I have settled into the 3-12 x 42 or 50mm Scopes for calibers between 308 Win to 300 Win Mag. I find this magnification and objective size to be the most scope in the "smallest" size.
I shoot in desert enviroments at long ranges. (100 to 1100 yards)
I shoot in brush enviroments. (Within 25 Yards)
I shoot in forest enviroments
Temperatures in the Winter (40 degrees) Summers (Up to 120 Degrees)
In my experience:
When the temperatures reaches over 95 degrees mirage becomes a huge factor over a magnification of 10x. Meanwhile the temp is not always an issue nor is high of a temperature and for sighting in or target shooting 10 - 12 power is very useful. Also with a variable scope when the sun starts going down you can turn the magfication down to help in light gathering; usually settling around 4 to 6 power. Shooting in the brush 3 power makes sense. Higher power 10x fixed scopes for example would do poor for hitting a hog in the brush within 20 yards off hand.
This scope I have on a 308 Win Steyr Scout and it is fantastic. Though it does not have windage adj. so some might argue that for long range work & wind it's lacking. Also in 1/4 moon nights with the power down to 3x it is not as bright as the 50mm obj. example below. Though it does all jobs asked and it is quick on target.
http://www.riflescopes.com/products/945P3PH/schmidt_bender_3-12x42_precision_hunter_30mm_riflescope.htm - http://www.riflescopes.com/products/945P3PH/schmidt_bender_3 -12x42_precision_hunter_30mm_riflescope.htm
This scope I have on a 300 Win Mag Christensen Rem 700. It has all the adj needed. Also in the above night example it is noticeably brighter with its 34mm Tube and 50mm Obj. I see no downside to it other than the larger objective has a larger signature. (Military enviroment) Besides the military enviroment the 50mm obj can be used with low or med. rings on most all rifles.
http://www.riflescopes.com/products/944P1P/schmidt_bender_3-12x50_police_marksman_ii_34mm_riflescope.htm - http://www.riflescopes.com/products/944P1P/schmidt_bender_3- 12x50_police_marksman_ii_34mm_riflescope.htm
It goes without saying that the larger the objective the higher the scope needs to be mounted. Staying within 42mm to 50mm you can easily stay with a low and or med. height ring keeping the objective as low as possible. Also if the rifle and scope combination you pick can be used for all hunting enviroments, weather and range work it can do anything you ask; at least IMO.
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