Nikon prostaff 3 9 x40 ?
 

Anyone use these scopes and does the poi change at different magnification levels ?

Main crosshairs won't change POI when magnification is adjusted. If it has some type of BDC reticle, then the extra references POI will change when magnification is adjusted. This is assuming it is a second focal plane scope. An easy way to check is to point it at a target and then adjust. If the crosshairs grow and shrink with mag changes, then it is second focal plane. You will also see that the main crosshairs remain on the bullseye, but the BDC references (if it has that type of reticle) POI will change on the target.

Thanks archeryelk1 ! Yes it's a bdc
Being on the 2nd focal plane sure makes things difficult on the fly don't it ?

I usually hunt on 6x , but sight in on 9x.
I really didn't buy for long range, I needed something reliable and to see good in my price range.
195 yards is my longest shot.

When I sighted in ,I did go through the mag levels while on target and it look good.
When reading reviews , I really didn't understand what they were talking about.
I'll be using it like a regular scope now that I know.

Thank you ! White Oak ......

I found out that the Nikon bdc circles are designed to be used on the highest magnification setting , which makes since.
Inside of 150 yards adjust the mag. All you want like a regular scope.

At 200 yards and beyond keep it on 9x all day long and your good to go

I have a BDC reticle in a 6-18 buckmaster. It doesn't necessarily have to be the highest power, just as long as it's the same power that you used when checking where the references hit at different distances...but not many people aren't going to want to be on the highest power when taking a long shot. Mine comes out pretty close to the first circle being for 200', then the next 300', etc. This is with a 25/06 shooting 120gr fusions at 2000' elevation, and around 30°F. The Spot-on program Nikon has can get you close, then the range to find out for sure where it hits.

I got'cha' Archeryelk1!
I'm going to get one for my 3006 hopefully by next year.

Maybe I could play with it to aim the first circle at 100 yards on the bull to hit 1.5 to 2 inches high and have the cross hairs hit the bull.
Do you think that would work ?
200 yards is my longest shot as of right now where I hunt.
I would have to use 9x to see at 200 yards.
Maybe I should get a 4-12 ×40 ?

How long have you had your Nikon ?
This 3-9×40 bdc is for my son's 7mm08 and he will use it as a regular scope until he is old enough to understand it later.

I really like everything about it for the price.
I hope it will last for many many years for under $200.00

You could easily get it to do that, but I think you'll find that any deer from 100-200 yards you'll be able to put both the main crosshairs and the first circle in the vitals, so it really won't be necessary. I'd just zero it at 100' for about 2" high and never use the circles for anything under 200'.
I've had mine for about 4-5 years now, no issues with it. I also like that mine has target turrets, sometimes I just dial MOA with it instead of using the references. In the summer when its hot my circles don't line up at 100 yard increments like they do when it's around 35°F or cooler, so i just dial it. It is critical in the hot summer on higher powers for having some heat wave distortion, but hey, like you said its a $200 scope, lol.

Thanks Archeryelk1
You have been a big help !

I like Nikon well enough (Binos & Rangefinders), but I don't like circles on a BDC reticle for accuracy.

Take a look a this;

http://www.burrisoptics.com/pdf/BALLPlex.pdf

Definitely something to consider when I start shopping.
Thanks Sheridan!

Just put the Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 on a Marlin 1895 in 45-70. So far I have gone through just over a box of ammo, and I like the optics. They seem bright enough, and I am learning the BDC reticle. As long as the scope holds up tpo the recoil, I am going to have a really nice combo for a long time. I was skeptical when I saw the price but so far so good.

I have a Burris with that reticle too, in a 3x9x40mm. The references line up almost perfect for a 7mm/08 with a 140gr pill.
I did have a problem with that scope, an inner lense cracked causing a black streak in the scope and it also wouldn't hold zero. I sent it off to Burris and a brand new one arrived in the mail about 8 days later. Excellent turn around and customer service IMO.

How did it Crack ?

Are you familiar with a Simmons master series ?
I have one on my 3006 that seems to be doing good so far for a second year , it's a 3 9x40 pro sport.
I want to replace for next year and put it on my 270 70 win.
The Simmons 8 pt. is what I replaced on my son's 708 youth.
With the 8 pt , after I would fire a shot and keeping my eye on target ,
the cross hairs appeared to fall in the scope, it was the weirdest thing.
I also have one on my 270 and it's going in the same direction.
I guess they were designed to last for only a half box of ammo.

The master series seems to be holding up.

Why would a manufacturer make a lower line that won't perform and ruin their rep. ?

My father gave me the 270 , it came from Walmart in 2000 and if I put the master series on it , I think it will shoot tight groups, cause with the 8 pt the bullet holes started touching and then it spread out again.
The one I replaced for my 708 with the Nikon, that 8pt would not hold a group after a box of shells .

I'm thinking I'll put the master series on the 270 and I'll use it for rainy weather.

I'm not sure why it cracked. I got it out to verify zero before season and suddenly instead of 1" groups I could barely get 8" groups out of it. A friend actually finally noticed the black streak in the scope, it wasn't real easy to see. There weren't any marks or even scratches on the scope, which is why I think Burris was so quick to replace it, everything pointed to some sort of flaw with the scope.
I don't have any Simmons scopes, so can't comment. I try to stay with either Nikon, Weaver, Burris, or Leopold, as I've had great luck with them. The Burris is the only scope I've ever had an issue with...well, not counting the REALLY cheap scopes I've tried in my youth, but after seeing their service I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.