Magnification. How much is too much?

[houser52]

I'm currently trying to decide on a new scope. I now use a 3X9 Sightron which has never failed. I could use just a little more magnification at times.( 50 year old eyes) Ranges will be 50-200 yds +/-  on ground hogs and feral cats.
I am looking at a Bushnell Legend 5X15, Bushnell Trophy 4X12, and the Super Sniper 10X. The Bushnells will suit my needs but I like the features and toughness of the Super Sniper.
I know the SS 10X is a good scope for the money but do you think I'll be at much of a disadvantage by a fixed 10X? How close can you see the target through a 10X? I won't be shooting at running targets.
I'm looking to spend between $200-$300.
I'd appreciated your opinions on these scopes. Thanks

[Zachary]

I would definately NOT get the SuperSniper fixed 10x scope.  A variable will best suit your needs.

A 4x-12x is fine for varmint hunting, but I would prefer a 5x-15x.  Depending on how much money you want to spend, Bushnell has an Elite 4200 in 4x-16x-40mm (of which I own a couple) that is an EXCELLENT scope.

I can't imagine that you would need anything more than a 16x for your applications.

Zachary

[kyelkhunter3006]

I can't imagine needing more than 10x for anything under 300 yds, but then my eyes are only 30 years old.  Ask me again 20 years from now.     I'd go with a quality 4x-12x myself.  I don't seem to shoot any better at all once the power gets over 15x, but you can get some 4x-12x scopes now that aren't much bigger than a 3x-9x.  The Elite 3200 4x12x is great and so is the 5x-15x , but that one is a bit big for my tastes.  If you are willing to spend $300 on the SS 10x, (a great scope itself, but not for what you want)then spend $300 on a variable.  Trophy's and Legends are decent scopes, but I'd look at the Sightron SII 3x-12x-42 in that range, or the Nikon Buckmasters in the higher powers.

[spy231]

I have a buckmaster 4.5-14-40 on my .270 encore and I love it. I normally have it on 4,5, or 6 power, but like that I can go up to 14 on the range and for long shots in the field.

[Redhawk1]

50 to 200 yards a 10 power is more than enough for me. I am 46 years old and my eyes aren't what they use to e, but I can't see having any thing over a 10 power. I can still shoot golf ball at 200 yards with just a 6 power scope.

But if you need more power get a 4X12.

[houser52]

Thanks for the suggestions!
I've about made up my mind to get the Sightron II 3X12X42. I've done some searching on them and most like the way they perform and the way they hold their zero.
12X will probably be plenty for what shooting I do.

[kyelkhunter3006]

I think that is a great choice.  I've had several Sightron's, and never had any issues.  One of my favorite's is the SII 4x32 compact.  I love that little scope.  In the 3x-12x line, you can get it with or without the adjustable objective.  If you really plan on using the 10x settings or higher on a continual basis, I'd spring the extra $$ for the adjustable objective.

[Catfish]

If your not shooting over 200 yrds. you have all you need. I have 3 x 9 Leupolds on most of my varment rifles, but due have up to a fixed 24x target scope one one of them, but for 200 yrds. and under the 9x should be plenty, and my eyes are past 60.