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Let's talk scope magnification

Posted on 9/19/18 at 5:09 am
Posted by Cajun367
S. Louisiana
Member since Oct 2017
1929 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 5:09 am
As it pertains to deer hunting. Specifically 200 yards and less. Do you have a set magnification you use? Do you zoom in as close as possible? Or even break up that 200 into smaller zones of variable magnification?
Posted by civiltiger07
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2011
14033 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 7:14 am to
for 200 and less get a 3-9 scope leave it on 3 if something walks out close you are ready. If something walks out further away turn it up to what you feel comfortable with.
Posted by Barneyrb
NELA
Member since May 2016
5113 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 7:25 am to
I shoot with a Leupold FX-3 in 6x42. For those distances 6x is more than adequate and never have to adjust anything.



Posted by DownSouthJukin
Coaching Changes Board
Member since Jan 2014
27286 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 7:33 am to
It’s probably personal preference, but 3-9 would probably get the job done. Something that tops out at 12 night be a little better if you’re looking to consistently shoot to 200 yards and beyond. Anything past that is probably overkill.

I don’t have anything above a 3-9x40 on any of my rifles, all of my available shots from my shooting house are 200 yards and below and I never feel like I would need more.

ETA: I find the larger objective lens to be cumbersome, so mine are all 40mm.
This post was edited on 9/19/18 at 8:10 am
Posted by oleyeller
Vols, Bitch
Member since Oct 2012
32021 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 7:42 am to
3-9 all you need.
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
66763 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 7:47 am to
I have a 2-8 on my rifle, constantly adjust it for whatever is going on.
Posted by bayoudude
Member since Dec 2007
24958 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 7:51 am to
Either a 3x9 or a 4x12

I also like a 50 mm for low light conditions
Posted by Rize
Spring Texas
Member since Sep 2011
15808 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 7:53 am to
I typically don’t buy anything with less that 15 magnification anymore. I mainly leave mine at 10 power but it’s nice to be able to zoom in on deer and get a good look at them.
Posted by beHop
Landmass
Member since Jan 2012
14537 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:04 am to
My favorite scope that I've ran is the VXR 2-7x33. For 200 yard shots, you don't HAVE to have anything higher than that. FOV is important, especially for follow-up shots if one is needed. For instance, if you're set at 12 and you nick a tree branch 3' away from you, are you going to be able to acquire your target again before he's gone with it set that high? Nah...
Posted by Boat Motor Bandit
Member since Jun 2016
1891 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:07 am to
200yds yep 3X9X50 is fine. I usually have all my scopes on 5, just my thing its what I like
Posted by White Bear
Yonnygo
Member since Jul 2014
13905 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:15 am to
I keep var power scopes on 6x.
Posted by theOG
Member since Feb 2010
10510 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:23 am to
I have a Leica 2-10x50. May as well be night vision it sees so well in low light.
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
66763 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:23 am to
I have a 2-7 on my .30-30 and I love it. Never killed a deer with it on anything but 2 power, the farthest one I've shot with it was about 50 yards.

8 is plenty enough for me and we have some places where you can see a deer a mile away
Posted by SoFla Tideroller
South Florida
Member since Apr 2010
30137 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:29 am to
3x9

I leave mine on 4 all the time unless I zoom it all the way in just to check things out.
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7714 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:32 am to
I have 3x9s and one 4x12 and my next one will have more magnification. I want to be able to zoom in and see a tick on a deer's ear at 300 yds. I use about 6 power up to 100yds and sometimes 12 power at 250yds. It depends on how Im seeing thrrough the scope that determines the power I use. I dont have a scope that cost more than $300 but my next one Im going all out and getting the best one.
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26455 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:34 am to
Leupold 4-12x50 VX-R for me.
Posted by The Last Coco
On the water
Member since Mar 2009
6841 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:34 am to
quote:

50 mm for low light conditions

Larger objective diameter only matters at higher magnification levels. Really anything 8x magnification and under and your eye isnt able to take in any more light from a 40mm vs a 50mm scope due to exit pupil diameter. Your eye is only capable of processing/taking in a certain amount of light so once you're saturated, your scope bringing in additional scope doesn't aid you any.

Just food for thought for guys looking at buying different scopes.

To the OP, 3-9x40mm is great for under 200 yards, and if the vast majority are under 150, a 2-7x might be a better option.

ETA: larger objective diameter doesn't increase your field of view either just fyi
This post was edited on 9/19/18 at 8:37 am
Posted by LoneStarTiger
Lone Star State
Member since Aug 2004
15947 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:41 am to
3-9 is fine if I have a good set of binoculars
Posted by Stexas
SWLA
Member since May 2013
6011 posts
Posted on 9/19/18 at 8:53 am to
My 2 cents... Whatever power you use make sure you practice shooting at the various levels you intend to shoot at deer with.
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