Low power scopes

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bigboar

New member
For use on a 223 does anyone use a low power scope? I was thinking about using a Leupold 1.5-5 for shots out to 300yds. I've used a scope topping out at 10x for shooting out to 300yds with a 308 and never felt under powered. I find shooting, without a bench, is easier with a lower power scope and was thinking of trying a 1.5-5 but am I pushing it a bit. Out to 200yds I'm very comfortable with a 6x. Even with a 4-12 on the 223 right now I always turn it down to at least 8-10 power when shooting from a sitting position. At 12x I'm just not as steady. Perhaps I'm just getting old and can't hold as well.
 
Like Jack all my calling scopes are low power variables, 1x3, 1x4, 1,25x4, 1,5x4.5, 1.5x6. They hardly ever get off the lowest power unless I get one hung up out aways.

AWS
 
i tend to agree with all of the above. the hilly terrain where i live is suitable for a 3x9 and most of my shooting is less than 200yrds. you are able to swing with your target alot better at lower settings. i use higher variable scopes in open field hunting for groundhogs.
 
In the desert terrain that I hunt in, most of my shots are less than 100 yards. Many are shot at less that 50 yards.
I used to hunt with a 3-9 power scope.
I've missed way more coyotes because they were too close than I have because they were too far.
Now I use a 1.5 to 4, and like most, it don't get off of 1.5 power very often.
HTH
 
Thx, guess I'm tyring to justify a Leup 1.5-5 for the 223. I have an old one on a 300 and really like it. Considering it is 20yrs old and a small objective I'm still surprised at how bright and sharp it is. I keep thinking I must be a lousy shot when I read forums where a lot of guys talk about using high magnification in the field. I can just barely controll a max of 14X on a very calm day and to be honest 8-10x is about tops most of the time.
 
Another low power fan here.The highest I have is Leupolds 2.5-8.It's a great scope but I've yet to see any real advantage over my 1-4 for hunting any size critter.IMO field of view is far more important on a hunting rig than magnification.You "might" see a small branch or something that could deflect your shot in the field with higher mag but that's about it.
 
I had a Leupold 1.5X5 It didn't gather enough light in dark timber for me, sold it and bought a Nikon 1.5X6X42 it's been a great scope best coyote scope I've ever used.
 
Did i just read a negative post on leupold? I have said it for years, but not real loud, even [beeep] i have one on my dog gun, they are not all equal. ed
 
Quote:Did i just read a negative post on leupold?

My old Leupold Vari-X II sure ain't state-of-the-art in brightness. It's 30 years old, too, I guess that's part of "progress". Hunting black timber in the rain/fog (and I do that a lot), it starts to become obvious.

I guess since it's now out of production, that's not going to impact too many buyers, but it's fact.
 
Any recommendations for a 1x4 with illuminated reticle?

I'm thinking of a Burris XTR or Vortex Viper which is soon to be released.

I need to keep it in the under $600 price range.
 
I'm shooting a Bushnell Elite 4200 1.25x4x24 Ill. Dot. I like it, very clear and the dot mkes it pretty fast.

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AWS
 
I've got the same scope as AWS riding on my .223 R15 currently. Just shot a group tonight just over 1/2" at 100 yards on 4 power with it.
 
Originally Posted By: bigboarFor use on a 223 does anyone use a low power scope? I was thinking about using a Leupold 1.5-5 for shots out to 300yds. I've used a scope topping out at 10x for shooting out to 300yds with a 308 and never felt under powered. I find shooting, without a bench, is easier with a lower power scope and was thinking of trying a 1.5-5 but am I pushing it a bit. Out to 200yds I'm very comfortable with a 6x. Even with a 4-12 on the 223 right now I always turn it down to at least 8-10 power when shooting from a sitting position. At 12x I'm just not as steady. Perhaps I'm just getting old and can't hold as well.

If you are not steady at 12x, then you are not steady at lower power....you just can't see your shaking.

I use 4x-12x, 3x-12x, and 4x-16x on my calling rifles. I just do not use these rifles for yotes, like crows in trees at 300, and other varmints.

People's likes and dislikes are very different, you are going to have to try various types of scopes to see what you like, and you can depend on your likes changing as time goes on.
 
I have a Weaver Superslam 1.5-6x24. Has illuminated reticle in both green and red dot. Very fine dot too so precise aiming is no problem. Quickly becoming my favorite scope. Ruggedly built but it is a little heavy.
 


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