i,m going to agree that the higher power scopes are harder to use but yardage will be the deciding factor in what power is needed.if your shooting prarie dogs at 800 yards the a good 6 x 24 is in order.if your shooting woodchucks at 400 yards then a good 4 x 16 is the max you would need.i think the bottom line here is a quality 3 x 9 is better then a junk 6 x 24,you get exactly what you pay for.