10x SWFA for hunting?

[gostovp]

SWFA doesn’t have the 6x in stock, and I called them and they don’t have an expected in stock date. For my Tikka T3 RoughTech in 7mm Mag, is the 10x a bad choice? Expected use cases are Mule deer, elk and field edge / open country whitetail. Under 40 yard shots aren’t expected but anything is possible… is a fixed 10x a stupid idea?

 

[Cannonball]

When I was about 17, 30 years ago, in Florida I was in a tripod stand and was watching some does though my scope at 10x, out of the corner of my eye I saw a buck crossing right under the stand. All I saw was a flash of hair and antler in my scope as he jumped when I tried to get on him.

I know you aren’t supposed to glass with your scope. Less of an issue out west where you are spotting with binos and then moving in, but there could still be times when a surprise shot comes up and the 10x won’t be great

 

[TaperPin]

For 99.5% of open country hunting I don’t know why it wouldn’t work great.

Out in the sage brush country we got to within 300 yards of a buck, about the time it spooked and he ran right at us. Blowing a cow elk call stopped him at 75 yards, but he was more scared of whatever was behind him than us and he passed within 5 yards going 100 mph. My ex wife short stroked her 7 mag and didn’t make it go bang, but she would have had him otherwise. With a 10x that kind of shot becomes a lot harder.

 

[gostovp]

Yeah those scenarios where a deer is right on top of you would not be good. I have other rifles for my WI woods hunting (30-30 lever with a peep for the really thick stuff, and a REM 7600 pump in 30-06 that has a low power Leupold variable on it)

 

[gostovp]

Oh and a bolt action Howa Mini action in 7.62x39 which is a kick ass sub 150 yard deer rifle … stupid accurate to

 

[TxxAgg]

It can be done just not ideal. I'd be more worried about spotting my shot than a close up shot.

 

[Formidilosus]

SWFA doesn’t have the 6x in stock, and I called them and they don’t have an expected in stock date. For my Tikka T3 RoughTech in 7mm Mag, is the 10x a bad choice? Expected use cases are Mule deer, elk and field edge / open country whitetail. Under 40 yard shots aren’t expected but anything is possible… is a fixed 10x a stupid idea?

For that use it will work fine.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I shoot everything on at least 10x regardless of if it’s 200 yards or 50 yards. I’ve never had any issues or missed an opportunity because of too much magnification.

 

[TaperPin]

Yeah those scenarios where a deer is right on top of you would not be good. I have other rifles for my WI woods hunting (30-30 lever with a peep for the really thick stuff, and a REM 7600 pump in 30-06 that has a low power Leupold variable on it)

To be honest, I like a 6x for most western hunting, but a 10x on my wish list to replace a 3x9 backup, and as a primary antelope/varmint/plinking scope. A fixed scope sure has a lot fewer parts to go bad.

 

[Geewhiz]

One of my rifles is fitted with a fixed 16x swfa. I never really rifle hunt much brush or thick timber so it works just fine for my purpose.

 

[rcb2000]

I had concerns about hunting with my 10X SWFA, mostly what about if something jumps at 100 yards.
Well, something jumped at 100 yards and I shot it just fine, nice sight picture.

 

[gostovp]

Thanks everyone, I’ll probably order up a 10x and see how it works

 

[Axlrod]

Get the 10x and backorder the 6x. If you don't end up liking the 10x you can swap them, and sell the 10x. or put it on a varmint gun.
When I first heard about the SWFA's 10 or so years ago, I ordered 1 of each 6x,10x,12x,16x, & 20x on their black friday deal. The 2 high power ones are nearly useless for hunting, so I use them to do load development and such. They work fine from a bench, and preferably with some sunshine.

 

[gostovp]

It'll work. Would not be my choice though

What would your choice be?

 

[gostovp]

Get the 10x and backorder the 6x. If you don't end up liking the 10x you can swap them, and sell the 10x. or put it on a varmint gun.
When I first heard about the SWFA's 10 or so years ago, I ordered 1 of each 6x,10x,12x,16x, & 20x on their black friday deal. The 2 high power ones are nearly useless for hunting, so I use them to do load development and such. They work fine from a bench, and preferably with some sunshine.

That sounds like a plan

 

[dreamingWest]

Personally, I'd pick something else. I've had too many weird things happen hunting deer and elk pre and post first shot. I've also had bears come to camp.

As long as the action is fairly slow or the animal remains outside about 100 yards I guess it would be okay.

 

[DangerRanger]

I set my buddy up with a fixed 10 for eastern whitetail last year and he shot his personal best iirc under 100 yards.

No issues. A 6x fits better but it’s doable


Edit* just texted him, under 40 yards

 

[TaperPin]

Get the 10x and backorder the 6x. If you don't end up liking the 10x you can swap them, and sell the 10x. or put it on a varmint gun.
When I first heard about the SWFA's 10 or so years ago, I ordered 1 of each 6x,10x,12x,16x, & 20x on their black friday deal. The 2 high power ones are nearly useless for hunting, so I use them to do load development and such. They work fine from a bench, and preferably with some sunshine.

How good was the Black Friday sale?

 

[Axlrod]

How good was the Black Friday sale?

Oh man that was some time ago. I want to say $200 ea. plus you got rings and a sunshade maybe.

 

[Mike Islander]

I normally use 6X on everything from 4 yard squirrels to 500 yard whitetails (different rifles, same 6x42 scopes). Tried a 10x42 last year. Worked a peach! Run it.