Need help deciding on which scope for Idaho hunt

[mdkelley]

I was going to take my compact 7mm-08 a-bolt for a spring bear hunt but have decided to take my full size 338 win mag m77 mkII. The Ruger is currently wearing a vari-X III 3.5-10 x 40 with a target turret (factory option). I have two higher magnification scopes I could put on it before the hunt but not sure if I really need to change anything. My shots are restricted to 400 yards or less with this rifle since I don't regularly practice at extended yardages. I don't think adjustable objective would be necessary at that yardage but I am no expert. The other scopes I have that I could swap the 3.5-10 out for are:

vx-2 4-12x40 AO
vx-3 4.5-14x40 AO

This is my first western hunt and the rifle will be with me in case I can't get close enough with my archery equipment to make an ethical shot. Thoughts or feedback on whether I need more power or just stick with 10X and fixed parallax? I am thinking the 14X would be nice if needed, and would definitely help me when shooting in the 600 yard practice sessions at my sportsmans club.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I don’t think you would handicap yourself with just using the 3.5-10, especially with the range limit you have set. Spring bears are pretty easy to sneak up on.

 

[Cahunter805]

Keep your current scope on it and try to shoot some practice from field positions. Not off a bench. 10x is plenty for your yardage limits.

 

[elkguide]

If you shoot what you have well, don't change.
If you don't shoot what you have well...….. PRACTICE!!!!

Unless I was going to upgrade my scope, I wouldn't switch from one of the same brand to another of the same brand. 10 power magnification will be just fine for bear.