Author Topic: Scope Magnification (Read 541 times)

MarkM · « **on:** October 06, 2004, 07:12:50 AM »

Another rookie question. I just picked up a T/C Contendor in 7X30 waters and it has a 2X Leopold scope on it. Is this going to be enough magnification? It seems like at 100 yards the target is still a long ways off. Would a 4x or a variable power scope be a better option. I anticipate most my shots being under 200 yards.

Mark

AfricanHandgunner · « **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2004, 09:32:51 AM »

A 2x would be kind of hard to see at 200 yards. I think a better choice would be a variable in say 2-6 or 2-7.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 06, 2004, 09:40:38 AM »

If you intend to shoot past 100 yards I would get either a 4 power or variable in 2-6 or 2-8.

BCB · « **Reply #3 on:** October 06, 2004, 11:40:22 AM »

MarkM,
I have a Burris 3x-12x on my 7-30 Waters and I use the higher powers at my shooting bench for 200+ yard shooting. Nine or 10x is really nice for 100-150 yard shooting. My opinion is that you can never have too much 'scope as long as the lower magnification is available on the same 'scope for close hunting situations. I prefer the variables. Good-luck...BCB

jhalcott · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2004, 02:28:26 PM »

Before the golf club moved in next to our range we had a 300 yard berm. It surprised a lot of the rifle shooters when I shot clay birds on that bank using 4x or higher magnification variables. All shots were from sand bags or a Harris bipod. I could NOT do this with a 2x Leupold though. A decent variable wont be much more $ than a fixed 4x Leupold.If you can't see it you can't hit it! Mid south has a Simmons 2x6 for$117

crawfish · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2004, 02:42:02 PM »

Let me start by saying all my handguns are scoped as I have old eyes and iron is no longer an option. A scope on a handgun is a whole different animal than a scope on a rifle. Because of the long eye relief alignment with the eye is much more critical in order to obtain a full sight picture. Because of that magnification becomes a real factor in usability under hunting conditions. Where a shooter can use higher X factors at the bench or during benched varmint shoots with out too much concern the same isnt true for hunting under field conditions. The most common complaint is I couldnt find the target or I couldnt get a full sight picture. I currently have T/C, Leupold, Redfield, Burris, and Simmons scopes mounted only three are variable the rest are fixed 2X. The three others are 2 2X7 and a 1.5X4. Of all the brands I find that the Leuplod is the most sensitive with regard to eye alignment. Dont get me wrong Leupold is a very good quality glass but they will drive you nuts sometimes. BTY I have more Leupolds (4 mounted and one in the box to be mounted on a new 657-5 PC this Saturday) than any other brand. Unless you are shooting varmints at long range a 2X will be more than enough for your big game needs. That magnification Even though you feel the target is still a long ways off you 2x will serve you very well if you just practice with it.

Graybeard · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2004, 05:39:54 PM »

I've used 2X, 4X, 2-6 and now 2-7 scopes on 7-30 barrels. All have gotten the job done. You'd be amazed what you can do with a 2X scope. Way back in '93 I was shooting on a 250 yard range and fired a 1.5" group with a Leupold 2X on my 7-30 barrel. I went on to fire several more sub MOA groups that day with that combo but never bested that one. All groups were three shots bench rested.

Special Ed · « **Reply #7 on:** October 07, 2004, 02:37:57 AM »

Hi all,
I'm new here & you guys have got an excellent forum.
Just thought I would give my 2 cents worth :wink: on this one.

Mark,
You really need to think about the hunting conditions on the scope selection. Fixed power scopes don't have a very large objective lens & don't gather much light. The 2x Leupold is a good scope until it comes to dawn or dusk hunting. Then you can't see squat.
I just upgraded my super 14 .44 mag to the 2.5 X 8 Leupold (from the 2x Leupold) only for the better light gathering ability.
I would take a good look at a variable just for this reason. Try to find one in your price range with a 32mm objective. This will give you the best light gathering out there for a handgun.
Ed

flyfisher · « **Reply #8 on:** October 07, 2004, 07:11:12 AM »

For the deer woods, I use a .375 Win with a 2x Bushnell scope...yeah, that's not much magnification, and I could only wonder as I paid for the scope if I was making a mistake or not. After some time at the range and in the field, I can tell you that I am very pleased with the 2x magnification for the deer woods for 100 yards and in. I have no reason to shoot over that here in the thick stuff of PA. Sure, there could be an opportunity for a longer shot, but it would still probably work. For groundhogs, my .222 carries a 3-12x Burris, which is ideal for groundhog hunting situations (longer shots). I like to make sure that my variable power scopes do not start off on the low side with too much magnification.

To answer your question, I think the 2x should do just fine, for the limited range that you plan on shooting at. Don't forget...the 2x is a bit easier to hold steady freehand when it's cold and you're shiverrrrrring too (at least that's from my experience with the 2x).