buying a scope ques..
#1
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SE Wisc
Posts: 677
buying a scope ques..
I plan on updating my current "package" scope i got with my M70. It's Simmons 8 point 3x9. I have narrowed it down to a Bushnell or Nikon scope in the $150 to $200 range. My question is... should i go with another 3x9 or should i go 4x12? This is my 30.06 and taking a shot at 50 yards is just as common as 250 yards where i hunt.
Is there a big difference in these? i am thinking 4x12 at the moment.
Is there a big difference in these? i am thinking 4x12 at the moment.
#2
RE: buying a scope ques..
the 4X12 is a good choice probably. in all honesty i've had shots ranging from 10 yards out to 380. fifteen deer killed and only once, on the 380 yard shot, did I ever take my scope off of 4 power. but it is nice to have that little extra magnification!
-Jake
-Jake
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location:
Posts: 809
RE: buying a scope ques..
With your 30:06 a 3x9 will serve you well if you purchase a brand that is around $200 Brand names that come to mind are burris, leupold, nikon, weaver, simmons aetec/whitetail expedition. Now that being said, you will also need to change the rings (most and importantly) and probably the base to get solid results! It is all about SOLID (not going to move, period) JMO
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Clermont Florida U.S.
Posts: 4,970
RE: buying a scope ques..
Usually, when the high end of variable scope setting exceeds 10X (or so) some sort of Adjustable Objective (A.O.) is commonplace. This could either be a side mount or one on the front of the scope. I personally don't like A.O.'s on BG hunting scopes. For that reason I'd stick with a 3-9 myself. The Nikon Buckmasters is a pretty decent scope and will set you back around $210. Another decent one in that range is the Burris Fullfield II. Good luck.
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,519
RE: buying a scope ques..
immons aetec/whitetail expedition. Now that being said, you will also need to change the rings (most and importantly) and probably the base to get solid results! It is all about SOLID (not going to move, period) JMO
ORIGINAL: RugerMike
With your 30:06 a 3x9 will serve you well if you purchase a brand that is around $200 Brand names that come to mind are burris, leupold, nikon, weaver, simmons aetec/whitetail expedition. Now that being said, you will also need to change the rings (most and importantly) and probably the base to get solid results! It is all about SOLID (not going to move, period) JMO
With your 30:06 a 3x9 will serve you well if you purchase a brand that is around $200 Brand names that come to mind are burris, leupold, nikon, weaver, simmons aetec/whitetail expedition. Now that being said, you will also need to change the rings (most and importantly) and probably the base to get solid results! It is all about SOLID (not going to move, period) JMO
#6
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,425
RE: buying a scope ques..
Unless you are planning on using your '06 on groundhogs, stick with the 3x9...
I've killed about 175 deer with my .243, it started with a Bushnell ScopeChief back in 1980 and not only did I use it for deer, but groundhogs in the mountains of Virginia as well...I updated to a Leupold in the late 90s and this year was pretty typical, killed 6 deer with it, the closest at 5 steps and the furtherest at 277 ranged yards...Nine power is plenty for deer out to 350 or so....
I would add another $100 and get a Leupold...
I've killed about 175 deer with my .243, it started with a Bushnell ScopeChief back in 1980 and not only did I use it for deer, but groundhogs in the mountains of Virginia as well...I updated to a Leupold in the late 90s and this year was pretty typical, killed 6 deer with it, the closest at 5 steps and the furtherest at 277 ranged yards...Nine power is plenty for deer out to 350 or so....
I would add another $100 and get a Leupold...
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186
RE: buying a scope ques..
For the shot ranges you are talking, especially if the majority are 100 yards or under, and you often hunt in the woods look at even a lower range like 1.5-6x42 mm. The very low power setting, 1.5 to 3 or so, is great for hunting in woods where the shots will seldom exceed 50 - 75 yards. At 250 yards, which is extremely rare where I hunt, 6X is plenty. Having said that of your choices, my recommendation is the 3-9. I saw another post where the Bushnell Elite 4200 can be had for about $255. Do not recall where. I have one of these and have been surprisingly pleased with the quality of the optics. It is a bit long and therefore heavy, but took me right to sunset:30 with a good, clear view.
#8
RE: buying a scope ques..
My 2cents....I have or havehad3 of the major "affordable" $200 rangebrands on my high power rifles.Leupold,Nikon Bkmstr. and Burris ff 2. All GOOD! My Bkmstr has been on my 06 for a number of years and has seen alot of action....solid scope.. no problems. My Burris on my .270wsmis very clear and top quality LOVE it!! My Leupold VX- 2 on a 300 wsm and was actually my least favoriteand it's gone.
I'd go with a 3x9......less fuss. I think most 4-12s have yardage focus??? That could add time to a quik shot??
Dose Pesos
Bill
I'd go with a 3x9......less fuss. I think most 4-12s have yardage focus??? That could add time to a quik shot??
Dose Pesos
Bill
#9
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SE Wisc
Posts: 677
RE: buying a scope ques..
I used my 30.06 this past season and i was sitting on the edge of a creek. the shot was about 300 yards. I am confortable making that shot if it's a clear shot into an emtpy field. I had the chance this year with 4 large Doe that where grazing. I never quite got a good eye on them thru my 3x9 before they started moving. This is why i am asking the question. I was looking for something that could give me a better look for antlers at that distance. I was thinking the 4x12 would be a good setup. I will continue to look at the scopes mentioned and go back to considering a 3x9.
#10
RE: buying a scope ques..
I'd go with the 4-12. If you look through a scope set to 3 power and then look through a scope set to 4 power, they're identical. Andthe 4-12 you'll have that much more magnification over the 3-9. Yes, most of them have side focuses, but it's only to make the picture clearer. It's notrequired that you put the side focus on that yardage before taking the shot.
This is the scope that I have and I love it! Great price too... You may be able to find it on eBay a little cheaper.
http://theopticzone.com/detail.aspx?ID=3610
This is the scope that I have and I love it! Great price too... You may be able to find it on eBay a little cheaper.
http://theopticzone.com/detail.aspx?ID=3610