Fixed vs variable power scope???

[7-30 Waters]

Trying to decide what power of Burris scope to put on my new 15" 357 Herrett.  Most of my shot from the tree stand are under 75 yards but I would like to hunt from a ground blind so shots could be out to 200 yards.  Is a 4x good enough or is a variable power scope a must for longer shots.  I wouldn't mind trying a 2x-7x varible but is it really necessary for the distances I have indicated?

My current scopes are a Burris 4x and Burris 1.5x-4x variable.

what does everyone else recommend?

Thanks

[rickyp]

I like the T/C 2.5-7 scopes
During normal hunting I put it on about 4X but if I am hunting in heavy brush I put it on the lowest setting and when I am hunting on the field edges I turn it up.

The down side is the higher the X the less eye rel. you have and field of vied drops.

[jhalcott]

  I can tell you this! My young 13/14 year old nieces would shame the "old guys" at the club with 4x scopes on several hand guns. These were both bolt action and contenders. They would regularly shoot at and hit plastic (20 ounce) soda bottles and clay pigeons placed on the 300 yard berm.! This was off sand bag rests. I prefer the 2x7 or 2.5x8 Leupold for MOST hunting as I'm getting older.
  I keep the scope on the lowest power and if a long shot comes up, I figure I can boost the x's. I do NOT try for the LONG shot any more,preferring to keep my shots within 175 yards. One reason for this is a shorter time to recovery of the deer. There are some "hunters" in my area that will claim any deer they can get to first. I've seen this personally! The real shooter called a game warden who sided with the CLAIMER>  Then wrote him a ticket for hunting with out a property permit!

[Grumulkin]

The real shooter called a game warden who sided with the CLAIMER>  Then wrote him a ticket for hunting with out a property permit!

Truly the wisdom of Solomon.

As for scope powers with the 357 Herrett; I would agree that a fixed 2X or 4X would be sufficient for shots at deer up to 100 yards but a higher power variable is very nice especially when working up loads for accuracy.  I have a 3-9X T/C variable on mine and, when hunting, pretty much keep it on 5X.  Once, for a very close shot at a springbok, I turned it down to 3X.  I think the 3-9X was a bit of overkill and if doing it again would go with a 2-7X.

[OLDHandgunner]

Most of my Contender barrels have 2X Leupolds for deer. The couple of barrels that have a 2x-7x are used for big & small game. I also use Burris, T/C scopes with 1X, 2X & 3X. I personally don't own a straight 4X ( yet ). I have one 5X Burris that works great on my custom 22 Hornet barrel. The higher power scopes are good for small game & testing loads from a rest.  I would match the scope to what game you are going to be hunting and the distance you will be shooting.
GOOD  LUCK

[doc-and]

Bushnell Trophy 2x6 scope will serve your purpose and not break the bank

docand

[Ladobe]

For big game hunting I found the Burris 2-7 (200293) ideal for a variable.   And for fixed I use the Tasco Pro Class 4X and 6X.   Have a bunch of all three models and they work very well on everything from the pipsqueaks to the handcannons for medium & big game as far as you'll normally shoot them.   Naturally, all three models have been discontinued, although Burris does make other 2-7's.   

[irold]

If you ever tried to shoot with both eyes open...a fixed low power is superior.  If you've never tried this , experiment with it, it does work . With the limited field of view of a pistol , shooting with both eyes open helps to " pick up " you target.  It feels really strange at first, but once you get used to it, it works.  Back to your post, I've found besides at the range most of my variables end up on a mid to lower setting and are left there.........when a deer comes trotting through, generally one doesn't have time to be peckering around with a scope adjustment.....buy a 2X or 4X and use it.  Only my opinion