Variable Power Scope and Hunting Magnification

[General RE LEE]

What is everyone’s preferred baseline magnification on your variable power scope? Do you have it set on 4x? 6x? I generally keep mine set on 4x and zoom if necessary. I ask because I’m taking my son youth hunting this weekend and I think 5x magnification on FFP reticle (Burris Veracity PH) will be just about right for him to pick up the rifle and shoot out to 300 yards.

 

[justinspicher]

I usually keep mine on the lowest setting until I need more magnification. I’ve found that to be the easiest way for me to identify critters through the scope.

 

[sndmn11]

5x magnification on FFP reticle (Burris Veracity PH) will be just about right for him to pick up the rifle and shoot out to 300 yards.

Simce he is the shooter and skilled enough to hang out to 300 yards, does he get a say in the decision?

 

[JRMiller]

I always leave mine on lowest power until I know I need higher.
I prefer all mine scopes to start no higher than 3x, but that's just me.
Been quite a few times where I unexpectedly stumble on an animal that's <50 yards and sometimes there is such a thing as too much magnification.

 

[Jdeck09]

3-18 or 4-20/24. I'll keep everything on 3-4 until I find an animal.

 

[waspocrew]

Keep on lowest, then increase when on target if needed.

 

[KenLee]

4x unless I know game regularly cross at 200 yards or more, then 6x

 

[Skerhunter]

I use 6-8x typically unless I expect a sub 50 yard shot, but I don’t have any issues getting into position and finding animals in my scope.

My experience hunting with others though tells me it should be 2-4x max until they are comfortable, especially in hunt scenarios where they are excited.