texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,021
Posts9,719,492
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? #8376797 09/06/21 10:00 PM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
S
scottfromdallas Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165

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?



Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8376806 09/06/21 10:12 PM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,248
S
stillhntr Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
S
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,248
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


Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8376822 09/06/21 10:34 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
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.


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8376829 09/06/21 10:45 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
W
wp75169 Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
W
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
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.

Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8376841 09/06/21 10:59 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,089
B
Brother in-law Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
B
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,089
Was the 5/25 ffp?

FFP can suck for hunting

Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: J.G.] #8376844 09/06/21 11:01 PM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
S
scottfromdallas Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
Originally Posted by FiremanJG
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.



Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8376855 09/06/21 11:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,105
T
TXHOGSLAYER Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
T
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,105
3-9 leupold vx2 has been good enough to 300 yards. Not sure I want to shoot further than that.




LETS GO BRANDON
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8376903 09/06/21 11:45 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Originally Posted by scottfromdallas
Originally Posted by FiremanJG
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


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8376928 09/07/21 12:15 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,847
J
jlsbassman Online Content
Pro Tracker
Online Content
Pro Tracker
J
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,847
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.

Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: TXHOGSLAYER] #8376976 09/07/21 12:48 AM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
S
scottfromdallas Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
Seems like the 3-15 or 4-16 range is what is popular for hunting now.



Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: J.G.] #8376980 09/07/21 12:49 AM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
S
scottfromdallas Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
Originally Posted by FiremanJG

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.
grin



Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377058 09/07/21 01:53 AM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,573
D
dlrz71 Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
D
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,573
I've picked up several Burris Fullfield II's recently in 3-9x40. But most of my main rifles are higher power.

Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377121 09/07/21 02:33 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,835
U
unclebubba Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
U
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,835
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.

Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377186 09/07/21 03:18 AM
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,529
B
BayouGuy Online Content
Extreme Tracker
Online Content
Extreme Tracker
B
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,529
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.

[Linked Image]

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
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377194 09/07/21 03:41 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Online Shocked
junior
Online Shocked
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
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
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377312 09/07/21 11:44 AM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
V
Vern1 Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
V
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
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
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: wp75169] #8377408 09/07/21 01:24 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
R
redchevy Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
Originally Posted by wp75169
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
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377435 09/07/21 01:45 PM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
S
scottfromdallas Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
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.


Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: redchevy] #8377445 09/07/21 02:02 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
W
wp75169 Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
W
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
Originally Posted by redchevy
Originally Posted by wp75169
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.

Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377462 09/07/21 02:21 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
R
redchevy Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
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
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377506 09/07/21 02:50 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612
Q
QuitShootinYoungBucks Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Q
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612
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.


[Linked Image]

https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377606 09/07/21 04:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
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


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8377711 09/07/21 05:47 PM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640
L
LeonCarr Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
L
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640
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 smile.


"Whitetail Deer are extinct because of rifles with telescopes mounted on them." - My 11th Grade English Teacher
Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: LeonCarr] #8378007 09/07/21 10:28 PM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
S
scottfromdallas Offline OP
THF Trophy Hunter
OP Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,165
Originally Posted by LeonCarr
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 smile.


Yep. I upgraded the quality of glass for my Binos.



Re: Is the 3-9 hunting scope dead? [Re: scottfromdallas] #8378107 09/08/21 12:06 AM
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,829
Adchunts Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,829
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.

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3