[Rogeritall]

I've got a Savage Axis in .223 Rem, and I'm wanting to Coyote hunt with it, and do some target shooting as well. I've got a 4x12x50 scope that I could mount on it, but I also have access to a 8x32x50 scope for a real bargain price.

My main question is... Do you think that a 8x32x50 scope would be too much for Coyote in Indiana? My ranges would be probably 150 yards and less, and I wonder if acquiring my target even with the scope set on 8 power would be difficult. The target shooter side of me would love that 32x at the range though .

What are some of your favorite Scope Powers for general hunting, and Varmint hunting?

 

[1952Sniper]

I was all ready to say yes I'd go with the 8x scope, until I saw that this would be 150 yards or less. That being the case, I'd stick with 4x. A coyote on the move will be hard enough to keep in the cross hairs even at 4x power, much less be able to lead the target. If it were me, at that range, I'd even consider going back to iron sights.

I fought that battle with my hog hunting rifle that only goes down to 6x power. It's great on a pig that's nice enough to stand still, but it sucks for a real-life moving target. And there's nothing worse than having to pass on a good shot because the scope doesn't offer a wide enough range of view.

So for a varminting gun where the object is to kill the varmint (not necessarily offer perfect shot placement for edible meat), I would stick with the option that provides the most flexibility.

 

[soundguy]

i agree with the 4x as well.

when I put a scope on my marlin 336 30-30 I went with a scope that was on sale.. but was way, way, way over rated for my max 150yd 30-30 gun. a 3x9x40 would have been fine..

now.. if the 8x is cheaper than the 4x.. i guess it's a no brainer..

 

[Rogeritall]

Ya, I know exactly what you guys are saying... I've hunted long enough to know that even a 4x scope can be the devil to keep on target if your target starts running around. I suppose a compromise would be something in 6x24xwhatever range, but I would be buying either of those two scopes, and I already have the 4x12x50 in hand so it is the least expensive any way I go, but it is on another fully functional rifle right now that I may or may not trade off.

I was just hopeful (I guess) that someone would say... "go for the big scope". My main thing I have to decide I think is... is this going to be a rifle I use mostly for target, and sometimes Coyote, or mostly for Coyote, and sometimes for target. It will be difficult to strike a perfect balance with a scope between what I want for both.

I think what I may do is set my 4x12x50 up on 8x and go out in the backyard and sight a few targets (safely of course) maybe even see if I can follow one of the dogs running around the yard with it. That should give me a fairly good idea of what life would be like with an 8x32. Chances are that will get this idea out of my head... As long as none of the neighbors see me pointing a rifle at one of my dogs running around. :yikes:

 

[1952Sniper]

Good idea on using your existing scope to test it out. If you're worried about what your neighbors will think, you can just strap the scope to a piece of wood or a broom handle or something for the same effect. No need to freak people out by using a rifle just to look through the scope.

 

[Rogeritall]

Well, having done what I posted earlier, with no scared neighbors or dog related shootings. Although some of the neighbors may have secretly been rooting for me to shoot the dog, I don't know. The dog seemed a bit confused by it all, but it and other things put up with my strange behavior for the time I was out there. My other dog Lilly thought it was fun I think watching me throw sticks around the yard to get Merlin to move around so I could try to re-acquire him in the scope. (firearm empty with bolt removed for safety) ...

I am forced to come to the conclusion that an 8x32 power scope would be a bit too much for Coyote hunting, particularly here in Indiana. It may work out well out West where the shots would be longer, and the country more open, but here if the target was to start wondering around, re-acquiring the target with no more field of view then I would have, would be difficult to say the least. I don't know if I could ever get used to it, but I bet in trying to I would find myself saying "Which way did it go?" quite a bit. So, I may have to rethink that... Not that I'm looking to take running shots, but they would be near impossible at a fairly close range. 8x32 may be good for target, bad for hunting at least in my case I think.

I did try the same experiment with the scope set on 6x, and found it to be better but still difficult. But, I have done some research and most of the T.V. show Coyote hunters seem to prefer a 6x24, or something very close to that. A 6x24 would increase my lower power range by only 2, but would literally double my high power range from 12x to 24x. So, that may be a good trade off...

I also set my scope to 4x of course just to show myself the difference... It is easiest of the three settings to locate moving objects of course, and I do know where I can get a brand new 4x18 scope for less than $50. That would give me the same low power as my 4x12, but obviously give me a gain of 6x on the high end, and I could keep the 4x12 scope on the rifle it's on even if I don't end up keeping the rifle.

So... there you are. I guess I'll sleep on it tonight and act on it tomorrow... Unless of course someone posts on here and talks me into something else. Thanks though for those of you who brought me back to reality that I already knew, but didn't want to hear. :bleh:

 

[catfish83861]

I have a Vortex Viper 6.5X20X44 with a 30mm tube that I like but I find it difficult to use if I am close at all. 200+ Yes it really is nice for dogs. Little buggers stand by their holes and I say Hi at long range. I prefer my 4.5X14X44 for most every thing closer than 200. But that is just me. I have also found that I am really fond of the Vortex scopes in the Viper class. I will purchase a 3.5X10 for my wifes 7MM-08 later this summer. She likes to hunt too.

 

[Rogeritall]

Just a quick update... I decided to go with the 6x24x50 scope. I found a really good deal on one online and ordered it this evening. Once I get it and get it mounted up I'll post a photo, and do an bit of a range report. Although I already promised a range report in the large/small bore rifle section of this forum. Oh well... anyway I'll show it off somehow.

 

[langenc]

Just a quick update... I decided to go with the 6x24x50 scope. I found a really good deal on one online and ordered it this evening. Once I get it and get it mounted up I'll post a photo, and do an bit of a range report. Although I already promised a range report in the large/small bore rifle section of this forum. Oh well... anyway I'll show it off somehow.

Get ready for sales tax on those on line purchases.

One dumb question--what business is it of congress to mandate state sales taxes??

 

[Zhurh]

I've never paid sales taxes due to Alaska not having them. If they pass a new internet sales tax, I'll still be exempt, correct, for the time being?


Oh ya, I'd take a 4X32 over any long range scope anyday. Reason is we hunt predators too, usually looking to catch wolves in open country, on the river, almost all the time on snowmachine or in a boat. If ya ever tried shooting something while not up on step in boat, you'd understand. Also when running in deep fresh snow and making quick shots, a close range scope is always better for me. AND A FULL MAG.

 

[WHSmithIV]

I'm pretty much giving up on scopes and sticking with good iron sights.

 

[carver]

I'm pretty much giving up on scopes and sticking with good iron sights.

I agree with the iron sights for shots under 150 yards. Scope might come in handy for close up examination of a deer, but then binoculars will do the same thing. A low powered scope will make a good shot under 150 yards, but only if the critter is cooperating by standing still! I shoot a lot of squirrels and have run into the same problem. It's really hard to pick up a running, jumping, squirrel with a scope of any power.

 

[soundguy]

I'm pretty much giving up on scopes and sticking with good iron sights.

i'm about 70/30

most of mine are iron sight.. including at least one of my safari rifles.

I have a 458 lott and 375 H&H mag with scopes.. but a 416 rigby with t he 3 leaf iron sights. 100-200-300 etc.

past that. my main 3006 dear huntin rifle and a bar in 243 has a scope. .. um.. my wetherby V has one. and a 22lr has one. past that.. rest seems to be iron. and I like it.

one of my better shooters is a ruskie sks. best i can do is hit a 1' triangular target at 150yds..

i have an enfield and gustav that are tack drivers with iron sights.