I have limited experience hunting with a scoped rifle, but I've pretty much determined that I don't need more than a 2-7X40 for the type of hunting I plan on doing (Coastal Cal deer/pig) and am also considering a 1.5-5X32.
A friend suggested a 4X33 (Leupold) for the inherent superior optics, durability, light weight, and low profile that a fixed scope offers. I also see that Weaver makes its Grand Slam in a 4.75X40. I'm unsure if the advantages of a 40mm objective on a 4.75 outweigh the added mass.
I'd certainly appreciate any experienced opinions on my pending choices.
Thanks very much,
Spent

1.5x5 and 2x7 are both very handy ranges. They don't get as much press as the high-magnification scopes w/giant objectives, but they are handy to use in the field.

A fixed 4x ought to certainly be durable and I've picked up quite a few used at gun shows over the years. Sent a few back to Leupold to have them re-focused (parallax-free) at 50 yards and that makes a dandy .22 rimfire scope, which I could still use on a big game rifle in an emergency.

Vast majority of 2X-7X scopes are same exact size as a standard length 4X. Yet more versatile. I bought an affordable Simmons Pro Hunter for my 30-30 and its a good one. I'd buy it again as it performed well for me last Novemebr on a mule deer hunt in single digit weather with blowing snow. Priced under $75. if you surf to www.cheaperthandirt.com

But I think that a Bushnell 3200 2X-7X has a little better overall quality. They're priced under $150. if you do a little surfing.

My hunting partner has a 4X Nikon and he likes it. Paid about $225.

Years ago, Redfield built a terrific wide view 4X scope with rectangle lens. If you find a used one, buy it!

Hope this is helpful.
TR

Thanks very much for the input, guys. I will do a little more investigating.
Spent

Like variables on dual use rifles...but as I get older, tend to having rifles more or less dedicated to a single use.

(IF anyone ever does discover the "perfect all around rifle" please don't tell anyone....if there were such a rifle, we'd have no excuse to own more than one.)

Do like the low end variables for big game hunting...big critters don't need a lot of magnification and an upper power of 6-7X seems to be plenty, but the big field of view at the 1.5 to 2X low end is sure a help when they are moving and you have to sort them out at close range. Guess I could live happy with a big game rifle with a 2-7X.


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Have an older 30-30 Marlin 336 that sometimes get borrowed by new hunters. the only scope I had free at the time was a 2-7x. Eventually I got tired of having Newbies want to take shots at game too far away... GLUED the scope at 2X and blackened out the numbers.

Have an older 30-30 Marlin 336 that sometimes get borrowed by new hunters. the only scope I had free at the time was a 2-7x. Eventually I got tired of having Newbies want to take shots at game too far away... GLUED the scope at 2X and blackened out the numbers.

After using peep sights for so long, I could see being tempted to crank up the power and take shots I should not have. Thanks.