Scope power

[Bud]

Since getting into this hobby (addiction) I've noticed that most people favor variable power scopes. The 3x9 seems most popular. It seems like the majority of shots taken at game are within 50 yards. I intend to use a Redfield Widefield 2 3/4 power which I feel is plenty of magnification for small targets at 50 yards. I'm just curious as to why people feel the need for so much magnification ? I grew up in the 50s % 60s where the 4x was the favorite power. Most of the scopes I see for sale for big game hunting seem better suited to star gazing. Could it be that I am an old fart too stubbron to change?

[GreyCoyote]

I am using a 3-9x on one pistol and a 4-12 on a second.  When I am target shooting (from a benchrest), I almost always use 8x, because that works for these tired old eyes.  If I am shooting at anything that moves, I don't use over 4x, because I am not steady enough to avoid making myself seasick when I look through the scope.  It I were a better shot or had better eyes, I'd probably be using something around 3x if I were hunting, too.

Your choice makes a lot of sense to me.

[7624452]

I'm pretty much worn out, so I do all of my rifle shooting from a bench rest.  I like at least 24x so I can see the bullet hit the target. The only (inexpensive) fixed power scopes I've seen are 4 or 6X.

[mudduck48]

You want a good scope for your rifle? I keep telling you and you don't listen. Get one of these scopes! I have one, and it is Great!
http://www.amazon.com/Hammers-3-9x40AO-Magnum-Spring-Rifle/dp/B0099XIJKC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388682752&sr=8-1&keywords=hammers+magnum+scope
Be dam, look at that price.  WOW! And it will withstand hi power springer guns.

[7624452]

Have you seen any fixed 24 or 32 power scopes ? 

[airriflenut]

You want a good scope for your rifle? I keep telling you and you don't listen. Get one of these scopes! I have one, and it is Great!
http://www.amazon.com/Hammers-3-9x40AO-Magnum-Spring-Rifle/dp/B0099XIJKC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388682752&sr=8-1&keywords=hammers+magnum+scope
Be dam, look at that price.  WOW! And it will withstand hi power springer guns.

I haven't seen these. I need to check them out, I'm a diehard Leapers/UTG fan but if these are quality optics I'll try one.  Without checking yet mudduck, do you know if they have higher magnification as well?

[mudduck48]

No, I do not know if they do. All I know, is I really like mine. Everything you would want on a scope and a great price. I looked on Amazon and found this. 8-32 power.
http://www.amazon.com/Hammers-Parallex-Adjustment-8-32X56B-Reticle/dp/B005GRGSP8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1432954939&sr=8-6&keywords=hammer+scope
Just go to your favorite search and put in Hammers scopes.

[7624452]

I've got two Hammers 2-7 pistol scopes and they work real well.  I'd probably consider the 3-9 if I didn't already have more than I need.

[RC1947]

I've also had good luck with Hammers' scopes, and they usually come with a very nice one-piece dovetail mount.  Leapers has a 4-16X AO for around $110 which is another nice scope.  It comes with weaver rings.  RC

[crossliner]

One thing I do not like about Leapers/UTG/Accushot is their very thick rets..The glass-etched versions are nice though.

[onebaddj]

For hunting I use a 3-9 and it stays on 4. I think with a wider fov with less mag gives me fast target acquisition. For target shooting where everything is still and its all about small targets at long range I like to zoom right in and aim as small as possible. Most of mine go up to 4-16. Will be adding a 6-20 shortly. most likel will keep it lower than the 20 unless I get out over 50 yds. That scope and reticle only comes it 6-20 and 8-32. 32 is way to high for me. 

[beerhippy]

I've got a 2x Centerpoint on my pistol.  Works well but were I to do it again I would opt for 2-7.

[oconeedan]

It really depends on your shooting style.  I use a rifle scope, an old tasco 2-7, and hold the pistol with a "taco" hold".  Standing, I keep it low, around 2-4.  If i want to "hit a fly", and rest the gun, I can turn the scope up.  I guess the sky is the limit if you are using sand bags.
If I decide to use a buttstock, the rifle scope is what is needed anyway.
Dan

[ejackyou]

Amazon has a Hammers scope for handguns listed too, and cheap

[ped]

about 6x for hunting and for off the bipod about 9x
my favourite scope is a phillipines made 1.5-5 simmons wtc
ped