This. I run a 4.5-14x VX-III on my .25-06, my primary hungting rifle, have never had trouble finding an animal in the optic. I do back it off to lower magnification when walking around, though, only use higher settings for stabilized shots at greater ranges. If I need higher magnification, I'm not rushing.
I had see through mounts on the first two deer rifles I had in the 70s and never used the iron sights. Most of my current scopes are variable with the low end 2-3X and no need for iron sights.
I just posted about a build I did not long ago. LVPO seems the best rout to go to me. This is a 1-8 power scope
Not once prior to me shooting an animal have I been like “I wish I had a less precise sighting system I could use right now” Nobody wants to hear this but all a North American hunting rifle ever needs is a quality 3x9x40
I'm pretty much in agreement with you except I have come to like a 4x12 a little better than a 3x9 as my eyes age.
It’s the strike eagle 1-8. It’s a great optic for the money. It’s two downfalls compared to higher end optics is eye relief, and brightness. But it’s still very adequate. The coarse reticle is great for the woods however.
I played with the 1-8x and noticed it had a little of a fishbowl effect around the outside. Which is why I went with the 1-6x as well as having a little better eye box. Does yours? I haven't seen any other complaints of that and am beginning to think it was just that floor model was defective.