Scopes and Inlines...

[flmason]

Hi All,
   Was digging around the web for an inline to buy. Some come with scopes. Some are fixed 4x34-ish others around 3-9x40.

One manufacturer suggested that the fixed 4x scope was suitable for ranges where variables aren't needed.

Anyone have any thoughts on what range a variable scope becomes "neccesary"?

Have to admit, I've always been an iron sight shooter. Never really cared about "bazillion yard shots". But given that I've aged a bit since last into this stuff, might be nice to have optics, even if I still figure on having to get close to do the job.

[gunrac]

We do small drives in my area.  A lot of close incounters at times. 4x, 3x9 or 2x7, any would get the job done.  My personal preference is the 2x7, just for the little extra F.O.V. + a little extra eye relief.

 

[Semisane]

I have a 3x9 Leupold on one of my in-lines, and 4x Simmons ProDiamonds on another in-line and on two sidelocks.  I've come to prefer the 4x scopes.  My shots max out at around 150 yards, and most are around 100 yards or less.

[Doug B.]

In Wisconsin I do believe that we are limited to 1.5 power scopes. Best check your local regs.

[flmason]

Wow, really? They tell you (in Wisconsin no less?) what your sights can be?

[coop2564]

The scopes that come in the package deals are usually very cheap no name brands. I prefer something 2x7 32mm with min 3.5 eye relief. I like having at least 7 power so I can make sure at say 150yds that doe I'm shooting is a doe and not a spike or nubbin  have been known to forget my bino's from time to time. Many states and refuges have different regs on bullets, powders, optics and electronics.

[gunrac]

In Wisconsin I do believe that we are limited to 1.5 power scopes. Best check your local regs.

Muzzleloaders

I also found that hard to fathom, so I did a search. You are close to being right. You can use electronic calls but next to no scope. Just the opposite here in Ohio. We can scope but no elec. call.

• Muzzleloaders that are discharged from the shoulder must be at least .45 caliber if
smoothbore and .40 caliber or larger if rifled barrel, and must be loaded with a single
ball or slug to be legal for deer hunting. During the 10-day muzzleloader only
season (Nov. 30–Dec. 9), muzzleloaders must have a solid threaded breech plug,
only be able to be loaded from the muzzle, and may not have telescopic sights (1
power or less are legal). Telescopic sights are legal to use on muzzleloaders during
other firearm seasons. Note: Inline muzzleloaders are legal to use during the 10-day
muzzleloader hunt with black powder or any black powder substitutes.
• Muzzleloaders may be used statewide in all areas open to hunting deer with guns.
• Muzzleloading handguns must be .44 caliber and larger with a minimum barrel
length of 7 inches measured from muzzle to breech face, and fire a single projectile
weighing 138 grains or more to be legal for deer hunting.
• Black powder revolvers are legal but not for hunting deer during the 10-day
muzzleloader only season (because they are capable of being loaded by the cylinder
instead of the muzzle).
10-Day Muzzleloader Only Deer Season
• A hunter or at least one member of a group hunting party must have a valid, unused
Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag or Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag to participate in
the muzzleloader only season.
• Blaze orange clothing and ground blind display requirements apply (see page 21).
• The 10-day muzzleloader only season will be held statewide except in all metro
units outside of the CWD Management Zone and some state parks.
• Antlerless deer may only be harvested with unfilled Antlerless Deer Carcass Tags
in units for which they are valid (see exemption for qualified military personnel
and disabled hunters on pages 13 and 14).

[flmason]

In Wisconsin I do believe that we are limited to 1.5 power scopes. Best check your local regs.

Muzzleloaders

I also found that hard to fathom, so I did a search. You are close to being right. You can use electronic calls but next to no scope. Just the opposite here in Ohio. We can scope but no elec. call.

• Muzzleloaders that are discharged from the shoulder must be at least .45 caliber if
smoothbore and .40 caliber or larger if rifled barrel, and must be loaded with a single
ball or slug to be legal for deer hunting. During the 10-day muzzleloader only
season (Nov. 30–Dec. 9), muzzleloaders must have a solid threaded breech plug,
only be able to be loaded from the muzzle, and may not have telescopic sights (1
power or less are legal). Telescopic sights are legal to use on muzzleloaders during
other firearm seasons. Note: Inline muzzleloaders are legal to use during the 10-day
muzzleloader hunt with black powder or any black powder substitutes.
• Muzzleloaders may be used statewide in all areas open to hunting deer with guns.
• Muzzleloading handguns must be .44 caliber and larger with a minimum barrel
length of 7 inches measured from muzzle to breech face, and fire a single projectile
weighing 138 grains or more to be legal for deer hunting.
• Black powder revolvers are legal but not for hunting deer during the 10-day
muzzleloader only season (because they are capable of being loaded by the cylinder
instead of the muzzle).
10-Day Muzzleloader Only Deer Season
• A hunter or at least one member of a group hunting party must have a valid, unused
Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag or Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag to participate in
the muzzleloader only season.
• Blaze orange clothing and ground blind display requirements apply (see page 21).
• The 10-day muzzleloader only season will be held statewide except in all metro
units outside of the CWD Management Zone and some state parks.
• Antlerless deer may only be harvested with unfilled Antlerless Deer Carcass Tags
in units for which they are valid (see exemption for qualified military personnel
and disabled hunters on pages 13 and 14).

Wow, lots of legalese there.

To be honest, this is going to be the only rifle I buy for some time (hence all the questions of late), so I'll likely be using it during regular season too, as opposed to trying to get the extra 10 days, but good to know it's gotten this regulated, so I can be legal for the duration.

Figure on carrying the 1858 Remington repro for coupe de grace if required. Plan on adding shotgun at some point, and the three should cover anything should want to do. Basically just want to cover all the bases economically. Small Game, Large Game, Wings. (No doubt smokeless arms could cover it better though.)

[1sourdough]

 WI ML scope restrictions,  yes & no. In most places if using the ML during the late ML season you can not use a scope with magnification. That limits you to a 1x scope, if you want to use one. When hunting with a ML during the regular firearm deer season you can use a scope with magnification. Some groups are trying to change the ML magnification law. I can see both sides & get by fine though I would support a change.  I usually hunt a few states when I can. My Knight has a Burris 2-7 on it at the moment. I usually leave it on 3 or 4 pwr for the hunt.

[Doug B.]

I guess with my "weak" eyes, I might be in favor of the change. Seems as though our DNR wants to get rid of a "few" deer anyway. (?)

Agreed or no?