3X9 3X16 3X30??

[PRSmith]

I am a very new hunter. I have finally decided on a Savage .204 and now need to purchase a scope. WOE! what confusion. I have several questions:

1. Is more power better? 3X9, 3X16, 3x24 ??

2. I see poor in low lighting (hard for me to drive at night for example). Is 50mm better for gathering more light?

3.What is the "eye relief" numbers mean?

Any other advise is very much appreciated.

Thanks fellows and Merry Christmas

[PRSmith]

Oh... this might matter. I plan to sight it in at "O" at 250 or 300 yds with must my shots between 200 & 450 yrds. Coy-dog, coyotes, PD and ground hogs are my intended targets

[Baleful Scout]

Beware of some broad zoom ranges as 4-16 zero usually "floats" between zoom levels a little.

I recommend the Zeiss Conquest 3.5-14x44

The human eye can only take advantage of so much light, 40mm ok for lower zoom levels at dusk, 50 better for higher zoom levels. 44mm splits difference. The average shooter will be hard pressed to find a "large" difference.

Also look at Nikon Monarch. although there a couple mofels that are less in price that are worthy, they just don't compare for $ difference.