Choosing Leupold Scope: 3x9-40 or 4-12x40 ?

[streetstang67]

EDIT: Screwed up with the title....the two scopes I'm choosing from are 3-9x50 and 4-12x40
I'm trying to decide on a scope for my 'all-purpose' rifle, used primarily for deer hunting and target shooting. From a previous posts, it sounds like leupold makes good scopes (I've chosen the VX-I), the only problem I'm left with now is deciding magnification and objective lense. I want a larger objective lense for more light and better visibility at dusk, at the same time, I want a higher magnification for better shot placement and longer shots whether hunting or marksman target shooting. What do you suggest?

 

[Charles S]

Leupold makes excellent scopes.

For general purposes I despise a 50mm objective. Therefore I would choose a 3-9X40, which, BTW, is an excellent all around scope. Not as good for targets, but much better for most hunting.

Charles

 

[gbran]

Get the 4-12 x 50. You may use it at lower powers most of the time, but you can crank it up when you need to.

 

[rugerfreak]

Get the 3x9x40---50mm scopes are too ungainly

If you want too see better----buy better glass.

 

[streetstang67]

Sorry just realized I got the title completely backwards...:banghead:

I'm trying to choose either 3-9x50mm or 4-12x40mm.

 

[Charles S]

Of the two you selected my personal preference would be neither, but if forced to give a suggestion, I will stick with my earlier premise.

For general purposes I despise a 50mm objective.

I would therefore select the 4-12X40.

I think you would be better served with a good 3-9 or 3.5-10 for general purpose utilization

Charles

 

[loadedround]

If thats the case bo for the 4 x 12. A 50mm scope is to big for a hunting rifle as mentioned previously. Normally a 3 x 9 is ideal for huntingif both werea 40mm.

 

[Monkeyleg]

I'm not a rifleman, so please that into consideration.

I've put 40mm and 50mm objective scopes on several rifles. The 50mm gives a bit more late-day light gathering.

However, it also requires higher rings and a higher comb. Not much, but it make a bit of difference.

 

[Snarlingiron]

Hunting and Target. Sorry, antithetical.

 

[richardschennberg]

The 50mm is only necessary if you will be using about 6x or greater in low light. Otherwise the 40mm is lighter and less bulky.
Richard
Schennberg.com

 

[TomFromTheShade]

I'm a big fan of the 2.5-8x36mm VXIII scope. It is ideal for MOST big game hunting and it is compact when in the woods.

 

[Charles S]

I'm a big fan of the 2.5-8x36mm VXIII scope. It is ideal for MOST big game hunting and it is compact when in the woods.

+1

That may be the best big game scope ever made.

Charles

 

[itgoesboom]

For $20 more than the VX-I 3-9x50, you could have the VX-II 3-9x40, and that is honestly what I would suggest.

I.G.B.