Rifle Scopes Magnification preferences

6Dasher

6Dasher

Full Member
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 25, 2005
453
5
Netherlands
#1
Just curious as to what magnification people like on their scopes and if they use their zoom at all.

Up to now I tend to shoot static targets and prefer a fixed magnification of 16-20x for this as I know where the target is and it does not move while I am aiming.

For a new project I am looking into the possible need for a zoom and would like the suggestions of people out there shooting tactical matches. What magnification do you guys use generally and do you zoom back for faster target acquirement? It would seem there is not much time to keep turning the zoom ring, so I am curious as to how you go to work.
 
#2
Re: Magnification preferences

1,000,0000X

austin_powers_mike_myers_as_dr_evil2.jpg
 
#4
Re: Magnification preferences

I know it sounds like a lame question, but it's a serious one none the less. Before I spend $2500 on a scope I would like to avoid some pitfalls that others may have experience with.

2-10x, 3-17x, 5-22x... Is there a benefit of having a low starting magnification, 2 vs 3 does not sound like a noticeable difference, so why go with 2-10 or 2.5-10 and not a 3-17. Is the bottom end important or trivial.
 
#5
Re: Magnification preferences

Get a scope in the 3.5-15x or 4-16x range. Will work fine to 1000 at matches. Some like a little more and go 5-25x but as long as it's FFP there isn't a problem.
 
#7
Re: Magnification preferences

I do at times. Usually run the scope about 12x. Dial up to see a little better and usually don't dial below 7-8x unless it's a really close target.
 
#8
Re: Magnification preferences

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a scope in the 3.5-15x or 4-16x range. Will work fine to 1000 at matches. Some like a little more and go 5-25x but as long as it's FFP there isn't a problem. </div></div>

+1
 
#9
Re: Magnification preferences

I am a fan of the 5-25 stuff.

The 3.5 or 4-16x is very versatile as well. 15x is PLENTY to get to 1000yds easily. Sometimes its nice to have the added magnification though. Just remember that on some days, you won't be able to use anything over 15x anyway, due to mirage.

BUT, on those cool crisp days... looking through a high dollar S&B at high power is nothing short of jaw dropping.
 
#10
Re: Magnification preferences

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flying Dutchman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Haha... you're a funny one
wink.gif
<span style="font-weight: bold">Must have a counter-sniper scope I take it?</span>
laugh.gif
</div></div>

Not unless USO renamed their SN3's
wink.gif
 
#12
Re: Magnification preferences

@USMCj: With 1.000.000x zoom, it could only be the best scope on the planet with special coatings (I can't pronounce the name, it's that advanced)!!!
wink.gif


But seriously...

I have an ST17 inbound and am looking for another scope for a short-range practical rifle. Was thinking the SN3 1.8-10 but wondering if the low end is of any use to guys shooting tactical matches. Zoom is nice, but comes at a price, so if it is not practical I would go for another fixed.

Thanks for the answers so far guys!
 
#15
Re: Magnification preferences

1.8-10 gives you more low end than you need and not enough top end. The higher power scope would be more functional as you will use the higher end more at matches than anything below about 8x.
 
#16
Re: Magnification preferences

I have a SN-3 which hasn't made it to any competitions yet.

My Leupold, which is a 10x fixed with 1 moa elevation and .5 moa windage adjustments, has been seriously limiting in every competition I have participated in.

Currently, I am shopping for a 5-25x power scope for competitions although a 17-20x max power would probably suffice.

In my most recent comp we had a target at about 6 meters that even the shooters with 3 power scopes couldn't focus on, so I wouldn't stress about the low-end too much. However, my 10x scope was a distinct disadvantage at longer ranges and/or
smaller targets.
 
#18
Re: Magnification preferences

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: McCrazy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
In my most recent comp we had a target at about 6 meters that even the shooters with 3 power scopes couldn't focus on, so I wouldn't stress about the low-end too much. </div></div>

At a Snipers Hide Cup a couple years back we had to shoot at 11 feet at a dot that was I believe 1". Had no problems seeing the target when dialed down to 5x with my S&B.
 
#20
Re: Magnification preferences

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: McCrazy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a SN-3 which hasn't made it to any competitions yet.

My Leupold, which is a 10x fixed with 1 moa elevation and .5 moa windage adjustments, has been seriously limiting in every competition I have participated in.

Currently, I am shopping for a 5-25x power scope for competitions although a 17-20x max power would probably suffice.

In my most recent comp we had a target at about 6 meters that even the shooters with 3 power scopes couldn't focus on, so I wouldn't stress about the low-end too much. However, my 10x scope was a distinct disadvantage at longer ranges and/or
smaller targets. </div></div>

Jon,

Yes, using a fixed 10x M3 is such a handicap, you only finished first and second at the last two Comps. The prospect of you using SN3, is like giving gasoline to an arsonist.

I think we will take up a collection to buy you the best Counter Sniper Scope we can find, and make you use it at all Comps here in NC, just to keep the playing field level.

Come to think about, I still think we'd be chasing you, even if you used just a BB gun
grin.gif


To the OP I like a 3-18, for Tactical Comps, but we still finish far behind the guy with the "handicapping" fixed 10x M3 Leupold.

Only proving it's the Indian, not the arrow.....
 
#21
Re: Magnification preferences

Well first of all, before you spend $2500 on a scope, YOU should know what magnification you need. Otherwise, that is an awful lot of money to spend on a hunch. Go with some much cheaper scopes and play around till you know what you like. If you lay on your belly a lot or shoot from a bench, then you will like higher magnification. If you are hunting, shooting from standing & sitting positions, then you will appreciate the lower power settings. There is a reason dangerous game hunters use 1x as their default power setting...same reason for red dot sights: maximum field of view and fastest way to shoot.
 
#24
Re: Magnification preferences

I've never run a match before (of any kind), but my goal right now is to change that soon. As such, take my comments for what they are (an inexperienced paper-puncher).
smile.gif


To me, anything over 20x is spotting scope territory. I realize that a higher magnification (such as the 22-25x's) are useful for taking a good look at targets without needing to tote around a spotter, but those higher magnifications tend to cost more and in many cases limit your total adjustment range. Plus, here in AZ, you have to deal with mirage for darn near 3/4 of the year, and you have to be real steady to make good use of an optic that high up in magnification, too.

So, right now I have a Leupold 4.5-14x40. However, I plan to part with it soon in favor of an FFP mil/mil option. On the lower end of my budget is the Vortex Viper 4-16x50 PST. Then a Vortex Razor, followed by a NightForce F1, and finally a USO SN3 3.2-17. All fall under 20x for the aforementioned reasons.

As mentioned already, figure out exactly what you plan to do with it most of the time and go from there.
 
#25
Re: Magnification preferences

Bob in NC- thanks much for the kind words. Unfortunately, I don't think you are going to be very happy with my current build...
wink.gif
 
#26
Re: Magnification preferences

The "tacical" matches I've been to have ALL featured some sort of accuracy stage where you have to select and shoot small (<2") targets from 80 to 290yrds out.. (faces/Dots/playing cards etc.) you'll have a heck of a time doing that well with a 15x scope and kick yourself for losing "easy" points.... I've heard people complaining on the firing line.. I can't see that!

I have been running an 8-32 x 56 NF (MOA) but just switched to S+B 5-25 x 56 and Mil/Mill.

My recommendation would be
1. Decide if you're going MOA or MiL
2. Find a reticle you like
3. Have more than 20X at the top end

Hope that helps..

RJ
 
#27
Re: Magnification preferences

I had an instructor tell me once that the marines had been killing people for years with a fixed 10X scope. While he was knocking a guy for not being able to find the movers at 200 yards with his fixed 20X.
 
#28
Re: Magnification preferences

The last two messages kind of sum up the differences. Hitting a man-sized target should not be a problem with a lower power scope, but small targets are.

I initially thought people switched to 2-3 power for movers etc, but apparently the upper end of the scope magnification is where most changes are made (or preferences). Right now I'm leaning towards a 5-25x or 4-22x.

Thanks for all your help guys!!!!
 
#31
Re: Magnification preferences

This is a very simple answer: if you are shooting small targets - 12" round and smaller at distances over 500 yards you're going to want something in the 18-20x range. If you're shooting larger targets at that range you can get away with less.

If you don't know and don't want to drop the money before being able to test what you need - go set a target and grab a spotting scope - even a relatively cheap one can give you 36x without too much distortion - and see how the target looks at different ranges. It's easier than spending $2K on a scope and you might find you can get away with less.

Theory and conjecture and internet opinions are one thing, but actually seeing through the lens (spotting scope or rifle scope) is the only way you're going to know what magnification you need for YOUR application.
 
#33
Re: Magnification preferences

I usually shoot movers on about 10x unless it's close in at like 100 yards then I would go down a little more.
 
#34
Re: Magnification preferences

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: McCrazy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
In my most recent comp we had a target at about 6 meters that even the shooters with 3 power scopes couldn't focus on, so I wouldn't stress about the low-end too much. </div></div>

At a Snipers Hide Cup a couple years back we had to shoot at 11 feet at a dot that was I believe 1". Had no problems seeing the target when dialed down to 5x with my S&B.</div></div>

Yeah, I had no problems with the scope @ 3x on that target. At least as far as seeing it went...

I can definately believe you had problems picking out those 1/2MOA dots on top of background clutter @ dusk with your 10x though. Even at the time I was sympathetic to anyone who hadn't brought at 15x+ for that target.
 
#35
Re: Magnification preferences

Thanks for the info Ratbert. I heard several guys with variable power scopes saying they still couldn't focus on the close target. Perhaps they neglected to dial down?

As for the last couple events, yes I was pretty much guessing where center mass was.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

1
What am i seeing in my scope?
Replies
8
Views
764
19dsniper
1
M
ZCO527 or 840 for PRS
Replies
59
Views
2K
CSTactical
CSTactical
P
Thermal Advice
Replies
15
Views
1K
SCGunner84
S
T
Thermal Clip on/Rifle scope role swap question
Replies
1
Views
197
Old Man with Gun
Old Man with Gun
T
Rifle Scopes Hunting Scope suggestions
Replies
40
Views
1K
SonoranPrecision
SonoranPrecision
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts