Fixed 10x for deer hunting?

[emt1581]

I'm looking at scopes right now and I'm curious if using a fixed power 10x scope would be a good idea for hunting with a .308?

If not, please reccommend a power combo that would be better suited for such a task.


Thanks!:)

-Emt1581

[DJ Niner]

A fixed 3- or 4-power is fine in close cover, up to maybe 200 yards. If you spend more time in open grasslands or clear-cuts, a 6x works well. Mount any of them as low as your stock/cheek-weld will allow, and practice bringing the gun up quickly so your eye falls naturally behind the center of the scope's field of view.

10x is usable for "sniping" deer from a fixed blind at specific distance(s), but if you jump one on the way in/out to your stand, you probably will have difficulty finding him in the scope for a quick running shot.

I currently use a 3.5-10x on my .308 bolt-gun, and it spends a LOT more time at the bottom vs. the top magnification. I used both 4x and 6x fixed-power scopes for years on various guns, and never lost an animal or a shot due to the scope or any sighting-related reason.

[JCW355]

Too strong unless you know it will be a long shot. A good ole 3x9 should work and if you don't like variables get a 4x. Field of view will be to small at a close range and if you have to throw up quickly to shoot, you'll never find your target in the scope and if you do will you be able to tell where your looking at in a fast shot situation.

[Stud Duck]

A 3-9X or 3-10X scope will be all the scope you need, close-up or far away it'll have you covered. If you need an optics lesson go to www.swfa.com then head to optics talk, there's some sharp guys over there.

[noway]

4x power fix would do most deer in and at ranges we are accustome to shoot them at 100yards less and I would stretch that to 300.

10x imho is why to much unless you plan on shooting off a bi-pod. Now it might be a good scope for a praire dog or varmint shooting

[WIG19]

Get a low-to-medium variable such as a 1.5-4.5x, or 2-7x; even the extremely common 3-9x should be normally kept on the lowest setting 90% of the time for white-tails. And get it close at the range with your high setting, but revert to the power you'll use most often to find out where you're shooting it before you leave the range.

FWIW, I use a 1.75-6x Leupold on my 7-08, and it stays normally set just high enough that I don't pickup any shadow from the tip of the muzzle underneath, somewhere around 2.5x or so. Last time I had to take a deer while covering a cornfield, I think I had it up to a bit over 4x for that. There's often time to turn it up for a long shot, but in the woods there's no time to turn it down. :)

:patriot:

[spober]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DJ Niner
[B]A fixed 3- or 4-power is fine in close cover, up to maybe 200 yards. If you spend more time in open grasslands or clear-cuts, a 6x works well. Mount any of them as low as your stock/cheek-weld will allow, and practice bringing the gun up quickly so your eye falls naturally behind the center of the scope's field of view.

10x is usable for "sniping" deer from a fixed blind at specific distance(s), but if you jump one on the way in/out to your stand, you probably will have difficulty finding him in the scope for a quick running shot.

mAN THose close runnning ShOTS ARE verY DiFFIcult if not ImPOSSIBle!

[2400]

A 2X-7X might be just what you're looking for.

[RayB]

In binoculars, 10X is considered the upper end of hand-holdable. In real-world observing, 8X is much better for most people.

Increasing magnification means increasing everything--including the slightest hand movements, vibrations, heat shimmering, etc.

Upping the magnification also reduces apparent field of view, brightness, exit pupil & eye relief. :freak:

Just my .02...

--Ray

[Bushflyr]

Isn't PA mostly dense woods and brush? I'd say 2x or 3x red dot. Offhand with a 10x will make you sea sick. :)

[emt1581]

That's why I just ordered a 4x12 Leupy...I'll probably keep it on the 4 but if I want to circumsize a white tail from a few hundred yards, I'll just crank it up a bit.;)

Thanks!

-Emt1581

[HuntingGuy]

I'll probably keep it on the 4 but if I want to circumsize a white tail from a few hundred yards, I'll just crank it up a bit.

DEFINITELY easier said than done.. Even at the range. Throw in the adrenaline, take out the 'bench and bags' you have at the range, and it's not so easy to make those accurate shots.

In any case, the magnification you went with is reasonable - but make sure to keep it on 4 like you mentioned until a deer is in the scope. You'll love leupy if you don't have one already, that is the G. Loomis of rifle scopes :alien: I won't buy anything else.