Stalking magnification for light forest

[ployer]

Hi guys,

Novice hunter here. What magnification you guys normally have your scope on for stalking?

I'm in Victoria and will be hunting in the forests on the outskirts of Melbourne and further East.

New to this like I said, don't have much experience in knowing where and when game will pop up and at what distances.

What zoom do you normally use? What's too much? Too little?

Thanks.

[scrolllock]

Less is more IMO.

Low magnification you can still hit a target at unexpectedly long ranges.

Too high magnification and it's hauling ass away from you while you're trying to find it in the crosshairs.

However low you can go is right enough.

[Chronos]

i agree with scrolllock, something like a 2-7X33 would give you enough mag for load testing and zeroing then low 2-3 power for stalking. if you happen to get a shot at 150m or so you can always wind it up or get closer, but get caught close to a sambar with a 6 power scope may be in trouble

Chronos

[Westy]

Less is more IMO.

Low magnification you can still hit a target at unexpectedly long ranges.

Too high magnification and it's hauling ass away from you while you're trying to find it in the crosshairs.

However low you can go is right enough.

x2

[Lorgar]

4x... Because my scope goes down to 4x

4x is good, but honestly you wouldn't want to go much higher or things would start getting awkward.

If pressed, I'd say 2-3 is ideal.

[ployer]

I'm tossing up between 3-9 and 4x12 so I'm in the right area at least.

What to do...

[ployer]

And also looking at Leupold scopes if people have feedback

[cruze82]

Less is more IMO.

Low magnification you can still hit a target at unexpectedly long ranges.

Too high magnification and it's hauling ass away from you while you're trying to find it in the crosshairs.

However low you can go is right enough.

x2

X4 these guys on the money

[wrenchman]

I have found you will have time to turn a scope up if you need it but you won't when you needed the lower setting so keep it set at the lowest setting.

Be it a 2x7 or 3x 9 or a 4x12.

[Hennie Dreyer]

3.5 - 4 X

[ployer]

Be it a 2x7 or 3x 9 or a 4x12.

I've looked at the 2-7x but I think it's a bit too little.

Want to do a bit of shooting at the range too so think the 3-9x or 4-12x with a bit more zoom at the top will be best.

[VICHunter]

4x is good, but honestly you wouldn't want to go much higher or things would start getting awkward.

If pressed, I'd say 2-3 is ideal.

I'd agree 4x is the limit.

Personally I prefer 2-3 as well at the lower end.

You'll rarely use the highest magnifications for stalking, if at all...

[Lorgar]

You'll rarely use the highest magnifications for stalking, if at all...

+1.

I don't think I've ever taken mine above 4x in the forest... Only sat out on a hill somewhere where I'm looking out over hundreds of metres.

[RoginaJack]

Yeah, you'r darned if you do and still darned if you don't with this type of situation.

I've been thinking along the lines of a red dot optic sight, like a BSA 3x. Anyone tried red dot optic sights?

[AusC]

I just can't get on with red dot scopes.

The twinkle or whatever it is about the dot just... Something...

I do like a little magnification range too. If I was looking around the 3x mark I'd rather go with something in a 1.25-4x or 2-7x in with a conventional crosshair.

Just subjective personal preference there of course, but yeah...

[Old Fart]

I think it's the old eyes that don't get on with the red dots

[RoginaJack]

I'm well and truly screwed "Old Fart" if the old eyes are the reason.

Cheers

[mausermate]

You could also try something like a QD (quick detach) mount. They are pretty good these days and Leupold do a set pretty cheap, as do Talley. EAW are the top gear but you will pay $500+ for them.

Of course only useful if you have open sights on your gun.

When you get into the thick stuff, tip the scope off the gun and put it in the back pack, slip it back on later and it goes straight back to zero.

Very popular in Europe and getting a bit of following here. I have QD mounts on most of my hunting rifles these days and really adds another perspective to the hunt. Great fun and no worries about not finding them in the scope!

[Old Fart]

I'm well and truly screwed "Old Fart" if the old eyes are the reason.

Definitely the case for me mate.

Gotta stick with a regular crosshair for these old ones.