Scope zoom range for hunting rifle?

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Scope zoom range for hunting rifle?

Post by agentzero » 13 Jul 2013, 5:00 pm

Hi all,

I'm waiting to pick up my new Tikka T3 - getting the Hunter Stainless Fluted :D

I still need a scope though and not real experienced with them...

So far I'm leaning towards something in the 3-9 or maybe 4-12 range?

This is for a walk around rifle, normally shooting 100 - 300m for small game and some varminting. I figured the extra 2 zoom of the 12x might help for the longer shots.

What do you think?

Brand info would be good also. Viper Vortex, Weaver, Bushnell?

Thanks.
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Re: Scope zoom range for hunting rifle?

Post by agentzero » 13 Jul 2013, 5:01 pm

Oh, shooting .270 Winchester if it makes a difference?
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Re: Scope zoom range for hunting rifle?

Post by Monty » 13 Jul 2013, 10:12 pm

Hey mate,

Shooting .270 shouldn't impact your choice of scope. If you're shooting cartridges with really big recoil it can be an issue if the scope isn't sturdy enough, but .270 will be no prob.

For your average hunt either of those zoom ranges should be fine for your scope. Personally I'd go with the 4-12 over a 3-9 to give you a little more at the top end for longer shots.
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Re: Scope zoom range for hunting rifle?

Post by Lorgar » 14 Jul 2013, 3:27 pm

Another vote for the 4-12.

Plenty of people say you done "need" more than 9x for hunting, but I say go for it.

Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. Gives you more versatile rifle too if you want to start doing some fun target shooting etc.

I had a 3-10x initially and thought it was ok, then tried a mates 4x - 30x....

Bought one about a week later :D
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Re: Scope zoom range for hunting rifle?

Post by chacka » 14 Jul 2013, 7:33 pm

A 3-9 will do you for game (Assuming you mean deer?) but might be pushing it a little for bunnies at some of those distances.

A 5" tall bunnie's obviously a pinch harder to sight at 200m than a 6ft deer ;)
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Re: Scope zoom range for hunting rifle?

Post by tucked » 15 Jul 2013, 3:14 pm

Lorgar wrote:Another vote for the 4-12.
I had a 3-10x initially and thought it was ok, then tried a mates 4x - 30x....

Bought one about a week later :D


Been there, done that :D

Went from a crappy tasco knockoff to a nightforce. Loving it.
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Re: Scope zoom range for hunting rifle?

Post by agentzero » 17 Jul 2013, 10:50 am

Thanks all.

Going to go with something with a bit more zoom.

A 4-12x scope sounds like the winner at this point.

Thanks again.
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Re: Scope zoom range for hunting rifle?

Post by Monty » 17 Jul 2013, 10:55 am

agentzero wrote:Going to go with something with a bit more zoom.

A 4-12x scope sounds like the winner at this point.


That's the way to do it. Get something a bit more flexible and it will serve you better and longer.

You wouldn't be the first person to buy a 3-9 because it's "all that's needed" then end up buying something else not long after.
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