This has always puzzled me

To sell scopes.

It's hard to think of it as hunting if you know exactly where the prey is going to be. That's more like shopping.

For me, it's more what I plan to do that day. I'll use a scope if I know I will not be knocking around through too much brush. If I feel like wandering around and getting lost in some new or thick territory for a while, I will use open sights.

Maybe he used the "See-Thru" rings to make the shot.

However... I agree with you about scopes "close in".

But... I also think "See-Thru" rings are an abomination for the simple reason they elevate the scope enough to draw the cheek away from firm anchorage on the stock and that is a World-Class No-No. They also impede quick acquisition of the iron sights.

"See-Thru" rings are a marketing gimmick that have two primary purposes.

1. The store can have a "one-size-fits-all" scope mount to sell so they don't have to fool with different size bases/rings for scopes with different objective lens diameters and/or rifles with different receiver configurations.

2. The "See-Thru" rings are just something else to extract money from an innocent/naive buyer.

"See-Thru" rings are like Bass lures - they have served their intended purpose the very instant they are sold.

Some peoples' eyes aren't that good, making a scope a necessity. Other possible reasons would include: not knowing what the actual range is going to be; owning or bringing a single rifle and that rifle already having a scope; ect. But I agree, a scoped rifle at 25 yards seems quite a bit unnecessary, especially on a TV show with "" Professional Hunters""!! I am also quite sure that some form of crass commercialism has a part in this type of situation. That isn't necessarily bad, as you will see quite a bit more if you watch a fishing show.

A lot of rifles don't even come with iron sights anymore. So long as your scope dials down to 3x or less they're reasonably fast and easy to use even at close range.

Even without an overt plug, I'd be willing to bet that a scope manufacturer is/was a sponsor of the show or that episode. Besides, iron sights aren't "cool" anymore. Overbored magnums and ridiculous magnifications, however, are.

ROMAK IV said:

Some peoples' eyes aren't that good, making a scope a necessity.

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If you can not see 25 yards without a scope I think it is time to hang up the hunting cloths.

Hi "Target".... oooops - thanks for catching that! ElmerFudd has an excellent point too - some scopes are like 1.5x variables and, on the lowest setting, might actually help by brightening up the picture a bit in the woods. Would agree with him too that maybe the guy's rifle didn't come with iron sights, or maybe all it had for iron sights were the "el cheapos" some companies slap on their rifles just to sell 'em.

For the simple fact that a scope puts a well placed shot for a 1 shot humane kill at any range!! Which EVERY!! hunter should be concerned with.

Easy Fellas

Scopes can be very helpful in gathering the limited light available in the very early morning and very late afternoon, helping to create the environment for a good shot in those conditions.

Not everyone has a superpowered scope, a lot of people hunt dangerous game with a low-power scope, say a 1.5x-6x. For many people, they find it easier to quickly align the sights on the target with a low-power scope than with open sights.

As for hunting over baited stands not being "hunting" - it's not my cup of tea either, but in certain areas of Alaska and Canada where the cover is very thick, it's the only way to have a reasonable chance to see bears; trying to still-hunt through that stuff is like trying to sneak across a floor covered with dry popcorn.

But - just a warning - you won't see a lot of "hunting" on hunting shows.

Michael

Not Really

For the simple fact that a scope puts a well placed shot for a 1 shot humane kill at any range!! Which EVERY!! hunter should be concerned with.

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Uh - I'm not aware of any scopes that will do this - whatever types of sights a hunter uses, familiarity with your weapon and range time are the best bet for making accurate shots...

I'm all about the light gathering qualities of a scope.

The last time I used an iron sighted rifle for hunting was with a win 94. Walking through a mature pine plantation is very much like hunting at dusk even at mid day. I saw a dark grayish lump about 40 yards away 1/2 obscured by a tree row rut and a tree next to it. I knew it was a deer but couldn't identify the sex even though it was looking right at me. The 2 seconds that I squinted at it trying to see what it was before it ran off would have been enough to identify it as a buck and get a shot off with a scoped rifle. Like I said that was the very lasttime I used a Win94 for hunting. I'll take the light gathering abilities and quicker target acquisition over the silly notion that an iron-sighted hunter is more skilled any day.

Low power scopes are BETTER THAN IRON SIGHTS even at close ranges. They're better in low light, they're better for those of us whose eyes don't focus like they once did, they are absolutely faster to acquire than irons at close range, no need to line up multiple objects to get on target. Scopes, for me, totally antiquate irons for use as hunting sights in the field. Oh, I do use irons on my muzzle loader, sorta fits the theme. Occasionally, I'll get the urge to use one of my iron sighted revolvers rather than my scoped Contender even though the Contender can shoot rings around any revolver even if the revolver has a scope, let lone iron sights.

You cannot give me a situation, even dangerous game at close range, where iron sights are superior to a scope. The only thing I can think of is that they are tougher in situations where a scope might get banged around. That's not a situation I've been in while hunting, though. And, even the military is using Aimpoints now days with attachable 3x magnifiers on the M16. Why would they do that? Quicker target acquisition up close and personal and in low light like inside a dark house.

BTW, I am not challenged as a marksman with irons, have been shooting over 45 years now with irons and I am not a novice. I've shot a lot of 50 yard squirrels in the head with an iron sighted .22. I still choose the scope as the best sighting system for any sort of hunting with a rifle. I very much like the Weaver KV 2x10x40 on my .308, very rugged, clear, versatile optics.

You could always shoot with both eyes open.

For that kind of hunting, I prefer the Aimpoint. And I'd rather have good irons (peep rear and post front) than a scope if I'm shooting at under 100 yards.


By the way, did you guys know that on the internet Aimpoints always malfunction but iron sights never bend or break?

If a hunter uses irons, he is either an old fart who refuses to change, an inexperienced and misinformed hunter concerning modern sighting systems, or is looking for the challenge of doing it the old way. Scopes are easier to use at any range and just plain better than irons for quick target acquisition at any range. They are not just for snipers. Why is it that IPSC shooters use aimpoints to get on target quicker than IDPA shooters can? It's because the aimpoint, like the telescopic sight, has, but one point to line up with the target. It is much faster. I don't have an aimpoint, but they'd be great for really up close. Don't think I could do anymore with one than I can with my 2x10 set on 2x, though, frankly, and if I get a 300 yard shot, I'd rather have the scope. If you buy quality optics and don't buy Simmons, you don't have to worry about the scope. And, you can always have a set of irons on your rifle JUST IN CASE you drop the gun out of a tree stand or something.

BTW, I only have one eye that works worth a crap. I shoot left handed because I can't see better than 20/70 corrected out of my right eye.

And, you can always have a set of irons on your rifle JUST IN CASE you drop the gun out of a tree stand or something.

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My deer hunting is 4.5 hrs away from home and I go there for a week. My main deer rifle doesn't have iron sights on it, but I always bring a second rifle along in case something happens to it. If my rifle breaks, my hunt would be over without a backup gun. And yes, my backup gun has a scope on it.

And I'd rather have good irons (peep rear and post front) than a scope if I'm shooting at under 100 yards.

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I like peep sights too, but they aren't so good in low light.

For me the ONLY test of any sighting system is how efficiently it puts my point of aim and point of impact in the same place. Iron sights are great fun as long as your eyes hold out, but when I could no longer see the rear sight and the target through the same lens on my bifocals a fancy holosight took up residence on my .22. I don't like the looks of it, but the choice was shoot with a fancy sight or stop shooting. Stopping lost that argument before my lips even had time to move.

If I hunted (I don't), and I did not know whether I could creep up on an animal to get within 10 (or some other distance) yards, and if I did successfully get within 10 yards of a BEAR, would I take the time to remove the scope (assuming it works at that distance)?

No, I would not. At 10 yards from a bear, my personal safety would supersede all sporting issues. I would want it over and done with.

I occassionally hunt with an open sighted 444. In the thick stuff where my stand is it's perfect. But I always worry that in crossing the cornfield to the woods bubba is going to show himself at 200 yards and I'll be standing there with my d*** in my hand. It's never happened, but you know................
If someone wants to guarantee me a 30 yard shot I'll only hunt with open sights. But there ain't no guarantees in hunting.