OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Rifle Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Power settings
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Power settings

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
Bart Simpson View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: August/25/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 56
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bart Simpson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Power settings
    Posted: August/27/2004 at 17:30
I currently own only one fixed power scope so most of my hunting/shooting is done w/ variables. Once you take a position/stand your scope is set on a certain, and sometimes favorite power. For me, with a 3-9x40 it's usually 4 power, 3.5-10x50 usually 5 power etc. What's your setting and what determines your choice?
Carl in N. FL
Back to Top
Dale Clifford View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight


Joined: July/04/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 5087
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2004 at 22:06
This was actually the orginal intent of variables, being old enough to remember when they were first introduced. The thought was one scope many rifles the setting as you suggest determined by the circumstances. I like to think of the lowest setting as that one you would use for the circumstances and the highest setting that one in which one  would like to detemine the highest degree of precision for that particular rifle. that way I don't have to put a target scope on the gun, work up the loads then switch back. (Assuming fixed powers of course)
Back to Top
Chris Farris View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
swfa.com

Joined: October/01/2003
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 8024
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/29/2004 at 17:32
My variable tend to be on 6x-7x when I check them after a shot.  Large exit pupil, wide field of view and easier to hold steady.
Back to Top
Brady View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
Casino Cruiser

Joined: May/20/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brady Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/01/2004 at 19:06

My deer rifle stays on 7x. It's probably been on that same setting since I had the scope.

Back to Top
CWPINST View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: August/01/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 113
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CWPINST Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/01/2004 at 21:50
It depends on the terrain and conditions.  For example, if I am hunting a bean field in the evening where the shots may be long but likely unhurried, I set my scope on about 10 power then around sunset I set it on 7-8 power.  If I am hunting a cutover, where the shots are usually a bit shorter, and I may have only glimpses of the deer through small openings in which to shoot.  I usually set it a bit lower, such as 5-6 power.  You need to have a wide field of view in this case for rapid target acquisition, but you still need enough power to see small obstructions.
If it ain't accurate at long distance, the fact that it is flat shooting is irrelevant.
Back to Top
redneckbmxer24 View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: June/02/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1055
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote redneckbmxer24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2004 at 17:04

i ussually leave my deer rifle on miniumum power, whatever it may be. usually 3, or 4x.

 

cory

If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, I'll be only one of millions!!!
Back to Top
Knewt View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar
Master Craftsman

Joined: June/28/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 90
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Knewt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2004 at 23:30
If I'm "still hunting" I keep the magnification on it's lowest setting just as Dale and Cory suggest. If I'm "sitting on stand" then I adjust the magnification to allow me adaquately see and identify my quarry at the range that I'm most likely to spot it at. If it comes in closer after that then I'm already "on it". If it "sneaks" up behind me (which has happened) then I just smile, knod, and mumble under my breath "thats one for you" ... LOL
Back to Top
kwoytek View Drop Down
Optics Professional
Optics Professional


Joined: September/06/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 5
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kwoytek Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/09/2004 at 13:31

Right on, Knewt !!

The whole purpose of variable magnifications is to accommodate changing field conditions, hunting situations, sighting-in uses, and quarry being chased.  The lowest power setting is best for stalking/still-hunting, and the highest power setting is used for critical shot placement for covering a wide field of fire or for sighting-in that new cartridge load or, sitting on a mountain-top deer run stand.  Before relying on the low-power ballistic zero, please check that your scope has no change in point of impact when zoomed down to mid or low power setting.  This error is most often found in the less-expensive models, and should be investigated by the rifleman and logged into his memory for Kaintuck corrections.

 

The low power setting affords the jump shooter a larger exit pupil to access the game quicker, and allow for bigger field of view when the quarry is about to vanish in a clump of trees or behind a boulder, as you swing through the animal on the run.  High power during the off-season, while varminting or working the riflerange, demands the maximum magnification for accurate shot placement off the bench or with a solid rest/bipod stance.

 

By all means, get the power range you need for your own shooting conditions and goals.  No need to get a 12x model to launch slugs at whitetail standing 40 yards away, and don't tell me a guy can shoot more accurately at 300 yards with a 4x instrument than with a 10x sitting on his thunderstick.

 

Exercise that variable to maximize your effect in the field !!

Ken

Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.199 seconds.