What magnification range is most appropriate for a prairie dog gun? I am considering the Nikon Monarch 5X20, 6x24 or the 8x32. When I handled them the eye relief seemed to be less forgiving as the magnification increased which is making me lean more towards the 8x32 as I can dial the magnification down if I want. But from what I understand as the magnification increased light collection goes down. I am not sure this is going to be an issue but that being said I have not been out prairie dog hunting nor have I done much long range shooting so my experience with this subject is limited at best. The rifle in question is a Savage 110 .223 with a 26" barrel. I do not have my location picked out so I do not know at what ranges I will be shooting.
Rifle Scopes Magnification Range Selection
- Thread starter The Gump
- Start date
Re: Magnification Range Selection
Hard to say not knowing your distances. There are other sites specifically concerning p-dogging, they should be a good resource.
http://www.ultimateprairiedoghunting.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45
Hard to say not knowing your distances. There are other sites specifically concerning p-dogging, they should be a good resource.
http://www.ultimateprairiedoghunting.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45
Re: Magnification Range Selection
IMHO, most prarie dog hunting goes on between 100-500 yds. Depending on how accurate you and your gun are it may be even less, either way I dont think you can go wrong with the choices you mentioned. I would however lean towards the lower end, my favorite PD gun wears a 6-24 and I love it just like that. When they are close up I lower the mag to see hits/misses, when the hits are father away it's not quite as necessary to lower, and the extra magnification helps see.
I've used extensively the 4-14 and 6-20 Nikons and they are excellent choices for PD guns, you wont be disappointed.
IMHO, most prarie dog hunting goes on between 100-500 yds. Depending on how accurate you and your gun are it may be even less, either way I dont think you can go wrong with the choices you mentioned. I would however lean towards the lower end, my favorite PD gun wears a 6-24 and I love it just like that. When they are close up I lower the mag to see hits/misses, when the hits are father away it's not quite as necessary to lower, and the extra magnification helps see.
I've used extensively the 4-14 and 6-20 Nikons and they are excellent choices for PD guns, you wont be disappointed.
Re: Magnification Range Selection
Other things to consider are the amount of travel that you will have in the scope. The higher you go in magnification, the less the amount of travel. Take into account how much you will need to get the specified round to the required distance. If you are trying to reach out to the longer distances, you may run out of internal elevation / travel. Don't forget about the mirage have an effect on your shooting also. The higher your magnification, the more it will blur your target. With that said, I think the 8-32 is too much magnification for your needs. I like the idea of the 6-24 better. As a comparison, you will have no problem seeing small targets at up to 1000yds with a 24x scope.
Other things to consider are the amount of travel that you will have in the scope. The higher you go in magnification, the less the amount of travel. Take into account how much you will need to get the specified round to the required distance. If you are trying to reach out to the longer distances, you may run out of internal elevation / travel. Don't forget about the mirage have an effect on your shooting also. The higher your magnification, the more it will blur your target. With that said, I think the 8-32 is too much magnification for your needs. I like the idea of the 6-24 better. As a comparison, you will have no problem seeing small targets at up to 1000yds with a 24x scope.
Re: Magnification Range Selection
if you get the nikon i wouldnt get the bdc... i personaly think it sucks and is not accurate.. cant conplain about the glass, i would go with the 6-24 or 8-32....
if you get the nikon i wouldnt get the bdc... i personaly think it sucks and is not accurate.. cant conplain about the glass, i would go with the 6-24 or 8-32....
Re: Magnification Range Selection
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tac243</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if you get the nikon i wouldnt get the bdc... i personaly think it sucks and is not accurate.. cant conplain about the glass, <span style="font-weight: bold">i would go with the 6-24 or 8-32....</span> </div></div>
+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tac243</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if you get the nikon i wouldnt get the bdc... i personaly think it sucks and is not accurate.. cant conplain about the glass, <span style="font-weight: bold">i would go with the 6-24 or 8-32....</span> </div></div>
+1
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