3-12 or 4-14 power selection

[TigerAG16]

Hello everyone,

New poster here but familiar with the forum. Hoping to get some guidance on scope selection. I have decided on the Zeiss V4, but I am undecided on either the 3-12x44 or 4-16x44 model. Being in the Southeast, most of my shooting will be 300 yards and in, however I do have trips planned to go out west and hunt Elk, Mule deer, and Pronghorn. I want to be able to shoot out to 500, 600 yards max. This is going to be a hunting scope going on a Winchester model 70. I have not used a turret/dialing scope much as I am accustomed to "set and forget" styles, but I do not want to limit myself. What is everyone's opinion on the way to go? Thanks!

 

[Trigger06]

3-12 is plenty. I prefer to dial my corrections. It isn't hard to learn.

 

[Hunt41]

3-12 is all you need.

 

[Dobermann]

The 12x will do all you need. The Zeiss might not.

 

[TigerAG16]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. I am leaning to the 3-12x however it is only available in a duplex reticle. Would this severely limit me for longer range shots?

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. I am leaning to the 3-12x however it is only available in a duplex reticle. Would this severely limit me for longer range shots?

Not at all. Very simple to learn to dial.

 

[elldeerant]

Prefer the higher power, specially for sighyung in at longer ranges

 

[WCB]

I have multiple 3-12s and multiple 4-16s...12x will work just fine. However, I personally prefer the higher magnification...You don't have to have it at 16x but you at least have the option. for anything beyond 300ish I recommend dialing.

 

[elldeerant]

agree with 16 power suggestion. When trying to dial rifle in on paper, 12 power gets difficult past 400 yds. not enough resolution.

 

[CApighunter]

As far as I know the 3-12 only comes with a capped elevation turret. I have a 4-16 ive been pleased with so far. If you want to dial regularly you might be better off going to the 4-16. The 3-12 would be ideal for a set it and forget it scope though.

 

[bow_hunt32]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. I am leaning to the 3-12x however it is only available in a duplex reticle. Would this severely limit me for longer range shots?

Yes, judging from your initial post i assume you not want to dial for wind therefore having a reticle that you can hold wind is imperative, i would suggest dialing your elevation and having a good reticle for holding wind for any shots over 300 yards.

 

[rkcdvm]

I was shooting 1000 yards this weekend and the power never went above 10x. When we moved the gong to 900 and 850 it was set to 8x.

 

[kcm2]

9x is fine out to 500 or 600 for big game. For prairie dogs, I want a bit more.

 

[BBob]

I'm out west and I used to think 14x was fine but now 18x is my minimum. My favorite compact is a March D25V42 2.5-25x.42. You can certainly do with less but once you go big on magnification it's hard to go back. I think my opinion is pretty common out here.

 

[6mm Remington]

If it were me I would go with the 4-16x44mm. I have never felt handicapped at close range shots with my 6x42mm Leupold. I know that the 4x on the lower end would work perfectly for the close shots. The 16x would be very nice on the upper end when you have a longer shot and the time to use the capabilities of the scope. In our family we have two 4.5-14x40mm Leupold with the B&C reticle that has hash tags for longer distances. I really like that system. If I am not mistaken I believe Zeiss has a similar set-up called the Z600 which is useful obviously for up to 600 yards. If you are going Zeiss I would choose the 4-16x44mm with the Z600 reticle if available. That is what I would choose.

 

[Marcus21]

I find my 3-15 to be almost perfect

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[grizz19]

I only hunt here in the west but I shoot a 4-16 and would definitely recommend that. I’ve shot 3-9’s and 3-12’s growing up but since I’ve switched to that higher power I definitely won’t be going back. Next purchase I may even bump it up a notch.

 

[Marcus21]

Ya 3-15 is almost perfect for me but a 3-21 or 4-20 would leave me perfectly satisfied

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[Greatwhite84]

I’ve got a 2x12 Leupold VX6HD that will be in the classifieds soon if you are interested. Brand new in the box for $1175 but will entertain reasonable offers. I just bought it brand new and am going to go a different route. Never been mounted or anything. MSRP is $1950.

I dont know when my PMs will be activated but anyone can text me at 713-203-953five if interested. I have to wait a week to post it apparently.