I bought a 7400 this yr for deer season. Im looking at a 3x9x40 Nikon
Pro-Staff for 150.00, I noticed today that Gander Mt has a 2x7x32
Pro-Staff for a 130.00, Its not the 20$ difference in price at all. Which scope wouid suit my rifle and my hunting area best? I hunt mosly river bottoms, running or troting shots are the norm, once in awhile a long shot presents itself. The 2x7 is smaller and lighter, which scope would I be
better off with.

I'd go with the wider view and get the 40mm

i do 3x9x40 i have that on my 30-30 and love it it very clear it's great and that is a good price i bought mine in jan and paid 200 or alittle less but its great

I'd also go for the 3-9x40 for the extra light gathering capabilities and greater view of field.

as heavy the 7400 is I doubt you'll notice the decreased size and weight of the 2x7 vs the 3x9. The one thing I can say about the 2x7 is that with it's lower mounting height, quicker mounting and shot placement should be possible with it vs the higher/larger 3x9. I put a 2x7x32 (Monarch) on my sons first gun last fall (mdl 7 youth .243) and it is a great scope and doesn't give up anything too most 3x9s. If you were asking about a short, light rifle I would say 2x7 all the way. But since it's a heavy fencepost like the 7400...

3x9!
RA

For a couple bucks more I woud go with the upgrade and get the Nikon Buckmaster its so much brighter there is no comparison. Mike

The 2-7x32 is going to give a larger field of view than the 3-9x40. Seven power is way more than enough for deer hunting with a 7400. A couple of years ago I shot an antelope at 425 yards using a 2-7x32 monarch mounted on a .25-06. I also shot prairie dogs at 250 yards with the same rig.

+1

get the 3x9x40

Where I have been in Wisconsin, I don't know where you will need the 9 power. I got my son a 2x7 Nikon, as he hunts hills & woods. I wanted a wider field of view. I think it also balanced the rifle better.