-16 range is what is popular for hunting now.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: J.G.]
#8376980
09/07/21 12:49 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
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Then Night Force swung for the fences and made an 8x
They sure did. I'm waiting for the 11X Spinal Tap line to come out.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377058
09/07/21 01:53 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,573
dlrz71
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I've picked up several Burris Fullfield II's recently in 3-9x40. But most of my main rifles are higher power.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377121
09/07/21 02:33 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,933
unclebubba
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I recently bought a Leopold vx3 3.5-10 for my BAR. Although not exactly 3-9, it's pretty close. A lot of my hunting buddies still use 3-9 or similar. Although not as popular, it's far from dead.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377186
09/07/21 03:18 AM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,540
BayouGuy
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I have 4X fixed power scopes on most of my guns. But then, my hunting area doesn't offer many shots beyond 150 yards, and I mostly hunt with muzzleloaders. If any of you guys have an old Leupold or Nikon 4X or 6X scope you're not using, shoot me a private message.
Last edited by BayouGuy; 09/07/21 03:25 AM.
If you can't laugh at yourself, give me a call. I'll gladly laugh at you. "I keep trying to see Nancy Pelosi's and Chuck Schumer's point of view, but I can't seem to get my head that far up my [censored]." Senator John Kennedy, Louisiana
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377194
09/07/21 03:41 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,506
kmon11
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Have 2-7 on quite a few rifles and still have some 3-9 on others 2.5-10 and 2.5-15 on a couple others. Plus one 6-24 on one I use mainly for target and varmints. I like no more than 3 on the low end and that is where they stay a lot of the time.
Of all the scopes I have the 2.5-15 Swaro along with 2-7 and 3-9 Kahles see the most use. With my eyes I love some good clear optics.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377312
09/07/21 11:44 AM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,038
Vern1
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ALL of my hunting is under 200 yards so a 3-12 or 4-16 does the job and have AO when it gets up close. A 3-9 with AO works well on the 9MM AR rifle that's mostly close range but will stretch out to 100 at the range on occasion. Generally keep them at lower magnification to get wider field of view but having 12 or 16 available is nice to help make sure of your target.
Last edited by Vern1; 09/07/21 11:47 AM. Reason: Add last line
Cheers, Vern1 Texans since The Old 300 in 1824 NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: wp75169]
#8377408
09/07/21 01:24 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549
redchevy
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I don’t recall wanting more magnification but have definitely wanted less. Hunting with a 5-20 last year I was hating it. Had a doe come out at 40 yards, I sure was wanting a lower power. When hunting with a 3-18 I keep it dialed down and dial up as needed. I shot an Axis at 190-200 with it, dialed up until I was happy, it was on 7x. My favorites I think are fixed 4x or 2-7. I have a Meopta made 3-9 and it’s a great scope, I don’t find it a limitation at all. I like seeing people hunting in the woods with a 5-25, good times. If a fixed 6x is a great options many talk about from times of old before all the high power scopes hit the market what is so wrong with a 5X on the low end? I hunted for years with my longest shot being 130 or so yards with a 3x9. I only recall shooting 1 deer on 3x, vast majority were on 9x and under 50 yards. I also shot most of them in the neck or head. I like more magnification than less when Im trying to put a bullet in an exact spot.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377435
09/07/21 01:45 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
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My scope is almost always on 4X unless I'm in an open area. When I hunted Oryx in Rocksprings last year, I was using a 4-16 for the first time. Usually 8X-10X is my top magnification. Country was open so I had it on 6X. I never thought to touch it. Shot was about 200 yards.
I was on one hunt where a guy missed a deer at 50 yards because his scope was cranked up to 24X and it was a quick shot. It's better to keep your scope on lower power and dial it up if you need it and have the time.
It think that is why people like 6X Fixed, it's idiot proof. One less thing to worry about and they are much lighter.
Last edited by scottfromdallas; 09/07/21 01:45 PM.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: redchevy]
#8377445
09/07/21 02:02 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,221
wp75169
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I don’t recall wanting more magnification but have definitely wanted less. Hunting with a 5-20 last year I was hating it. Had a doe come out at 40 yards, I sure was wanting a lower power. When hunting with a 3-18 I keep it dialed down and dial up as needed. I shot an Axis at 190-200 with it, dialed up until I was happy, it was on 7x. My favorites I think are fixed 4x or 2-7. I have a Meopta made 3-9 and it’s a great scope, I don’t find it a limitation at all. I like seeing people hunting in the woods with a 5-25, good times. If a fixed 6x is a great options many talk about from times of old before all the high power scopes hit the market what is so wrong with a 5X on the low end? I hunted for years with my longest shot being 130 or so yards with a 3x9. I only recall shooting 1 deer on 3x, vast majority were on 9x and under 50 yards. I also shot most of them in the neck or head. I like more magnification than less when Im trying to put a bullet in an exact spot. I suppose a 9x is fine under 50 yards with animal feeding in a lane. An animal slowly moving and in the trees is whole different story. At least for my skill set. I much prefer the wider field of view. My intention is not to be ugly but I don’t know how else to put it, if you can’t make a precise shot under 50 yards on say 3-4x then you should check on your eyes or your scope. Shooting bottle caps at 50 yards is very doable with a 4x scope of decent clarity for most anyone who understands how to use a scope and doesn’t have Parkinson’s.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377462
09/07/21 02:21 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549
redchevy
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Sure, by no means is it impossible or even difficult, but if I have a 3x9 and someone says shoot a bottle cap at 50 yards, Im not turning it to 3x.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377506
09/07/21 02:50 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,645
QuitShootinYoungBucks
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I have 3-9x40 scopes on two of five rifles. One is a 6.8 AR, the other a Rem 700 .243. Neither is intended to be a long-distance rig so the scopes work fine. Killed a nice boar with the 6.8 yesterday.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377606
09/07/21 04:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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All of mine are zerod at 100 yards. Basically I've got a scoped rifle beside me 2/3 of every day of every year. Magnification is as low as it will go. Focus is set for 100 yards. If it's turreted, that are set at 0, 0.
Whatever happens, I can shoot up close. I know if I need to shoot farther I can get a broad field of view and turn up the magnification to suit me for the situation.
1-6X 3-15X 3.5-21X 5-20X 5-25X 7-35X <<has not been lined up on an animal ever, but just got it this year
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8377711
09/07/21 05:47 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640
LeonCarr
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A 3-9 works fine for about 99% of my hunting situations, but hunting in an Antler Restrictions County my binoculars have gone from 8x to 12x to make sure sure 13 inches is 13 inches and does are really does .
"Whitetail Deer are extinct because of rifles with telescopes mounted on them." - My 11th Grade English Teacher
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: LeonCarr]
#8378007
09/07/21 10:28 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
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A 3-9 works fine for about 99% of my hunting situations, but hunting in an Antler Restrictions County my binoculars have gone from 8x to 12x to make sure sure 13 inches is 13 inches and does are really does . Yep. I upgraded the quality of glass for my Binos.
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Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead?
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#8378107
09/08/21 12:06 AM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,841
Adchunts
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Just put a Trijicon Accupoint 3-9 on my Wilson .300 Ham’r. Also have 3-9 on my muzzleloaders. Everything else has higher power.
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