Iron Sights vs Scope for Pacific NW Hunting

[dak0ta]

Hi,

I have a Husky 8mm Mauser that I want to use for hunting. I'm wondering whether I should use the stock irons which are 100, and have flipup 200 and 300 m sights on the rear sight. I feel like hunting in the PNW is usually in the forests or pastures/meadows/farm fields etc. and shots are going to be usually within 200 yards. With an 8x57 round, I could probably hit things easily using the irons (paper plate size). What do you think? It'd make the rifle light, quick, easy to handle, and cheaper. What kind of group size should I have at 200 yards to be good for hunting using irons?

Or should I just scope it because with a Husky and the 8mm mauser, the potential for range and accuracy is worth it?

 

[d2wing]

I would use the irons unless you need to use a scope. Some of us old guys can no longer use irons. You need to practice so you know what you can do.

 

[Maverick223]

Plate size group is acceptable, saucer is better. Don't know a great deal about hunting in the PNW, but from your description irons should do just fine. I have been using my Brownchester 1895 .30-06Spd. with a aperture sight as of late, and it does fine, though I would limit my shots to about the 200yd mark that you mention. OTOH my Whitworth Express Mauser has sights that sound similar to yours (1 standing, 2 folding, Express sights) and I can't hit anything smaller than a Cape Buff. at ranges much in excess of 100yds., so I have it scoped (with a simple 1.5-5x20mm VX-3 in QR rings) and retain the express sights for emergency use only. If I wanted to use irons on that rifle, I'd invest in a good peep (preferably one that allows you to remove the aperture to use it as a "ghost ring" in low light/short range scenarios) so I could retain a bit greater accuracy, but my eyes may be weaker than yours so try it and see.

 

[bowyer19]

You will find in the low light conditions you will sometimes encounter in the PNW and at dawn and dusk , a low power fixed or variable scope with a 2X or 3X low end to be as quick as irons ( if the stock fits) and invaluable. Irons under the mentioned conditions have cost me some missed opportunities at nice bucks . With a fixed power 3X Weaver Wide Field I have killed bucks from 5 steps to 300yds.

 

[dak0ta]

Ok good point to consider regarding low light in forests. I was planning to use binoculars to see what I'm shooting at first before shouldering the rifle.

 

[jmr40]

A low powered scope is always much better. I can shoot deer size groups with irons out to 300 yards. But you can't shoot what you can't see. A scope makes it much easier to see your target in poor light. This is just as true at 30 yards as 300.

 

[Robert]

I was planning to use binoculars to see what I'm shooting at first before shouldering the rifle.

Good plan.

I'd go with a low power, 4x or so, for hunting. In fact that is what I did on my rifle.

 

[dak0ta]

How far can one shoot with a 4x power? And do BDC reticles help in a 2-7x or 3-9x?

 

[gunner69]

I own three of the Millet DSM-1 scopes and they are great for out to 300 yards. If you are short on $$$ you can find them on ebay for less than $200 new, shipped to your door. I use them on an AR in 6.5x39 Grendel, a Sharps 38-55, and a Winchester 94 Rifle in 38-55. Go to the Millet website to get a look at the recticle. Simple and effective.

However, I will be buying myself a new Leopold VX-R 2-7 with the Ballistic Firedot recticle. And yes, Leopold offers several different firedot recticles and they are all great. Leopold uses great "glass" and gathers light very well. It will go on my CZ-550FS in 9.3x62mm.

If you want a 1-4 power you might also check out the new VX-R 1-4 scope.
Yeah I know, they are all a bit expensive but you get great optics for the price. In the near future I will also be placing a Leopold on my Grendel AR.

For Leopold scopes try SWFA as their prices are hard to beat.

 

[Maverick223]

For Leopold scopes try SWFA as their prices are hard to beat.

Easy to beat. Just talk to Scott at Liberty Optics, or if he doesn't carry exactly what you want Optics Planet or MidwayUSA. LO has the best CS and pricing, but all of the three are much better in every respect than SWFA (Swine With False Allegations).

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

I don't know what SWFA did to tick you off, but in my experiences they have been a great company, definitely not deserving of petty name calling.

 

[Maverick223]

I don't know what SWFA did to tick you off, but in my experiences they have been a great company, definitely not deserving of petty name calling.

They started the "petty name calling" by attempting to discredit other competing retailers...I'm just carrying on what they began. Anyone that has to use a smear campaign in an attempt to gain business is not one that I will patronize.

 

[crazysccrmd]

I had a 2.5x fixed power scope on my 8mm this season and it just didn't make the cut. Trying to identify whether or not the deer at a distance has antlers or not is too difficult without higher magnification. You'll find you get much better accuracy with a scope mounted than with irons and will be confident with taking a longer 300yd+ shot if the opportunity presents itself (like across a clearcut or pasture). A 4-16x variable fits my needs nicely.

 

[P-32]

Ok good point to consider regarding low light in forests. I was planning to use binoculars to see what I'm shooting at first before shouldering the rifle.

Thank you. I do like irons on some, black powder rifles for sure. Shots here in Washington can be varied. For me a shot under 100 yards is not the norm and shots over 300 yards is not the norm for the east side of the state. about half are in a open area.

I would get a scope you like but not a big one. I use a 2 by 7 Leopold and it has served me well. I keep it on the low setting in case I jump something and can turn it up for distance. Almost all of my deer have been shot at 100 yards or more.

I would not go past your ability with either. You start getting out too far and the front post covers the rarget up which would still be doable with a scope. None of my modern buddies hunt with irons. The black powder guys do. I don't care for the lob and hope crowd. I want to know where the bullet is going.

 

[jmr40]

For Leopold scopes try SWFA as their prices are hard to beat.

I like SWFA, but you will find all Leupold scopes are priced exactly the same anywhere. Vendors must agree to a set price or Leupold won't let them carry their product. If you find a discontinued or used models the rules do not apply. SWFA carries some used scopes at good prices. Some vendors may offer free shipping or free lense caps with Leupold sales, but the scopes will be pirced the same.

Right now Leupold is heavily discounting the VX-1 and VX-2 lines because they are coming out with an improved version soon.

 

[CZguy]

Right now Leupold is heavily discounting the VX-1 and VX-2 lines because they are coming out with an improved version soon.

That explains the low prices I saw advertised recently.

 

[RentaCop]

Get you a good low power varible. You could even use quick release setup if you have iron sights on the rifle already.

My 2 cents

 

[heeler]

Natchez still has the Weaver Nitrex 1.5x5x32 on sale for $119.95.
A great Japanese scope worth that easily and more really.
And it wont feel like a tug boat saddling your rifle.