One of the things I've noticed since I've started spending more money on scopes, the better your glass, the less magnification you need.
I don't have an unlimited budget for scopes and have found the above statement to be true. If my budget is $400.00 I've found that I can get much better glass with a 3.5-10x40 or less magnification than I can with a 4-12 or higher magnification. I also look for good low light glass over magnification. On my budget the Meopta Meopro 3.5-10x44 fits the bill. I have one on my coyote rifle, a .243, and one on a .270, both with German #4 reticles. Most of my non-rimfire scopes have the #4. IMO the most versatile scope on the market for at a price I can afford is the previously mentioned VX-3 2.5-8x36. I would feel confident putting that scope on any centerfire rifle I own. Another scope I really like is the VX-3 1.75-6x32.
Was also enamored with red dot scopes so purchased a VX-R 2-7x33 with illuminated #4 reticle. Great scope but have not had the occasion to need the illumination yet. I find the 2-7 scope to be very versatile and have owned a Fullfield II in 2-7x35. About the best bang for the buck I've ever spent.
Is it just me or do variable scopes have a sweet spot where the picture is the best? On my scopes it is usually around midpoint in the power range, so my 3-9's do best at 6 power.
I also don't think that what works best for me is what is best for anyone else.
My Marlin 336 wears a VX-3 1.75-6x32 with German #4. It is good for very close shots but is also great out to 250 yards which is the max distance I will shoot at game with this rifle. It's primarily a hog rifle but has taken numerous coyotes and a couple of deer as targets of opportunity. The 336 was my son's first deer rifle and had a Fullfield II 2-7x35. When he got his 30-06 he quit shooting the 336 and I commandeered it.
First thing I did was disassemble the receiver and polish the internals, all of them including bolt. Also added a Happy Trigger. Then I loosened the barrel band to improve harmonics and added a comb riser to get a better cheek weld when using a scope. Last I added the 1.75-6 VX-3. The rifle went from 2.5 MOA to MOA after all the work I did which was my goal. I now can take head shots on hogs out to 150 yards with confidence if I have a rest and can take a 250 yard shot on deer with full confidence and a rest. The scope plays a major part in my success because I can use it from 15 yards out to 300.
My main hunting rifle is a CZ 550 American 6.5x55 with a Conquest MC 3-9x40 but I would not feel at a disadvantage for 95% of the hunting I do using the 30-30. I'm 56 years old and have been hunting since I was a kid and the longest shot I've ever taken was circa 330 yards.
