Scope help?

bullethole1

Moderator
I would like to see my shoot n c targets atleast a 100 yards away close up and a 3x9 is not going to work with that. I was trying to figure out what is a more power scope than a 3x9 that will work for my type of shooting I want to do. Atleast the next in line. Im purchasing another .22 magnum Marlin tommorow and Im going to need a new scope for it anyways and It has to be adjustable! Thanks very much! :cool:
 
More would be better

I find that I need a minimum of 16X. Higher is better and 12X, is a stretch and perhaps unrealistic for that distance. ..... ;)


Be Safe !!!
 
I have no trouble shooting at 100 yards with a 2X or 3X scope. My post 50 year old eyes can still see well enough to shoot at 100 yards with irons. You don't have a scope problem
 
Yeah but Id like to see the target close up! A 3x9 wont work at 100

Not sure what brand of scope you are using, but with a good quality scope, you can see the bullet holes in a target at 100 yds.
 
It helps if scope has an AO and I like fixed power for target work as I want to hold CH or dot on a specific part of the target.

You mention that you want to see the target close up does that mean like your holding it in your hand? I like Leupold scopes and they may be alittle more than you want to spend.
 
I use the white paper targets with an orange grid of 1" squares and orange diamonds as aiming points. I have no trouble seeing .30 holes with 9X. Granted that .22 holes are a bit difficult.

Black-colored centers are fine for up-close with handguns, but sorta silly for rifle targets...
 
Yeah but Id like to see the target close up! A 3x9 wont work at 100

Something is wrong. At 9X you should be able to easily see bullet holes in a target at 100 yards. Either you are using a VERY poor quality scope, or it is not properly focused.
 
Spotting scope time ?

:cool: Maybe it's time for you to get a spotting scope ! If you go to higher magnifaction scopes , they might hinder closer shots ! That being said , you should be able to focus your scope to see bullet holes at 100 yds. !
 
Buy a spotting scope...custom mount it onto the gun...take sharpie and draw crosshairs on the glass and BAM you've got the largest magnification needed...otherwise perhaps practice makes perfect with a 3x9.

If you do get a new scope, I'd recommend checking out the Redfield line, only scope line I'll buy anymore. Price is great, quality is great and warranty is: GREAT!
 
Normally I'm like Pahoo, 16 + however for the 22 cal LR or Mag, a Mueller APV 4x14 is excellent super clear edge to edge cost around $129, I have one on a custom ruger 10/22 seeing holes at 100 yards is easy....

For hunting the 3x9 is king but for targets want/need power.:D
 
One size does not fit all !!

bullethole1
I know you are asking for some general direction/recommendation and getting more than you asked for. In the long run, it is going to be your choice and fit. ..... :)

Might I suggest a variable beyond the standard 3 to 9. Use under "your" set of conditions and see what you can live with. It might be 10,12 or whatever. I have a Burris with the high end at 24. I usually crank it down to the min that suits me. I never predict where I will settle but the lower I can get by with, the better. I also have a scope with a high end of 36 and so far, have never had to go there. If you don't own one, perhaps you can borrow one. I would leave myself some room, on the high end. ..... ;)

Getting a AO is a great suggestion.

Be Safe !!!
 
I can appreciate what the OP is looking for. A 3-9 can't cut it. Plan A would be to have a high power scope installed and I've been there and done that. It's like having a spotting scope built in. Plan B would be to have a separate spotting scope. Something like a 30X or 60X will work.
I've gone down that road before where I installed powerful scopes on 22's just to see the tiny holes at 100 yards and here are some that worked for me. You can go to places such as Midway USA and shop for scopes filtered by maximum power. And you might be surprised to find some very low cost options. Here are some I've used for the OP's intent:
Leupold VX-II 6-18X
Bushnell Banner 6-18X
Tasco 6-24X (two versions)
Nikon 3-12X can work depending on contrast in target / bullet hole lighting
 
I use 4-12 for my rimfires and I basically never take it off 4x to shoot, I feel Spoiled to use the 4x.

The 12x to me is almost strictly a "spotting/scouting" feature, to see a little down the range/target area. I.e. sneaking and peeking on the target.

4X is basically cheating at my 25yd indoor range, up to 75 yd its good, at 100yd I might try dialing up some if I need it.

Just might want to look at this:

http://www.nikonhunting.com/spoton/

That is the best thing ever... I happen to have two Nikon ProStaff scopes but I am sure it would work for others: It shows you how to enter your scope info, enter your important bullet info (Say in my case, a 36 gr CCI Mini Mag) and how I'll be a 4x, shooting at 25yds and I want a 100yd zero. So it shows me, calculates, zero so my shots are shooting about one and a half inches high, and if I am that inch and a half high zeroed' at 25 yds, I'll be "spot on " at 100 yds. THIS IS SO AWESOME.

Then I can change to say a 40 gr Mini Mag ( the round nose vs. hollow point) or maybe Federal Bulk, and recalculate.

AWESOMENESS.
 
The 3-9X scopes offer the most glass for the money by a long shot. There is a lot of competition at that range. There are many VERY good clear, sharp 3-9X scopes that are reasonably priced. When you start going up in power, either the price goes up substantially, or quality goes down if they are selling at the same price point.

In my experience a $200 3-9X scope will be much clearer than a $200 4-16X scope. Enough that the extra magnification cannot make up for the quality of the image. There are darn few sub $200 scopes that will really give you a good clear image. Nikon Buckmaster or Burris Fullfield might make the grade. The new Redfield scopes are good scopes, but are not quite as clear as the other 2. Buy more quality, not more X's
 
On a shoot n see target I can see them with the naked eye and a 3x is sufficient. With that though, I would get a 4x16 to get up close and personal
 
In my experience a $200 3-9X scope will be much clearer than a $200 4-16X scope. Enough that the extra magnification cannot make up for the quality of the image. There are darn few sub $200 scopes that will really give you a good clear image.

At one time I would have agreed but with today's global market,outsourcing, and some scopes made in same factory using different brands it's a crap shoot at best. I've owned Burris, Leupold,Nikon,Bushnell, Weaver, Mueller, Redfield. I have a Mueller 8x32-40 target dot that is more clear then my Nikon Monarch 5x20x44 both set on 20 power, more light and sharper edge to edge,the Nikon nearly $500 the Mueller $239 now which would take the most abuse probably the Nikon but does not matter to me since I don't plan on damaging either.

My only point it's difficult to judge on price alone, depends on need, use, caliber,etc. My suggest is look though as many models you can find, then judge on requirements and price, brand loyalty is not necessary the best route in today's market.
 
On a shoot n see target I can see them with the naked eye and a 3x is sufficient.
....:eek:

I call BS on this one....:eek:

You mean to tell us that you can see .22 holes in a target at 100yds......ok hold on....... I see where you said with a Shoot N See, but I think even that would be very difficult. You may be able to tell you hit somewhere on the target, but that's about it.
 
I can see clearly now !!

With the naked eye or 3X, I can see the berm at 100yds. For a target, I need a min. of 10X, for my .50 M/L. For .22, I prefer a 12 or 16X. Hey, It's all in the eye of the beholder. ..... :eek:


Be Safe !!!
 
Back
Top