Scope power

[karibunisana87]

A lot of people from the western US on this forum... what power scope do you guys use on your predator/varmint rifles? I'm mostly interested in calling coyotes out here in western Colorado, and I'm trying to decide between a 3-9 power scope or a 4-12. $250 budget, leaning towards the Redfield Revolution or Leupold VX-1 scopes. Going to be mounted on a .223 bolt action rifle.

From your practical experience, what do you think... what would I be a bigger handicap, the lesser magnification of the 3-9 scope or the inability to go lower on a 4-12 power scope?

While we're at it (and this is secondary), what power do you like for hunting elk/deer/antelope in the desert and mountains? I am replacing some cheap glass on my .270 rifle.

Thanks for your patience with such a simple and common question - I like getting the perspectives of the folks on this forum.

 

[Ian]

without getting technical. I have never desired to go lower that 4x, all I used to have were straight 4x scopes, and dreamed of having even a 6x. For the last few years I have used a fixed 10 power scope. That makes close target acquisition very challenging, and I wouldn't recommend it. (requires a lot of time behind the gun). personally I would go for more zoom, at least the 4-12, if not more. I would be satisfied to be able to drop down to 5 power on the low end.

 

[wapitibob]

My wife looked thru my 14x after using her 12 and said she was done with 12. I now have 22x and see no reason to go lower. Antelope at 75 to 500 worked just fine at 22x.

 

[5MilesBack]

It depends. A coyote at shotgun range is much easier to acquire with no power or a 2 power scope, but at 400 yards I want as much as I can get. I have a 4.5-14x50mm on my .22-250.

 

[rblosser]

5x25 on my elk gun and a 4x16 on my deer gun.

 

[tstowater]

As the saying goes, you generally get what you pay for. That being said, I would suggest consider getting a bigger budget. I would suggest either a VXII in a 6-18 or a VXIII in a 4.5-14 or 6.5-20. If you can't afford new, look for a used one. I have found several on this forum at fair prices. The warranty on the Leupolds are good so I am not afraid to buy a used one. The better scopes will collect more light in low or poor light conditions.

You might want to send a PM to KMD as he predator hunts all over the country. He could give you some insight.

Also, there are lots of reticle choices that you should consider.

Big game, consider a 4-16. I have a couple with 3.5-10's and haven't felt under powered out past 300 easily. I've played with a couple 4-16's in Vortex Viper HD and would be generally very pleased with them. Until you get to the longer distance shooting, I wouldn't worry about dialing or real high dollar scopes as you won't utilize the extra features that cost the money.

 

[Justin Crossley]

For a .223 coyote gun, I like a good quality scope in the 4.5-14 range. If you're planning on calling them, I wouldn't recommend going higher than 4.5 power on the low end. And like always, buy the best you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run.

 

[Woody15]

I agree with the 4.5-14 for coyote gun. I have one on my 22-250 and it has served me well. The Burris Fullfield II is a pretty darn good scope in your price range with a full lifetime warranty. I have 3 of them and hunt almost exclusively at night for coyote and fox and they gather plenty of light.

 

[rickjames80]

For coyotes and varmints I agree that a 4.5-6 power minimum and maxing out from 12-16 is about perfect IMO. I am in the minority on the deer/elk powers though. The scope that I prefer is my Nikon Monarch in 2.5-10. Spot and stalk hunting in the trees with the low power really helps me get on animals. And while hunting the open hills 10x is plenty out to 400-500yds for me anyway. However I do know people that leave there variable scopes set to 6x all the time and they shoot as much and sometimes more stuff than I do.