Varmint hunting optic magnification

M

Matlock

New member
I wasn't sure if this forum or the optic forum was the best place to post this, but here it goes...

I'm looking at buying an optic for longer range varmint hunting. The rig it will go on for the time being is an AR-15. Eventually I'd like to possibly get into a caliber that can reach out a bit further, maybe something in the 20 or 243 cal range, but hard to argue with the cost to shoot .223. Anyway, I digress...

I'm trying to decide on the right optic magnification range. I imagine the vast majority of my shots will be 400yd or less, with the occasional longer shot. The two I'm currently looking at are SFP scopes with BDC reticles: 4.5-14x44 and 6-18x50. I realize with a SFP scope, the BDC reticles are only accurate at max magnification. And I've read a lot about mirage issues as the magnification increases, especially if you live in warmer climates like I do.

You more experienced varmint hunters, please share your thoughts about these two options. Maybe there is something else I'm not considering that I should.

Thanks!
 
In the end it comes down to how much you want to spend. You can buy a Simmons 4-12x50 for $50 or buy a Swarovski 3-9x40 for $2,000. Obviously one is better then another but you get what I'm saying. A great scope is Nikon for the money I don't think you can do much better, Vortex is also great. But imo for 400 yard shots I'd get something atleast 20x but that's up to you.

Also .223 can handle a little more [beeep] don't rush to upgrade. I kill hogs at 100 yards with perfect ear shots all the time and they are drt.
 
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I've found my favorite scopes for varmints are in the 3-4x range at the bottom up to 16-18x at the top end. The lower power lets you scan the prairies with a large field of view. I have a couple scope with 6 and 6.5 as the lowest setting and find they work best for me 300 yards and out. A reticle with some kind of subtension hash marks is very welcome also.
 
I run nothing but Nikon 3.5-14 or 4.5-14 power scopes, SF, mil dot.
All under $400. I use to run 6-24x but in all the years shooting varmints I came to realize I am mostly shooting at 10-12x power 98% of the time.
BDC reticule is not very friendly for varmint colony shooting.
 
Take a look at Athlon. I bought one and am seriously considering trading my viper in on one. Ffp and all the works for a great price. To my eyes it seems clearer at max power, and has a high power as well.
 
I don't use under 18x except on my Steyr .222 used for night shooting that has a 3-9x Zeiss Diavari on it.

otherwise I like 6-24x or 8-32x. For me higher magnification helps me settle down and hold my aim to where even a wiggle is still a hit. If I'm having a tough time holding a shot I control my breathing or find a better rest or position. I've got a lot of friends who want my scopes set down about as low as they can go. When I'm calling I keep a 6-24x set down around 6-8x so that I can pick up running shots better.

Personal preference, very few of my friends are fans of higher magnification scopes. That said higher powers are worthless in cheaper scopes, better off with a mid range scope with better optics for the money.

The Nikon side focus 6-18x Buckmasters on my CZ varmint HMR is a very nice scope for under $400
 
You don't indicate size on your "Varmints"...If for Prairie Dogs, 16x is my preferred when the sun is out and the heat is starting to build...I do have from 4-16x up to 8-32x and several in between..
between sun up and about 10 am, the 8-32x is ideal, but then the mirage factor starts to be a problem and I wind up dialing the power back...

I have a 4.5-14x Leupold with the Varmint Hunter reticle and like the mil dot system, it's very clear and easy to make adjustments for less than optimal distances...
 
Most of my varmint shooting will be at Idaho ground squirrels, with some bigger Nevada variety thrown into the mix maybe once a year. An occasional rock chuck outing may also occur with this rifle, and hopefully someday I'll make a trip east to shoot the bigger prairie dog variety.
 
At .223 ranges, I'd say 16X is good and 14X will do. I have a 4-16X on my 243AI and got a prairie dog at 700 yards, and cane within inches on many others at that and further ranges. Magnification was not the limiting factor. It is a SFP with not the finest reticle I own, and I did not have problem aiming at the dogs.

I had a max 20X on my 300WM, I really had to dial it back to get on target then dial back up for the shot. The extra magnification helped a little.

If I was shooting further on small targets with regularity, and never had to shoot close things, I'd consider upping the magnification.
 
I've been shopping for another scope too.was looking in the 2 to $400 price range. Decided to spend another hundred an get another leupold 6x18 for $499. US made, warranty, quality...ya get what ya pay for
 
Burris Fullfield 4.5-14 can be found for $300. Has nice glass and no BS warranty, excellant customer service also.
 
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