Scope magnification

[coltfan]

The Burris vs. Bushnell post a few days back got me to thinking. It seems that most handgun hunters prefer relatively low magnification for their scopes, and even when purchasing a variable power scope they tend to limit themselves to the 2 X 6, or 2 X 7 range. I understand that most hunting is done at low power magnification, and that this accounts for this preference. However this brings me to my question. Since the cost difference between the Burris 2 X 7 is only about 50 to 75 dollars less than the Burris 3 X 12, why not buy the 3 X 12 but only use the lower power magnification when hunting. To my way of thinking, I would prefer to have the 8 thru 12 power magnification available when developing new handloads. Since load development is usually done using a bench rest, the magnified scope movement is not an issue as it would be when hunting or shooting off hand. The target acquisition with the higher magnification should be much better, and should therefore give a better picture of the loads true capabilities. I would also think that the eye relief and field of view for the 3 X 12 at say 5 X would be the same as the 2 X 7 also at 5X. Someone please let me know if my logic is flawed on this assumption. While I am not positive about the size difference between the 2 X 7 and the 3 X 12, I don’t expect the  3 X 12 to be much larger, or perhaps it is the exact same size and weight. I just want to be sure that I am not short sighted when I make my scope purchase. I don’t want to end up regretting trying to save a few bucks, and ending up with something that is not completely satisfactory. I plan on mounting this scope on my 7-30 Water barrel. Since this is a new barrel I expect to be doing quite a bit of load development through the spring and summer, as well as using it for groundhogs. I like to use my hunting handguns for groundhogs so I can familiarize myself with the guns capabilities and characteristics before I use them for deer season.

[contendernut]

The 3-12 is larger than the 2-7.  Also, it weights more.  Some don't like the AO for hunting.

[helobill]

3-12X is really designed more for target or varmit work. Can you use it, sure. But when you get a close shot on a moving deer and the lowest you can go is 3X, you'll wish you had a 2X or lower (been there, done that, had my scope on ~4X and couldn't which brown part I was looking at, so I had to let it pass.) If you know that's not going to be a problem because of where you hunt, then like contendernut said all you have to do is consider the size/weight difference and see if that's okay with you. I can't imagine needing 12X for handgun deer hunting where I hunt, and with 7 power, load development FOR HUNTING is no problem since EXTREME accuracy is not required; a 2" group at 100yards is adequate and 7X should be enough to keep your point of aim out of the problem.
Helicopter Bill

[jhalcott]

eye relief is another consideration when choosing a scope. The 12x scope has less eye relief than others. A hard recoiling gun with a 12x is bound to cause a flinch. I have personally shot soda cans at 300 yds from the bench using 7 or 8 power scopes. I leave the power on it's lowest setting till I NEED more. I don't normally shoot at running game! I want to KNOW the deer I kill is the buck I want,not a stray doe.   jh

[Gregory]

My personal preference for a handgun scope that is strictly for deer at woods ranges is a 2X Nikon.  But since my Contenders get much more bench time than hunting time, my 300 Whisper and 357 Max are both sporting a Burris 2-7X.  My 44 Mag barrel still has a Nikon on it.
After some further load development work, I'll probably put a Nikon 2X back on the 357 Max.

For me, even from the bench, 7X is as much magnification I'm comfortable with.  The eye relief and position of your eye, to get a full field of view, becomes more critical. I doubt I'll ever go above 5X in the field.

[Paul H]

I think folks often overestimate the ability of scope magnification to shrink groups.  I've been able to group 1/2" with a 2.5-7 on my contender.

The biggest suprise of all is the 2.5x fixed on my 350 rigby rifle, it'll group 5/8-3/4".  I've put a fixed 6X on, and groups didn't shrink at all.

I think more important than magnification is having a target that allows you to hold solid for load work.