3-9-40/45-70

[CraigC]

Yeah, well, perception is everything.

 

[horsey300]

Finding the target is a training issue. Not a magnification issue.

A spotting scope doesn't have the luxury of a shoulder stock or pistol grip, but with practice, that part too gets easier. When I started shooting F-Class, I couldn't even find the berm. Within a few matches, setting up my spotting scope only took a matter of seconds.

In general I run 4-16 and 5-20, carry them constantly on low power for close moving targets that present themselves such as the many coyotes that appear just over the crest of the hill I'm topping. At distance I WANT (not need) the high end and am quite happy with it that way. Specific to OP, I've run open sighted 30-30 pills through deer farther than I should have. If I were using my brother's .44 mag or a 45-70, I'd be comfortable with low power or open sights under 250 yds. For the intended use here, I would at least try the 2-7 and practice it to pieces, worst case is I swap it next year.

 

[H&Hhunter]

I care far more for the low power ability of a hunting scope than the maximum power setting. Once we get up to 6 or 7 power I am good to go at any range that my skill level will ethically allow me to shoot a game animal. A good clear wide view, low power setting allows for snap shooting at closer range. A higher power scope does not afford this ability. 3 power being the absolute maximum low setting I'll own on a hunting scope. I much prefer a 2x something or even a 1.5x something over a 3x something.

 

[lobo9er]

So Craig, how much is too much?

Obviously what's too much for you is not for me.

I agree everyone is different. Your opinion on magnification is different than what is probably the norm. trying to shoot at 10-20 yards with 10x or higher is harder because of field of view. with practice I suppose it is something I could learn to get good at but I wouldn't consider it "seeing to good" just my 2 cents. I like lower power myself.

 

[lobo9er]

double tap...

 

[Geoffo]

Seems logical to me - a high powered scope at short range is basically like being able to see "too good." Under powered scopes at long ranges are basically like not being able to see well enough. I've never heard anyone complain they could see too well, but it's not strange to anyone to not be able to see something well enough.

Try finding a hog in your scope, set on 9, when the hog is 20m away and running through cover. 2x easy, 9x impossible.

 

[Varminterror]

Geoffo - why is your scope stuck on 9x? Turn it down to 3x, now it's not even a challenge.

 

[lobo9er]

...I think he was taking your point to task about rather shoot high power close up than low power far out.

 

[JackSprat]

Since it's already on the gun,I would leave it,especially if you don't have another rifle you want to put it on.The 2-7s only real advantage is that you may get on target a hair faster on 2x on a super close shot..And if you go to a smaller objective like the 32 you may lose a few minutes of prime hunting near dark..