If you are big game hunting at 200 yards and in, you have plenty of scope already. Keep in mind a scope is an optical sight. Perhaps quality binoculars would fit the bill to locate/identify your game. I have cataracts, macular degeneration, and some other eye condition I can't even spell; my...
If eye relief is not important, another option would be used high end porros. Swarovski, Steiner, Fujinon, Swift, and Zeiss all made some outstanding porro prism binoculars, just to name a few. A few years ago I compared a pair of multicoated Zeiss 10x50 Dekarems from 1980 to a pair of non HD...
I have heard good things about Arken from the local benchrest community. Leupolds from the mid 2000's back are good, as I have used them for nearly 40 years with no issues. Additionally, I operate a small gun business and sell alot of pre-owned optics. Older Leupolds sell better than any...
A higher scope increases point blank range a little, but not as much as some might think. Rimfire hunters are more apt to miss at close ranges with higher mounted scopes because of the steeper angle of trajectory. A higher scope is more prone to canting errors and easier to knock off zero...
I agree with Will. The closer your sight is to the bore axis, the better. There is very little benefit to large objectives in my view. Back the power down a little to increase your exit pupil and draw in a little more light at dusk and dawn. Use good binoculars to identify your game. There's...
Jack O'Connor said he never saw a big game shot a 4X scope couldn't handle; he and Finn Aagaard both agreed a 2.5X scope would handle most big game shots. My primary big game rifle wears a 2.75X scope and has never failed me.
Agreed. I don't like the size either. I've owned several SLC 10x50's, which I really like. Unfortunately, they are tanks and just too heavy. I wear glasses and the long eye relief appeals to me.
These discussions are really subjective. I base my opinions on nearly 50 years in the field and having used and traded in high end optics for many years. I have spent countless hours comparing optics over the years, often with a circle of friends. I operate a small gun business and alot of...
I will likely upgrade at some point and really appreciate the information. I rarely have the opportunity to test spotters, so I learn all I can from Rokslide!
Thanks for the advice. I primarily use a spotter for the range; a Bushnell (Kowa) 20x50 and a USA Redfield Regal 15-60x60. Both scopes are from the 70's.
We work with smaller exit pupils and higher powers with spotters, and this exacerbates the issue, especially for old eyes like mine. With binoculars and rifle scopes, many people likely never give it a second thought until just before dark. Using vintage spotters adds to the mix for me.
My experience with evaluating spotting scopes is somewhat limited, and I have virtually no experience with modern alpha spotters. It seems to me the exit pupil needs to be at least 2-3mm to provide a bright and clear daylight view. Does this hold true for alphas as well? Will there be...
I've hunted eastern whitetails since the mid 70's and US made Leupolds have never failed me. You are safe with most anything up into the mid 2000's. Look for the green multicoat 4 coatings for better light transmission. No need for dialing up to 400 yards. Study your ballistics and point...
My recollection is accurate. I have used countless Weavers over the years and generally had good service. I had a few fog up after 40+ years. For at least 25 years, I have used a K8 for testing rifles. I have a 80+ year old model 70 with the original Weaver 330. It has never lost zero in...