Big Z

A scope no doubt extends your range. But if you can't justify spending the money, don't get one. I scope all my rifles, but it's totally worth it to me.

Stonewall308

I have a Leupold 4x12 on my Remington 700, and I love it.

I have another rifle with a lot of sentimental value that I'd like to take a deer with one day, but I always hesitate to take it because it doesn't have a scope. I've yet to kill a buck over 5 points, and I get so few opportunities to hunt, I don't think I could forgive myself if I missed an opportunity to take a monster that I could have easily taken with my 700.


I can't think of any real reason not to use a scope. Sure, your field of view may be narrower, but you also get a much closer look at the situation before pulling the trigger. If you are than concerned about field of view, take a good hard look around before looking through your scope.

hawryli

I think it depends on what distances you're usually hunting deer at. If it's bush country and your longest shot would be 75-100 yards, then iron sights might even be easier to aim with. If you're hunting mountain ranges with 300 yard shots then ya, a scope would definitely help. In bush country it's sometimes harder to aim at short distances, especially if the deer is on the move. I've been hunting with a '55 model 94 .30-.30 for about 5 years now and the number of shots I've had to pass up because of dark backgrounds, etc. aren't as numerous as the shots I would have missed because of not being able to find the deer in the scope quickly enough. Hope this helps

7.62NATO

Thanks for the input everyone. I went ahead and ordered the scope, since I had the gift cards anyway. I guess it won't hurt to try it out. I plan on keeping it on 3x but I want the extra X if needed, so I got a 3-9.

Not sure I agree with you here. I don't see how having a scope can make you a "better hunter". You may be able to shoot farther or in lower light, but I don't equate that with one being a good or poor hunter. Also, with irons, I know exactly where I'm hitting on targets out to 100+ yards (it would be rare to have a shot longer than that where I hunt anyway). Maybe not quite as precisely as a I would if I were looking through glass, but the difference would be negligible. And finally, even with a scoped rifle, I definitely see the value of a pair of binoculars, especially when still hunting. There would be way too much movement glassing your surroundings with a rifle, and your FOV is half.

I think a LOT of people would disagree with your first statement. I remember a time when it started to get dark and two does walked into a field. I could see them clear as day, but when I brought my rifle up, I could not make out where my front sight was when looking through the rear aperture, so I didn't take the shot. I lowered and raised my rifle a bunch of times, and every time I could see them fine but just couldn't make out the front sight. I KNOW if I would have been scoped I would have been taking two does home with me. Another time I remember seeing a group of does walking, and the very wet and dark forest floor was my backdrop (I was up in a treestand). I could not be sure where my front sight was resting because they were blending in so well with the ground. If I had been scoped.

Agree with you on the see-through scope mounts. It puts the scope too high and you can't get a good cheek weld. Side mounts? I've seen them on AR15s, old Mausers, etc.

sprintflyer

[QUOTE= So what is the difference between using your scope or using a pair of $300 field glasses to look at your game before you shoot it.[/QUOTE]

The differance is you NEVER point your rifle at anything until you KNOW you want to shoot!

FlDeerman

As I've gotten older a scope is a must.I can't see the iron sights anymore.Hey use what works for you.

Game Stalker

Scopes have their place.Another idea is high vis sights front and rear for open sights.Curious to hear your opinion on this later.(That is,your opinion of a scope after some usage)

Jeff Ovington

I use scopes. Love them myself.But I agree some hunter do use the wrong size scope for their hunting needs.I myself think that a well made 6xmagnification and a 42mm objective lens is the perfect up to 500yrds. But I have good eyes. Some people may not and may need a higher power.But when you go that route of higher power you also loose.I like to see where bullets may land at long distances.Distances beyond the target a 6 power scope allows me to do that. I also have a large exit pupil at over 5mm and that gives me enough light to see properly. I also like to look at my target at eye level. I have a harder time the target wth an objective lenses bigger than 42mm.That's just me everybodies different.But I firmly believe most hunters can get by with a 6 power or less and a 40 to 42 mm objective lens for all pratical hunting purposes and distances.I would much rather spend the extra money getting a better make and model in a 1.5 to 6 power varible than getting a lower class and grade make and model in a higher magnification and objective lens for the same money.

7.62NATO

I have never used high vis sights before. I have hunted once with an Aimpoint red dot, and thought that was awesome. But that's 1X and you keep both eyes open just like with iron sights, so there was really no adjustment to be made.

The T/C Omega I have has high vis sights, but that is the gun I ordered the scope for, so I don't know that I'll get to try them out during the season!