At what point does one cross the line (in longer distance shooting) in moving up the scope magnification ability? I have an S&B Classic 3-12X42 which I use on my 6.8 out to 500 yards without too much issue (considering that I have almost 70 year old eyes). I am in the process of acquiring some guns to shoot out to 1-1.5K - is that the point in time to up the magnification to something like a 5-25X56 power scope? Or is just a personal, "see what works for you" situation?
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Rifle Scopes Deciding on scope power
- Thread starter prairiefire
- Start date
I use my S&B 5-25 at about 18-20 to shoot out to about 1200yds. I will often go up to 25X to read wind and mirage (which tells me what the wind is doing). My GAP-10 has a S&B 3-20 on it. I love it at 16-18X to shoot, 20 to read mirage/wind.
I do think it comes down to scope quality though. A bad scope at 35x is just a recipe for a headache and eye strain. That said, a NF ATACR in 4-16, being great glass, would take you to 1000 EASY.
Personal preference I think, but quality beats quantity (Power) every time.
I do think it comes down to scope quality though. A bad scope at 35x is just a recipe for a headache and eye strain. That said, a NF ATACR in 4-16, being great glass, would take you to 1000 EASY.
Personal preference I think, but quality beats quantity (Power) every time.
I use my HSLR at 16 power when target shooting to about 800 yards. I can do 1000 with it but, for me, anything past 1000 yards I want to jump up to my 24 power.
What you intend to hit should factor into your plan as well. are you shooting f-class targets or prairie dogs? I wouldn't do either at 1000 with 16 power, at least not in an ideal environment. large game out west or steel targets? the ideal magnification for that is much less imo.
Up to 15 x for steel target at 1000 yards.
For identifying where on steel 25x.
Up to 25x on paper targets beyond 250 yards. Looking for 0.250 to 0.50 MOA on paper.
Mirage up to 25x.
For identifying where on steel 25x.
Up to 25x on paper targets beyond 250 yards. Looking for 0.250 to 0.50 MOA on paper.
Mirage up to 25x.
Forgot to state I run a S& B PMII 5x25, AXMC, 6.5 CM, 308 Win and 300 Norma.
Remember you can always dial down...but not past your max mag on the scope.
Remember you can always dial down...but not past your max mag on the scope.
If this gun is only going to be used for precision shooting at distance prime or if the bench, there is little downside to going with something along the lines of a 5-25x56 from a quality maker.
ILya
ILya
That's a good choice. As you use it, adjust the magnification without looking at the magnification ring. Get the sight picture you like. Every once in a while check where it is. If you find yourself never using 25x, you are not a high mag guy.
ILya
A really nice 25x or similar top end on clear glass is great to have as even if you don't shoot that high, you can double it as a spotting scope if you want to see your bullet holes after a string.
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