I did not grow up in a house with Guns or Hunters, this is like having a Dad that wants to teach you the right things about Guns, Hunting, and maybe a little of the underlying aspects of life and how to live. Thanks so much for all your contributions.
If you dont want to hunt, go to your local rifle range and give target competition a go!! You will find it's a sport that ANYONE can do on EQUAL terms - male or female, able-bodied or disabled, old or young - it DOESN'T matter!! Everyone can compete against anyone else. In this way it's one of the few sports that is a great LEVELLER!! Enjoy!! 😊👍
The thing i like about your videos they arent just reasonable speaking, pure knowledge,but experience. When you learn from ones experience you often learn more than just knowledge of the subject. Great video
My dad taught me how to find a deer quick in a scope...look down the side of the scope pointed at deer, then move your eye into scope..works every time.. Soo many people look through scope first then move gun around wildy trying to find the deer.
2 eyes. One open, one already through the optic. Then you can already have the crosshairs almost where you want them and can switch back and forth easily. Much better sight picture acquisition, especially if you have enough recoil to maybe lose the target occasionally
If your scope is mounted correctly, you just keep your two eyes open, focused on the deer, looking at where you are going to hit it, and as your rifle comes to your shoulder the crosshairs should simply superimpose onto the deer and "bang". Takes longer to describe than to do, and much faster than trying to look down the side of the scope. If the crosshairs aren't appearing superimposed on the deer as the buttplate hits your shoulder it is a sign that either 1. your rifle and scope aren't set up properly for you, 2. You are dropping your head to the stock, rather than bringing the stock up to your face (which is also probably a symptom of 1), or 3. The scope is of such high magnification that the eye relief and exit pupil are too critical as to eye position - especially if 1 and/or 2 is also in play. 1. can be dealt with by ensuring the scope is at the right height with respect to the comb of the stock, and at the right distance from your eye. I like to set scopes up at maximum magnification such that in the offhand the scope is just a tad further away than is perfect. That way it will not be too close in positions like prone, and at lower magnifications, where there's a bit more leeway on eye relief, it will be perfect.
This man is so smart! I'm 64 I've hunted for many years. My go to scope for hunting whitetail in the woods of New Brunswick, Canada was a 1.5-5. The scope was never set higher than 1.5. If my memory serves me right I only upped the magnification 2 or 3 times to determine if the deer I was about to harvest was the caliber I was interested in. I've communicated this fact to many a young hunter. I've harvested my share of deer in the woods most have been 30 yards or less, one was 45, one was 70. The two longest shots were in the open hardwoods. I've shot deer with a 3030, 308 and a 3006. My first deer was under 20 Yards, a 2 year old 6 point I used open sights with my 3030. The deer died instantly. My favorite was the 308. Compared to the 3006 the 308 is my favorite. In my experience the 308 harvested deer with less damage to the meet than the 3006. When hunting deer with my 3006 I reload my shells at a lower velocity. Love this channel, thank you for sharing your knowledge
I grew up hunting antelope, mule deer and elk in Wyoming for the last 50 years and filled my tags every year at least for deer and antelope. I’m talking about wide open spaces and timber for elk and most always shot them with my scopes set at four or six power. Most all my scopes are Leopold with higher settings but very seldom do I turn them higher except for shooting paper or for spotting. I have taken big game at 50 yards out to 400 yards which is a very substantial distance in my book. Taking shots at game animals at a thousand yards to me is not sensible hunting.
True words - less is more! When I was a teenager, most scopes were 2, 3, or 4x. The 3-9x40 scopes were the sci-fi models. Nowadays, as you stated, the 3-9x40's are the beginning range of commonly carried scopes in stores. Virtually every scope display I've seen over the past decade has been stocked with bunches of 5-25x56 super-duper sniper scopes that run $2-4K! Aside from the technical aspects you spoke of, a smaller scope just looks better on a M70 Featherweight. Great video with a logical explanation of the "less is more" theory applied to hunting scopes.
I'm so glad i found your channel. It seems like 99% of gun review & tutorial channels are guys between 16 -30 years old pretending to be experts and probably just shilling for a sponsored product.
I just purchased my first bolt action rifle, a couple of weeks ago at a local gun show. It's a pre owned Remington 700 ADL. It's in pretty good condition hadn't been fired much. It came with a 3x9x40 scope. I have looked a a few videos about using a scope. I think i got the best advice from your video. Thank you.
Less is NOT more when I think of those videos... More of them is a lot more knowledge passed. I see this video for the umpteenth time and I still learn from it. Again and again, Thank you for doing them.
I understand what he is saying, but I have threaded the needle in the woods shooting at deer well over 100 yards many times and more power is definitely a plus. Also, here in Pa. we transition from the woods to the fields a lot where you can jump up a deer at 20 yards or see them at 250 yards, so I like a 2.5 x 10 with a large objective to bring in as much light as possible during the early morning and late evening hours. Yes, best to walk with it on 2.5 in case you need to get one in the crosshairs on the run but great to be able to crank it to 10x if the big bucks is seen skirting the wood line at 275 yards. Those tough shots are the ones you will never forget...
I agree 100%. I primarily use a Trijicon 2.5-10x56 with a 30mm tube and illuminated reticle. I've killed 3 deer under 30yds with it, one at 12yds and the 2.5x worked great. I've also used 8-10 in dense cover to be able to find a softball sized hole in vegetation to shoot deer through.
On my hunting rifle I use a 1-4 power long eye scope mounted forward of the receiver. That way I can use it with both eyes open to acquire targets quick and then zoom in if needed.
i had been introducing a young man to shooting. he became very proficient even at offhand shooting. we shot targets , beer cans and prairie dogs all summer. He was fortunate enough to draw his very first elk tag here in New Mexico. He called to sadly report that although he came across a small herd , when he shouldered the rifle to make a very easy shot he could not even find the elk in the scope. He was so used to shooting on full magnification that it never dawned on him the difference between popping prairie dogs at range and woodland hunting for big game. Sadly he came home broken hearted having learned this very lesson about magnification in the woods. now when he goes out he turns the scope to the lowest power possible. If the deer or elk is far away you usually have time to crank it up for the shot, but if they are close it can end badly if on high power.
Less is definitely more! I would much rather have a fine scope, such as a Leupold 9x, that holds zero, then a junky scope with every feature available. Just the basics for me with a fine scope! What a great video, Captain!
I have been watching your videos for a long time and have to say that you are the most knowledgeable, up-front, and honest person on RUclips when it comes to anything gun related and shooting. You are right with the information on riflescopes when it comes to how you are treated at most establishments that sell scopes...….most people are talked in the higher magnification and for the impressive looks by salespeople that have little or no real knowledge in what they are selling. One point that most shooters seems to not comprehend is that with magnification, everything is magnified, including and movement. I have people say to me that they had issues with their scopes not being steady when they are zoomed in on 3-9 or higher power scopes. Little do they realize that it is not the scope, but it relates to the movement of the unsteady hand and the lower filed of view.
Of course as usual you make good sense. In Texas we have literally every sort of terrain, topography and distances to shoot over. For the hunter that can only afford one gun he will most likely choose the 3 X 9 scope for versatility. I have a 1 X 4 power on my AR so I firmly believe what you are saying here. Thank you for all the great videos you provide for us. Merry Christmas!
Very few have I ever run across in all my years in this earth, this man ranks very high on my list of "should always be respected...I love to sit with him and just talk about whatever he wants to
Thank you so much! Amazing, information on all topics, needed for somebody new into firearms. Especially for us deprived of the freedoms you guys are granted in the US. Just got my hunting license, bought a gun, but have to wait 14-15 weeks for my license to be approved. Welcome to Sweden..... This has to be done with any gun you purchase, sad state really. As I just can't go and learn or try out things, your videos give me experience and knowledge for the future, thank you so much again! Love from a Serbian guy born in Sweden.
Thank you for all of your time on these videos. I have watched at least a dozen. So informative. Palm up or palm down on the bolt, great cleaning techniques, excellent perspective on bullets and scopes, and how I started down this path - bedding a rifle. So much great advice and critical thinking. Thanks again!!!
Next level dude. You are my role model. I'm a mechanical/electrical engineer and you blow my mind. Thanks for the stimulation to start building and reinforcing synapses again!
Yes you are quite right , less is more , over the years lved had a number of scopes in different power ratings , but now , i favour my 4x32 AO mil dot , sound information Cheers
Truer words have never been spoken! I think everyone will learn this, more or less. I removed the scope and went back to iron sights on the .22 I use for close-up varmints after the chickens, at night and so forth. Missed too many otherwise easy shots because the FOV was terrible (3-9 scope). My eyes are not great at this point so for far away varmints, I still have a higher power scope on the .223. And that one rifle is just about the 100-300 yard shots with a variable power 8-32. Yeah, I got suckered in on that one some years back (hey they said it was "Tactical!") but I do pretty good with it on the varmints and I make it work. My deer slug gun has a 3-9 but it's pretty much a 100-200 yard deal (shooting across farm fields mostly) and again, I have adapted to it and it works well for me. It came with the Mossberg rifled barrel kit. Hope Benny continues to be a happy hound!
You had me at “I’m not trying to sell anything here”…. Thank you for the work you do and the videos you’ve published Cap. I’ve learned a lot especially about the 10/22.
I really appreciate your comments on my 7mm Remington Mag,I still use an old Lyman 2.5 X exactly like the one in the movie Saving Private Ryan,it sets on my 7mm,it has a beautiful picture,wide field of view and is quick to get on target,no idea how old this scope is but it's all I ever use!!
Another Bevy of information put out by Good Old Uncle chummy. Love your stuff. I lived in New York where you were only allowed to hunt with a shotgun then they opened some areas up to rifle these guys thought they were going to be slaying deer with a 300 Weatherby from 2 miles away until they realized how exponentially of a bad shot they were God bless you sir keep up the good work educate these kids
Lmao. Im also from NY and I seen the same thing. Guys popping off rounds at deer with a huge rifle at 300 yrds thinking its the same as a shooting a shotgun at 30. They either cripple them or flat out miss.
I will rarely have an optic at all when hunting heavy wooded areas. The area I hunt shots beyond 100 are extremely rare with most common shot less than 20. That optic / rifle combo on that 7mm08 is a fantastic set up.
Personally, I think one of the greatest advances in scopes has been the ready availability now of relatively affordable true 1x variable power optics. Things like the Steiner T5Xi (1-5x24mm) and the Vortex Razor HD Gen II (1-6x24mm) have FoV around 110 ft @ 100 on 1 power and you give up very little. I regularly shoot my Steiner out to 600 yards at standard targets without difficulty and without a particularly accurate rifle. Anyone who has spent time shooting from something other than a bench that compares shooting on a true 1x scope vs. something with 3+ times the magnification can't help but to realize the inherent value of the low power optics.
This is so true! My fav scope is a 3x32 nikon that has a great field of view and clear glass that gives a crisp picture…… magnification is a beautiful thing when used in lowest dosage needed for the job! Ty for sharing!
Thanks so much for your videos. Please continue to provide us with your common sense perspective. Your knowledge of firearms and firearms history is something that is severely lacking on RUclips.
Additionally, using a lower powered optic really helps to stay on target when the hunter is excited, when "buck fever" rears its ugly head. (Personal experience)
Another video filled with scads of information. Thanks. FOV & Price was the deciding factor's in scoping my Marlins. Looking at different scope options the affordable option I found was Vortex Diamondbacks in 2-7*35 both their 'rifle' & 'rimfire' models. The FOV for both varieties is just over 64 ft @ 100 yds = 16 ft @ 25 yds. The 'rifle' model Parallax is set at 100 yards, this model on my 336BL 30-30 Win and 1894 44 Mag. The 'rimfire' model is on my 1894C 357 Mag, it's only called a rimfire because Parallax is set @ 50 yds., scope is rated for use on shotguns & muzzle loaders. I've shot more deer closer than 30 yds. than over 30 yds. Note about Deerpoo22's comment below - Safety first! - When I had my hunter safety training course 'scoping' potential targets was considered an unsafe action, they stressed the use of binoculars/spotting scopes/range finders to check out game at a distance.
This is so true. I grew up shooting with iron sights and then fell victim to the high mag scopes as I got into deer hunting. I’m about to pull the trigger on a zeiss duralyt illuminated centre dot 1.5-5 magnification scope to replace my zeiss 3-12. I always shoot on 5 or 6 anyway, I will also be saving weight of my setup. Thanks again
I'm in the very little of both catagory I fear! Lol. I put 3 to 9 or 4 to 12 leupold freedoms on everything! Cant afford more and I can't see as good anymore! I need all the help I can get
@@oilhammer04 I'm only 30 but working construction for over a decade has my body falling apart and my eyes are too! I used to be able to stare at my pin when bow hunting and still see deer at 20 yards clearly, now I have to look at deer and deal with a very blurry pin, they used to both be clear! I barely passed my vision test my last license renewel..... Probly gonna have to break down n get contacts or glasses
took your advice so glad i did what a difference easier to use set up and away you go useing my new a fixed scope on a gamo and its a pleasure.I am waiting delivery of a recoil proof mount to protect the scope thanks for the advice.U.K.
In the begining i used a 4/16X50 on my 222Rem. Later i bought a 243, so i put the 4/16 on it. Then i found a second hand 1.5/6X42 and discover using that scope on the 222 makes no differences on my shots. So know i shoot the 222Rem on 1,5 magnification most of the time and the 243 at 4X. You're right, less is giving you more and makes you a better shooter. Only when i'm shooting long range i crank up the magnification with both riffles. I plan to build a 300 Win Mag and for sure i won't go up more than a 4/20 for it. But for sure a first focal plane this time. Regards from France. 😎🇫🇷😇
Im getting rid of 2 of my vortex 4 x 12 x44 1inch tube scopes , just orderd a 2nd hand shmidt & bender older style with 30 mm tube , not sure if i should put it on me cz 452 22lr or me tikka t3x 223 , thinking maybe the 22 😅🇦🇺
The fact that he moved his arm from his right to left, when saying far right...respective to our view...that was the correct right...very good video, well thought out. Awesome
Awesome info. Ppl always laugh when they see my 30-30 brush gun with a fixed 3x Burris tactical scope. Until they see the FOV I get with it. With a mpbr of 220 yards (Hornady Leverlotion) and quick acquisition, it's a system that even iron sights can't beat. Just put the dot on the boiler and pull the trigger.
You remind me I made practical decisions opting to buy Leupold VX scopes for my hunting rifles. I’d likely not take more than a 400 yard shot and figure up to 9 or 10 power scopes is enough. And that’s mostly for my aging eyes-lol. And yes the salesperson was trying to get me to buy $1200 plus scopes . I only wish my eyes could handle open sights when brush hunting. There would be no need for a scope then. However everything is a blurry at this stage in life. So in the woods and or brush, I leave my scopes on the lowest setting to aid in quicker target acquisition and widest field of view. Gun blue always serves his viewers well with his advice and practical viewpoints. Thanks!
Yesterday, I made sure of my Malin 94 sight settings, because my scoped rifle set on 5x, was not finding the deer I kept kicking-up. I guess I could have adjusted to the lowest setting, since I have it set on 5x so the BDC reticle works with 50 yard increments. Next time I go into the brush, I'll try 3x, (my lowest setting,) instead of using the iron sighted rifle. Timely video.
Another excellent video. Personally, I have no beef with 3-9X scopes, but I almost exclusively hunt prairie mule deer, and always keep mine turned all the way down. For many years I used the same rifle with a straight 4X and harvested a lot of deer with it. My theory is that if an animal is up close a person has to find it and get a shot off quick, he won't have time to turn his scope down, but if it's way off at 3 or 4 hundred yards he'll always have time to turn the magnification up if needed. Another thing I've seen and even experienced personally that can come about from too high of a level of magnification is a false sense of confidence. When I had my straight 4X on my rifle, if a deer looked pretty small in that scope it was too far away to shoot at anyway and I knew it. Just this past season, even though I know better, I took a shot at a really nice buck only to see the puff of dirt on the ground in front of him and watch him hop away unscathed. He looked pretty big on 9X, but he was much farther away than I estimated. With my 4X I would've known he was too far away.
In 2019 I harvested my cow elk at a distance of 266 yards with a CVA Scout II with a 4 power scope. I had been to the very spot a week or so before and had my rangefinder so I took all kinds of ranges. When I saw the elk a week later I knew the distance, more or less, from me to it. I took the shot and the elk disappeared from sight. It fell straight down and moved no more. The 4 power scope was more than enough to easily sight on the elk. The following year using my 30-06 which has a 1.5 to 5 dangerous game scope I harvested a 4x5 bull elk at just under 300 yards with a shot to the back of the head. Scope was on 4 power. I don't like a messy cleaning job. I either drop it or it walks away.
Good afternoon sir, I was looking for a scope for my CZ527 chambered in 7.62x39. I was tossing up between a 3-9 or 2-8. Now I’ll be buying a 1.5-5x20 vx3HD . I don’t see my self shooting this rifle past 200 meters and 5 power zoom will be plenty for that. I’m now excited and looking forward to keeping my rifle nice and easy to get on target with this new scope selection ! Thank you for the great advice
You're quite welcome! FYI, scopes restricted to a maximum of 4.5 power largely have replaced iron sights in National Match competition involving 600 meters, emulating military issue scopes. 5 power is more than ample for precise shooting at your distances.
Good morning Sir I hope You had a nice Christmas, I finally got around to fitting my 1.5-5 scope and I love it , it’s a joy to shoot and the field of view makes me smile every time I shoulder it. I have made some loads up using 123 gr SSTs and AR2207 powder and got it grouping 3 shots into a clover leaf! Makes for a light, accurate little rifle that’s is quickly becoming one of my favourites !
I use a leupold 1.5-4 in the thick woods. Wish they didn’t stop making it . Weighs 13oz. I have a 1-4 on my ar-10 and I did a class where we went out to 400 yards with it . At the end the instructor was giving me some kudos . I did just as well or better than most in the class and they all had scopes of 8x and greater . I’m no tactical Ted , I just know the holds. I actually use my rifles .
Great information. High power scopes are fine for shooting paper and long range varmints, but man do they suck for big game hunting. Ever try a follow-up shot on something at 24x? With that narrow FOV you'll never find the target again until it's too late. One thing that I would have mentioned is the advantage of a 30mm scope tube. Larger tube = larger FOV. Something like the Leupold VX5 2-10x scope gives you 57.5 feet on low power but you can still crank it up for target shooting. Or for shooting 400+ yards on game. Out here in Utah we can be in the woods one second and looking 800 yards across a canyon the next, so the 30mm tubes are a good option.
My larger game hunting has always been through peep sights. Peep and or notch sights are my preference. I'm thinking about a quality springer air rifle for pest control and small game hunting. This necessitates selecting a scope. This video has been very educational.
For target shooting more can definitely be more. I have a little 3 inch steel popper that I can ( at best) hit 10/10 times with my semicustom 243 at 500 yards with 10x power. At 600 yards the aiming point is so rough the best I can do is 6/10. With a 12x power mounted I have been able to get 10/10 at 700 yards on 3 inch popper!
An additional comment/question. Saturday, I got my deer. Rifled Mossburg slug gun with a 3-9 power scope. The shot was at 170 yards across my farm field and hit dead on in the perfect lung shot spot. The usual Hornady SST sabots. But it wasn't my first shot of the day. Saw this video on Friday and thought, "OK if I get a long shot, I'll take it on 3 power and see how it goes." Because there is usually more than one deer, the wider FOV allows me to look at more than one to better make a pick. At 8AM Saturday morning that's just what I did. Clean miss! Groan! Tracked that small group of deer to the property line to make sure there was no blood trail. The shot was from a rest at a deer that was standing still broadside. It was probably over 180 yards, but I practice with that gun at up to 200, at 9 power, and can put them into a 6-inch circle. Missed another shot later in the day that was much closer. Again I tracked that deer to make sure it wasn't hit. Not happy with myself at that point. I was beginning to think my day was going to end badly when about 15 minutes before official sundown another small group of four emerged from the woods. This time, I cranked the scope back up to 9 power and made the shot. My long winded question is this, can scopes change POI by changing from one power to another? Everything I have read says that if they do, it's a minimal amount. My other thought is that I had a flyer with the sabots. Maybe more than one. I know that's possible but for all the practice rounds I shoot I have not had a single one. Or at least a wild one that was more than an inch or so off. Most likely those first two shots were my own dang fault. I guess I'm pretty used to that 9 power setting but next summer when I practice, I'm going to try my usual targets on 3 power and see how it goes.
I don't like hunting with low power scopes when shooting 100-200yds. I usually hunt with a 4-12 and a 2.5-10. I was hunting with a 3-9 and had a deer across the pond at 150yds. The deer was 10-15yds back inside the tree line in and amongst a lot of vegetation about 5-10 minutes before dusk. I could see clearly to the tree line but under the canopy it was more challenging to see. Even at 9x I had a very difficult time picking out a hole/small opening in the vegetation to shoot through. Would've loved to have a 12 or even a 16x power scope in that scenario. Been very happy with my 2.5-10x56 though. The 2.5 is great for stalking and close range shots.
You sir are a legend. I have just reached the same conclusion myself and have dropped down to a 1.5 - 6 x 44 for my foxing rig. Good light gathering and fast target acquisition. FOV is indeed the big number that matters.
I have just done an experiment on myself. I shoot air rifles UK legal at 30 to 40 yards , I have 3 rifles and when I have finished shooting I noticed they were always set at about 10X , its the power I chose for the range and target.
I agree! My first scope was a Bushnell Banner 1.5 - 4. It was perfect for Adirondack hunting. I almost never turned it up past 1.5. I also used it on a .22 for hunting hares behind beagles for a time, but I found a peep sight to be a much better choice in the snow!
Watching a couple videos of yours's on scopes (in the market to scope a henry 22 Mag & new to Scopes) sounds like Math, I am all in! You have the knowledge & I am willing to follow and learn Thank YOU for your time & presentation's.
Very interesting. I am looking for a scope in the UK 🇬🇧 shooting out to about 50-60 yards. I was looking at a 5-20 but I think I might look at either 3-9 or 3-12. Many thanks. 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸
Iv just orderd a 2nd hand shmidt and bender older style 1.5 x 6 x 42mm with 30mm tube 4 me cz 452 22lr , gettin rid of me vortex 4 x 12 x 44 inch tube , less is best i guess and u cant beat good quality glass , plenty of rats and rabbits here in oz 😅🇦🇺
Solid True advice. I'm not much younger than the Capt. I remember my first Quality Rifle scope. It was a 1970's vintage Lyman w a 50mm objective lens. 3 x 9 power. It was a fine scope. Up in a tree stand I can't tell you how many times I sighted down the side of the barrel to head shoot close up deer. When I sold that rifle I sold the scope with it. I have never sold any of my 1.5 x 5 power or 2 x 7 power hunting scopes.. Kind'a miss the quality of that old Lyman but it was not for new England woods hunting. Today some of my old school hunting rifles have have receiver mounted peep sights & they are not a poor choice for up close & personal shooting.. uncle mike in ct
I have always been a keep it simple as possible guy! Never liked shooting with a scope because of the field of view issue. I have always liked irons with a 2 position peep on the rear sight. But now that my eyes are getting older I have been considering trying out a scope. I am looking at a 1x to 6x from primary arms with the acss retical. It also has a generous eye relief which is another aspect people over look when looking at magnified optics. Eye relief and paralax are important as well. Great video! I always enjoy your videos. Very informative!
When I teach at an Appleseed clinic, we're usually shooting .22 LR at 25M. There is often the "tacticool" dude with the $1000 10/22 with a 8-24x scope set on 24x. He usually has a wife/girlfriend armed with a stock 10/22 and the factory sights. By the end of the day , he is fuming because he can't shoot a group to save his life and the wife/girlfriend actually listened to the instructions and is shooting 1" groups at 25M. We usually try to tell people to use the lowest power on their scope. Low power is always good.
@@tun0fun At 25 meters, higher power scopes increase the perceived wobble that comes with shooting WITHOUT an artificial support such as a lead sled or bags which is how benchrest shooters work. Lead sleds and bags do most of the holding for you. When you're shooting unsupported with or without a sling, your bones and muscles are doing the work. They aren't as steady as a artificial rest. Your reticle or sights will appear to move more on high power and the shooter will often jerk the trigger when the sights or reticle drift over the aiming point. The CMP doesn't allow scopes over 4x. Try shooting without bags, bipod, or lead sled at close range. Better yet, try it offhand. Not joking.
@@tun0fun Your not shooting at 25 m. You're also, if you shoot competition, an experienced offhand shooter. Most of the people who shoot in Appleseed are novices, CMP/sling shooters, and the aforementioned tacticool shooters. If you have learned to "embrace the wobble" shooting offhand(???) at 500 yds , you're the exception, not the rule. What competition requires you to shoot offhand(unsupported) at 500 yds.
As always, good well presented information. You have mentioned this before in another video and I remembered more than a few situations in my hunting experiences where the lack of field of view had come into play. It was a bit of an epiphany for me so to speak. Last scope I bought was chosen with your words in mind and is a leupold 1.5-4 x 20. (lowest power scope I have ever owned) As it happens it is sitting on the same carbine as your wife's rifle. It has turned out to be a great combination for my intended uses, so thanks for the heads up on this.
Nice video, sir. You make an excellent point about the ability of the shooter to use a low power magnification for prairie hunt shooting. Unless someone could only afford one gun, though, I think it's worth it to consider a rifle with iron sights for that hypothetical 25 yard woodland hunting shot.
I agree, and I have done videos recommending that hunters seriously revisit peep sights. In the real world however, iron sights have given way to scopes, almost exclusively, even for the military, but scope buyers are left at the mercy of an industry that is aggressively promoting high priced, feature filled optics that have absolutely no association with game hunting of any kind. My objective is to enlighten folks so they can make intelligent choices.
GunBlue490 there is a scope in the market that goes from 0.75 to 6x. Which means it has enormous field of view at 0.75. Other option is red dot sights if the rifles don’t have iron sights.
Thanks for the video. I have been shooting here in Australia since I was 5 with open sights, I'm now 64. My eyes are not as good as they used to be and I have been searching for a scope. Unfortunately I have very little knowledge, even after all these years. I searched many videos and found yours to be the best. You talk common sense and you have helped me a lot in my search for a scope. I shoot mainly pigs (hogs), foxes, dingo's and deer in rough desert country and don't want all the fancy bells and whistles that others talk about. I would still be shooting with open sights if I had younger eyes. I found your instructions and advice easy to follow. Thanks for the help.
I currently have a 1.5-5 on my rifle and while I like it I was wanting more power on that rifle. After being confused at all the different magnifications and doodads on scopes I'm glad I found your video. I think I'm going to look at (same brand and model line) a 2-10 power. That 1.5-5 will find a new home on a pcc I've been looking at. Thank you for the clear information, sir.
Thank you Sir. Your explanations have helped this "beginner" so much. You present so many concepts in a way even I (an older shooting enthusiast newbie)...can understand. May our Great God richly bless you and yours. Merry Christmas!!
Only lately started noticing what he is saying here. I do some pest shooting on our farm here in Australia, i currently got a 4-12 scope on my 223 and i'm finding it very hard to locate targets quickly while on the move and especially when they get blinded by spotlight and run very close past me, on the other end when i go for long range shooting lots of the time i don't even bother zooming in, because at 300m or so its getting towards the end of the rifle/my capability but im not having any issue sighting the target yet. Hence im now looking at upgrade to a better quality scope that has less magnification and it sounds pretty weird when you try to explain it to someone.
missed the biggest mule deer buck of my life because of lack of field of view. buck stood up and shot off like a rocket at 20 yards, missed him clean with my 2 to 7 leupold compact scope. just not enough daylight around the running deer to get my crosswire set on target. now i hunt with a 1.5 to 5 power zeiss, great big game scope,all you need. high power ok for standing deer at longer ranges.
Just found your videos and subscribed immediately as your format and content is exactly how it should be for us regular folks out in the real world. Thank you!!
1-8 low power variable optics should be the standard for close range woodland deer hunting with a bolt action...anything else like a lever or single shot should be used with irons only
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this , thank you for taking the time to make it. Could you please post a video explaining the use of a 30/30 duplex reticle for rangefinding. With all modern trend aimed towards the use of BDC/ multi aim point reticles it appears to be a lost art and something id love to learn/ get into cheers ... Ps i have quite a few scopes with different reticles, my most used is a little leupold 3-9x33 it does everything i need , it would be great to be able to learn to rangefind
You've sold me on lower power scopes for woods deer hunting. I will keep my adjustable objective higher power one for my .22 for squirrel hunting though because it's just cool to see that squirrel up close and in high definition and I'm only shooting them while they're still and a lot of times have time to mess with the adjustments. It's a thing just for the experience of it not the practicality in that case.
Actually, the field of view relationship allows for greater magnification on 22s used for small game. My personal preference is a fixed 4x rimfire scope with fine reticle.
Just watched this video again. I do thank you--again I learned some very good information on scopes. The concept of choosing a scope based on the lowest setting vs the highest is very helpful. If you don't mind a question here; what are your thoughts on fixed power scopes? I have a couple vintage straight power scopes. One Burris 4x and the other a Leupold 6x. I hunt deer in the midwest where shots from my deerstand can be 40 yds in the trees or out to 200yds out in a cornfield. I plan on putting these on a 25-06 and a 270. Thank You again.
This fov discussion was very helpful. Also the advantages of sfp scopes & their lesser costs. And especially your recommended duplex reticle. Good info in both videos. The clr explanation of shooting within your limitations was also helpful. Humane hunting for a clean kill. Thanks very much.
I did not grow up in a house with Guns or Hunters, this is like having a Dad that wants to teach you the right things about Guns, Hunting, and maybe a little of the underlying aspects of life and how to live. Thanks so much for all your contributions.
instablaster...
If you dont want to hunt, go to your local rifle range and give target competition a go!! You will find it's a sport that ANYONE can do on EQUAL terms - male or female, able-bodied or disabled, old or young - it DOESN'T matter!! Everyone can compete against anyone else. In this way it's one of the few sports that is a great LEVELLER!! Enjoy!! 😊👍
You got to appreciate the free knowledge this man is giving everyone that watches.
MOST definitely
The thing i like about your videos they arent just reasonable speaking, pure knowledge,but experience. When you learn from ones experience you often learn more than just knowledge of the subject. Great video
Well said
I like that rationale of buy what your needs are, not what the market wants to sell you. Timeless advice, my friend!
My dad taught me how to find a deer quick in a scope...look down the side of the scope pointed at deer, then move your eye into scope..works every time.. Soo many people look through scope first then move gun around wildy trying to find the deer.
2 eyes. One open, one already through the optic. Then you can already have the crosshairs almost where you want them and can switch back and forth easily. Much better sight picture acquisition, especially if you have enough recoil to maybe lose the target occasionally
Awesome info
If your scope is mounted correctly, you just keep your two eyes open, focused on the deer, looking at where you are going to hit it, and as your rifle comes to your shoulder the crosshairs should simply superimpose onto the deer and "bang". Takes longer to describe than to do, and much faster than trying to look down the side of the scope.
If the crosshairs aren't appearing superimposed on the deer as the buttplate hits your shoulder it is a sign that either 1. your rifle and scope aren't set up properly for you, 2. You are dropping your head to the stock, rather than bringing the stock up to your face (which is also probably a symptom of 1), or 3. The scope is of such high magnification that the eye relief and exit pupil are too critical as to eye position - especially if 1 and/or 2 is also in play.
1. can be dealt with by ensuring the scope is at the right height with respect to the comb of the stock, and at the right distance from your eye. I like to set scopes up at maximum magnification such that in the offhand the scope is just a tad further away than is perfect. That way it will not be too close in positions like prone, and at lower magnifications, where there's a bit more leeway on eye relief, it will be perfect.
Thanks a lot for saving my money nearly more than half. I dropped down from 6-24x50 FFP to 3-12x40 FFP. Wake on time....
The voice of experience and wisdom, Here is a man that knows his stuff!!
This man is so smart! I'm 64 I've hunted for many years. My go to scope for hunting whitetail in the woods of New Brunswick, Canada was a 1.5-5. The scope was never set higher than 1.5. If my memory serves me right I only upped the magnification 2 or 3 times to determine if the deer I was about to harvest was the caliber I was interested in. I've communicated this fact to many a young hunter. I've harvested my share of deer in the woods most have been 30 yards or less, one was 45, one was 70. The two longest shots were in the open hardwoods. I've shot deer with a 3030, 308 and a 3006. My first deer was under 20 Yards, a 2 year old 6 point I used open sights with my 3030. The deer died instantly. My favorite was the 308. Compared to the 3006 the 308 is my favorite. In my experience the 308 harvested deer with less damage to the meet than the 3006. When hunting deer with my 3006 I reload my shells at a lower velocity.
Love this channel, thank you for sharing your knowledge
I've started buying fixed magnification scopes and my shooting has improved.
I grew up hunting antelope, mule deer and elk in Wyoming for the last 50 years and filled my tags every year at least for deer and antelope. I’m talking about wide open spaces and timber for elk and most always shot them with my scopes set at four or six power. Most all my scopes are Leopold with higher settings but very seldom do I turn them higher except for shooting paper or for spotting. I have taken big game at 50 yards out to 400 yards which is a very substantial distance in my book. Taking shots at game animals at a thousand yards to me is not sensible hunting.
Don't use your rifle scope for spotting though, that's really unsafe. Use your binos for spotting.
True words - less is more! When I was a teenager, most scopes were 2, 3, or 4x. The 3-9x40 scopes were the sci-fi models. Nowadays, as you stated, the 3-9x40's are the beginning range of commonly carried scopes in stores. Virtually every scope display I've seen over the past decade has been stocked with bunches of 5-25x56 super-duper sniper scopes that run $2-4K!
Aside from the technical aspects you spoke of, a smaller scope just looks better on a M70 Featherweight.
Great video with a logical explanation of the "less is more" theory applied to hunting scopes.
I'm so glad i found your channel. It seems like 99% of gun review & tutorial channels are guys between 16 -30 years old pretending to be experts and probably just shilling for a sponsored product.
I just purchased my first bolt action rifle, a couple of weeks ago at a local gun show. It's a pre owned Remington 700 ADL. It's in pretty good condition hadn't been fired much. It came with a 3x9x40 scope. I have looked a a few videos about using a scope. I think i got the best advice from your video. Thank you.
Less is NOT more when I think of those videos... More of them is a lot more knowledge passed. I see this video for the umpteenth time and I still learn from it. Again and again, Thank you for doing them.
I understand what he is saying, but I have threaded the needle in the woods shooting at deer well over 100 yards many times and more power is definitely a plus. Also, here in Pa. we transition from the woods to the fields a lot where you can jump up a deer at 20 yards or see them at 250 yards, so I like a 2.5 x 10 with a large objective to bring in as much light as possible during the early morning and late evening hours. Yes, best to walk with it on 2.5 in case you need to get one in the crosshairs on the run but great to be able to crank it to 10x if the big bucks is seen skirting the wood line at 275 yards. Those tough shots are the ones you will never forget...
I agree 100%. I primarily use a Trijicon 2.5-10x56 with a 30mm tube and illuminated reticle. I've killed 3 deer under 30yds with it, one at 12yds and the 2.5x worked great. I've also used 8-10 in dense cover to be able to find a softball sized hole in vegetation to shoot deer through.
On my hunting rifle I use a 1-4 power long eye scope mounted forward of the receiver. That way I can use it with both eyes open to acquire targets quick and then zoom in if needed.
What brand and model did you go with? I’m having a hard time deciding on one with so many options.
i had been introducing a young man to shooting.
he became very proficient even at offhand shooting.
we shot targets , beer cans and prairie dogs all summer.
He was fortunate enough to draw his very first elk tag here in New Mexico.
He called to sadly report that although he came across a small herd , when he shouldered the rifle to make a very easy shot he could not even find the elk in the scope.
He was so used to shooting on full magnification that it never dawned on him the difference between popping prairie dogs at range and woodland hunting for big game.
Sadly he came home broken hearted having learned this very lesson about magnification in the woods.
now when he goes out he turns the scope to the lowest power possible.
If the deer or elk is far away you usually have time to crank it up for the shot, but if they are close it can end badly if on high power.
Less is definitely more! I would much rather have a fine scope, such as a Leupold 9x, that holds zero, then a junky scope with every feature available. Just the basics for me with a fine scope! What a great video, Captain!
I have been watching your videos for a long time and have to say that you are the most knowledgeable, up-front, and honest person on RUclips when it comes to anything gun related and shooting. You are right with the information on riflescopes when it comes to how you are treated at most establishments that sell scopes...….most people are talked in the higher magnification and for the impressive looks by salespeople that have little or no real knowledge in what they are selling.
One point that most shooters seems to not comprehend is that with magnification, everything is magnified, including and movement. I have people say to me that they had issues with their scopes not being steady when they are zoomed in on 3-9 or higher power scopes. Little do they realize that it is not the scope, but it relates to the movement of the unsteady hand and the lower filed of view.
I learned the hard way, he’s right, for the most part less is more, get something clear and then shot it... god bless this man💚🍀
Of course as usual you make good sense. In Texas we have literally every sort of terrain, topography and distances to shoot over. For the hunter that can only afford one gun he will most likely choose the 3 X 9 scope for versatility. I have a 1 X 4 power on my AR so I firmly believe what you are saying here. Thank you for all the great videos you provide for us. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, and God bless.
Whoever your grandchildren are, they’re fortunate to have your wisdom.
Practical reasoning beats the show off. Your Knowledge is so valuable when it comes to $ and cents. Thank you again.
With practice, you can scope in with both eyes open with a low power scope. Your effective field of view just increased by a lot.
Sir , your deliberation helped me settle down for a 1.5 - 5 x 24 scope for my Diana Magnum 460 .Gracais !
You're welcome.
Very few have I ever run across in all my years in this earth, this man ranks very high on my list of "should always be respected...I love to sit with him and just talk about whatever he wants to
Thank you so much! Amazing, information on all topics, needed for somebody new into firearms. Especially for us deprived of the freedoms you guys are granted in the US.
Just got my hunting license, bought a gun, but have to wait 14-15 weeks for my license to be approved. Welcome to Sweden..... This has to be done with any gun you purchase, sad state really.
As I just can't go and learn or try out things, your videos give me experience and knowledge for the future, thank you so much again!
Love from a Serbian guy born in Sweden.
We're not "granted" these rights in the states, they're God given.
Thank you for all of your time on these videos. I have watched at least a dozen. So informative. Palm up or palm down on the bolt, great cleaning techniques, excellent perspective on bullets and scopes, and how I started down this path - bedding a rifle. So much great advice and critical thinking. Thanks again!!!
It’s about time someone told it like it is! Thank you gunblu
Next level dude. You are my role model. I'm a mechanical/electrical engineer and you blow my mind. Thanks for the stimulation to start building and reinforcing synapses again!
Yes you are quite right , less is more , over the years lved had a number of scopes in different power ratings , but now , i favour my 4x32 AO mil dot , sound information Cheers
Truer words have never been spoken! I think everyone will learn this, more or less. I removed the scope and went back to iron sights on the .22 I use for close-up varmints after the chickens, at night and so forth. Missed too many otherwise easy shots because the FOV was terrible (3-9 scope). My eyes are not great at this point so for far away varmints, I still have a higher power scope on the .223. And that one rifle is just about the 100-300 yard shots with a variable power 8-32. Yeah, I got suckered in on that one some years back (hey they said it was "Tactical!") but I do pretty good with it on the varmints and I make it work. My deer slug gun has a 3-9 but it's pretty much a 100-200 yard deal (shooting across farm fields mostly) and again, I have adapted to it and it works well for me. It came with the Mossberg rifled barrel kit. Hope Benny continues to be a happy hound!
You had me at “I’m not trying to sell anything here”…. Thank you for the work you do and the videos you’ve published Cap. I’ve learned a lot especially about the 10/22.
I really appreciate your comments on my 7mm Remington Mag,I still use an old Lyman 2.5 X exactly like the one in the movie Saving Private Ryan,it sets on my 7mm,it has a beautiful picture,wide field of view and is quick to get on target,no idea how old this scope is but it's all I ever use!!
Another Bevy of information put out by Good Old Uncle chummy. Love your stuff. I lived in New York where you were only allowed to hunt with a shotgun then they opened some areas up to rifle these guys thought they were going to be slaying deer with a 300 Weatherby from 2 miles away until they realized how exponentially of a bad shot they were God bless you sir keep up the good work educate these kids
Lmao. Im also from NY and I seen the same thing. Guys popping off rounds at deer with a huge rifle at 300 yrds thinking its the same as a shooting a shotgun at 30. They either cripple them or flat out miss.
I will rarely have an optic at all when hunting heavy wooded areas. The area I hunt shots beyond 100 are extremely rare with most common shot less than 20. That optic / rifle combo on that 7mm08 is a fantastic set up.
Personally, I think one of the greatest advances in scopes has been the ready availability now of relatively affordable true 1x variable power optics. Things like the Steiner T5Xi (1-5x24mm) and the Vortex Razor HD Gen II (1-6x24mm) have FoV around 110 ft @ 100 on 1 power and you give up very little. I regularly shoot my Steiner out to 600 yards at standard targets without difficulty and without a particularly accurate rifle. Anyone who has spent time shooting from something other than a bench that compares shooting on a true 1x scope vs. something with 3+ times the magnification can't help but to realize the inherent value of the low power optics.
This is so true! My fav scope is a 3x32 nikon that has a great field of view and clear glass that gives a crisp picture…… magnification is a beautiful thing when used in lowest dosage needed for the job! Ty for sharing!
This is so intelligent! Sir, you are the 'éminence grise' of all the shooting channels of the whole internet. Your words ooze wisdom. Thank you.
I can not get enough of your wisdom. Thank you very much. Great video
Thanks so much for your videos. Please continue to provide us with your common sense perspective. Your knowledge of firearms and firearms history is something that is severely lacking on RUclips.
Additionally, using a lower powered optic really helps to stay on target when the hunter is excited, when "buck fever" rears its ugly head. (Personal experience)
I couldn't agree more! My 1 - 10X LPVO is by far my favorite "do it all" scope, and at over 90' of FOV @ 100yards its no mystery why I feel this way!
Great tutorial. I am researching scopes right now and the information you provided is valuable and timely. Thank you!
Another video filled with scads of information. Thanks.
FOV & Price was the deciding factor's in scoping my Marlins. Looking at different scope options the affordable option I found was Vortex Diamondbacks in 2-7*35 both their 'rifle' & 'rimfire' models. The FOV for both varieties is just over 64 ft @ 100 yds = 16 ft @ 25 yds. The 'rifle' model Parallax is set at 100 yards, this model on my 336BL 30-30 Win and 1894 44 Mag. The 'rimfire' model is on my 1894C 357 Mag, it's only called a rimfire because Parallax is set @ 50 yds., scope is rated for use on shotguns & muzzle loaders. I've shot more deer closer than 30 yds. than over 30 yds.
Note about Deerpoo22's comment below - Safety first! - When I had my hunter safety training course 'scoping' potential targets was considered an unsafe action, they stressed the use of binoculars/spotting scopes/range finders to check out game at a distance.
This is so true. I grew up shooting with iron sights and then fell victim to the high mag scopes as I got into deer hunting. I’m about to pull the trigger on a zeiss duralyt illuminated centre dot 1.5-5 magnification scope to replace my zeiss 3-12. I always shoot on 5 or 6 anyway, I will also be saving weight of my setup.
Thanks again
I have a 1.5 - 4 and a 1 - 6 scope only. After watching your video, it put a smile on my face. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you sir.
I wish I knew this in the years past when I was in the more money than brains club. :)
I used to be a card carrying member of that club. Still visit it now and then unfortunately. :)
Yep
For me these days it’s about putting my equipment on a diet.
Does not take much to be toting 12lbs around if you’re not careful.
I'm in the very little of both catagory I fear! Lol. I put 3 to 9 or 4 to 12 leupold freedoms on everything! Cant afford more and I can't see as good anymore! I need all the help I can get
@@chanceterrill5346, my old eyes need help, too.
@@oilhammer04 I'm only 30 but working construction for over a decade has my body falling apart and my eyes are too! I used to be able to stare at my pin when bow hunting and still see deer at 20 yards clearly, now I have to look at deer and deal with a very blurry pin, they used to both be clear! I barely passed my vision test my last license renewel..... Probly gonna have to break down n get contacts or glasses
took your advice so glad i did what a difference easier to use set up and away you go useing my new a fixed scope on a gamo and its a pleasure.I am waiting delivery of a recoil proof mount to protect the scope thanks for the advice.U.K.
Thank you sir. I pray for you and your family have a Merry Christmas. God Bless
In the begining i used a 4/16X50 on my 222Rem. Later i bought a 243, so i put the 4/16 on it. Then i found a second hand 1.5/6X42 and discover using that scope on the 222 makes no differences on my shots. So know i shoot the 222Rem on 1,5 magnification most of the time and the 243 at 4X. You're right, less is giving you more and makes you a better shooter. Only when i'm shooting long range i crank up the magnification with both riffles. I plan to build a 300 Win Mag and for sure i won't go up more than a 4/20 for it. But for sure a first focal plane this time. Regards from France. 😎🇫🇷😇
Im getting rid of 2 of my vortex 4 x 12 x44 1inch tube scopes , just orderd a 2nd hand shmidt & bender older style with 30 mm tube , not sure if i should put it on me cz 452 22lr or me tikka t3x 223 , thinking maybe the 22 😅🇦🇺
The fact that he moved his arm from his right to left, when saying far right...respective to our view...that was the correct right...very good video, well thought out. Awesome
Awesome info. Ppl always laugh when they see my 30-30 brush gun with a fixed 3x Burris tactical scope. Until they see the FOV I get with it.
With a mpbr of 220 yards (Hornady Leverlotion) and quick acquisition, it's a system that even iron sights can't beat.
Just put the dot on the boiler and pull the trigger.
thank you sir nice to have someone that breaks it down for the average man
I agree. That's why I shoot a lever gun, with Irons. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely the best source of gun knowledge around. To paraphrase an old song, he has forgot more about shooting than I will ever know.
You remind me I made practical decisions opting to buy Leupold VX scopes for my hunting rifles. I’d likely not take more than a 400 yard shot and figure up to 9 or 10 power scopes is enough. And that’s mostly for my aging eyes-lol. And yes the salesperson was trying to get me to buy $1200 plus scopes . I only wish my eyes could handle open sights when brush hunting. There would be no need for a scope then. However everything is a blurry at this stage in life. So in the woods and or brush, I leave my scopes on the lowest setting to aid in quicker target acquisition and widest field of view. Gun blue always serves his viewers well with his advice and practical viewpoints. Thanks!
Yesterday, I made sure of my Malin 94 sight settings, because my scoped rifle set on 5x, was not finding the deer I kept kicking-up. I guess I could have adjusted to the lowest setting, since I have it set on 5x so the BDC reticle works with 50 yard increments.
Next time I go into the brush, I'll try 3x, (my lowest setting,) instead of using the iron sighted rifle.
Timely video.
I have a 6-24x50 on my 308, but it isn't a hunting rifle.
Finally, somebody else advocating for FOV over magnification. Thank you @GunBlue490
Another excellent video. Personally, I have no beef with 3-9X scopes, but I almost exclusively hunt prairie mule deer, and always keep mine turned all the way down. For many years I used the same rifle with a straight 4X and harvested a lot of deer with it. My theory is that if an animal is up close a person has to find it and get a shot off quick, he won't have time to turn his scope down, but if it's way off at 3 or 4 hundred yards he'll always have time to turn the magnification up if needed. Another thing I've seen and even experienced personally that can come about from too high of a level of magnification is a false sense of confidence. When I had my straight 4X on my rifle, if a deer looked pretty small in that scope it was too far away to shoot at anyway and I knew it. Just this past season, even though I know better, I took a shot at a really nice buck only to see the puff of dirt on the ground in front of him and watch him hop away unscathed. He looked pretty big on 9X, but he was much farther away than I estimated. With my 4X I would've known he was too far away.
In 2019 I harvested my cow elk at a distance of 266 yards with a CVA Scout II with a 4 power scope. I had been to the very spot a week or so before and had my rangefinder so I took all kinds of ranges. When I saw the elk a week later I knew the distance, more or less, from me to it. I took the shot and the elk disappeared from sight. It fell straight down and moved no more. The 4 power scope was more than enough to easily sight on the elk. The following year using my 30-06 which has a 1.5 to 5 dangerous game scope I harvested a 4x5 bull elk at just under 300 yards with a shot to the back of the head. Scope was on 4 power. I don't like a messy cleaning job. I either drop it or it walks away.
Good afternoon sir, I was looking for a scope for my CZ527 chambered in 7.62x39. I was tossing up between a 3-9 or 2-8. Now I’ll be buying a 1.5-5x20 vx3HD . I don’t see my self shooting this rifle past 200 meters and 5 power zoom will be plenty for that. I’m now excited and looking forward to keeping my rifle nice and easy to get on target with this new scope selection ! Thank you for the great advice
You're quite welcome! FYI, scopes restricted to a maximum of 4.5 power largely have replaced iron sights in National Match competition involving 600 meters, emulating military issue scopes. 5 power is more than ample for precise shooting at your distances.
Good morning Sir
I hope You had a nice Christmas, I finally got around to fitting my 1.5-5 scope and I love it , it’s a joy to shoot and the field of view makes me smile every time I shoulder it. I have made some loads up using 123 gr SSTs and AR2207 powder and got it grouping 3 shots into a clover leaf!
Makes for a light, accurate little rifle that’s is quickly becoming one of my favourites !
I use a leupold 1.5-4 in the thick woods. Wish they didn’t stop making it . Weighs 13oz. I have a 1-4 on my ar-10 and I did a class where we went out to 400 yards with it . At the end the instructor was giving me some kudos . I did just as well or better than most in the class and they all had scopes of 8x and greater .
I’m no tactical Ted , I just know the holds. I actually use my rifles .
Great information. High power scopes are fine for shooting paper and long range varmints, but man do they suck for big game hunting. Ever try a follow-up shot on something at 24x? With that narrow FOV you'll never find the target again until it's too late. One thing that I would have mentioned is the advantage of a 30mm scope tube. Larger tube = larger FOV. Something like the Leupold VX5 2-10x scope gives you 57.5 feet on low power but you can still crank it up for target shooting. Or for shooting 400+ yards on game. Out here in Utah we can be in the woods one second and looking 800 yards across a canyon the next, so the 30mm tubes are a good option.
I use a fixed 5x prismatic scope. Massive field of view. Super sharp picture as well..cheers
My larger game hunting has always been through peep sights. Peep and or notch sights are my preference.
I'm thinking about a quality springer air rifle for pest control and small game hunting. This necessitates selecting a scope.
This video has been very educational.
For target shooting more can definitely be more. I have a little 3 inch steel popper that I can ( at best) hit 10/10 times with my semicustom 243 at 500 yards with 10x power. At 600 yards the aiming point is so rough the best I can do is 6/10. With a 12x power mounted I have been able to get 10/10 at 700 yards on 3 inch popper!
I wonder if the target was moving if you would be able to locate it at those distances.
An additional comment/question. Saturday, I got my deer. Rifled Mossburg slug gun with a 3-9 power scope. The shot was at 170 yards across my farm field and hit dead on in the perfect lung shot spot. The usual Hornady SST sabots. But it wasn't my first shot of the day. Saw this video on Friday and thought, "OK if I get a long shot, I'll take it on 3 power and see how it goes." Because there is usually more than one deer, the wider FOV allows me to look at more than one to better make a pick. At 8AM Saturday morning that's just what I did. Clean miss! Groan! Tracked that small group of deer to the property line to make sure there was no blood trail. The shot was from a rest at a deer that was standing still broadside. It was probably over 180 yards, but I practice with that gun at up to 200, at 9 power, and can put them into a 6-inch circle. Missed another shot later in the day that was much closer. Again I tracked that deer to make sure it wasn't hit. Not happy with myself at that point. I was beginning to think my day was going to end badly when about 15 minutes before official sundown another small group of four emerged from the woods. This time, I cranked the scope back up to 9 power and made the shot. My long winded question is this, can scopes change POI by changing from one power to another? Everything I have read says that if they do, it's a minimal amount. My other thought is that I had a flyer with the sabots. Maybe more than one. I know that's possible but for all the practice rounds I shoot I have not had a single one. Or at least a wild one that was more than an inch or so off. Most likely those first two shots were my own dang fault. I guess I'm pretty used to that 9 power setting but next summer when I practice, I'm going to try my usual targets on 3 power and see how it goes.
I don't like hunting with low power scopes when shooting 100-200yds. I usually hunt with a 4-12 and a 2.5-10. I was hunting with a 3-9 and had a deer across the pond at 150yds. The deer was 10-15yds back inside the tree line in and amongst a lot of vegetation about 5-10 minutes before dusk. I could see clearly to the tree line but under the canopy it was more challenging to see. Even at 9x I had a very difficult time picking out a hole/small opening in the vegetation to shoot through. Would've loved to have a 12 or even a 16x power scope in that scenario. Been very happy with my 2.5-10x56 though. The 2.5 is great for stalking and close range shots.
Love those leupold vari x3 1.5-5 power scopes. My favorite too👍👍
Thanks to your advice, I bought a Leupold VXII 1-4X20 for my Marlin 45-70, to use in the forest.
You sir are a legend. I have just reached the same conclusion myself and have dropped down to a 1.5 - 6 x 44 for my foxing rig. Good light gathering and fast target acquisition. FOV is indeed the big number that matters.
I have just done an experiment on myself. I shoot air rifles UK legal at 30 to 40 yards , I have 3 rifles and when I have finished shooting I noticed they were always set at about 10X , its the power I chose for the range and target.
I agree! My first scope was a Bushnell Banner 1.5 - 4. It was perfect for Adirondack hunting. I almost never turned it up past 1.5. I also used it on a .22 for hunting hares behind beagles for a time, but I found a peep sight to be a much better choice in the snow!
Terrible scope under low light conditions..
Lowest power setting when hunting. You will always have time to set the power up becouse distance means more time .
Watching a couple videos of yours's on scopes (in the market to scope a henry 22 Mag & new to Scopes) sounds like Math,
I am all in! You have the knowledge & I am willing to follow and learn Thank YOU for your time & presentation's.
Very interesting. I am looking for a scope in the UK 🇬🇧 shooting out to about 50-60 yards. I was looking at a 5-20 but I think I might look at either 3-9 or 3-12. Many thanks. 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸
Iv just orderd a 2nd hand shmidt and bender older style 1.5 x 6 x 42mm with 30mm tube 4 me cz 452 22lr , gettin rid of me vortex 4 x 12 x 44 inch tube , less is best i guess and u cant beat good quality glass , plenty of rats and rabbits here in oz 😅🇦🇺
I use a 1.5 x 4 and it's perfect for me in the Woods of Québec ( Canada).
There is no substitute to experience,
I wish I had your advice before I bought my first scope.
Solid True advice. I'm not much younger than the Capt. I remember my first Quality Rifle scope. It was a 1970's vintage Lyman w a 50mm objective lens. 3 x 9 power. It was a fine scope. Up in a tree stand I can't tell you how many times I sighted down the side of the barrel to head shoot close up deer. When I sold that rifle I sold the scope with it. I have never sold any of my 1.5 x 5 power or 2 x 7 power hunting scopes.. Kind'a miss the quality of that old Lyman but it was not for new England woods hunting. Today some of my old school hunting rifles have have receiver mounted peep sights & they are not a poor choice for up close & personal shooting.. uncle mike in ct
I have always been a keep it simple as possible guy! Never liked shooting with a scope because of the field of view issue. I have always liked irons with a 2 position peep on the rear sight. But now that my eyes are getting older I have been considering trying out a scope. I am looking at a 1x to 6x from primary arms with the acss retical. It also has a generous eye relief which is another aspect people over look when looking at magnified optics. Eye relief and paralax are important as well. Great video! I always enjoy your videos. Very informative!
When I teach at an Appleseed clinic, we're usually shooting .22 LR at 25M. There is often the "tacticool" dude with the $1000 10/22 with a 8-24x scope set on 24x. He usually has a wife/girlfriend armed with a stock 10/22 and the factory sights. By the end of the day , he is fuming because he can't shoot a group to save his life and the wife/girlfriend actually listened to the instructions and is shooting 1" groups at 25M. We usually try to tell people to use the lowest power on their scope. Low power is always good.
@@tun0fun At 25 meters, higher power scopes increase the perceived wobble that comes with shooting WITHOUT an artificial support such as a lead sled or bags which is how benchrest shooters work. Lead sleds and bags do most of the holding for you. When you're shooting unsupported with or without a sling, your bones and muscles are doing the work. They aren't as steady as a artificial rest. Your reticle or sights will appear to move more on high power and the shooter will often jerk the trigger when the sights or reticle drift over the aiming point. The CMP doesn't allow scopes over 4x. Try shooting without bags, bipod, or lead sled at close range. Better yet, try it offhand. Not joking.
@@tun0fun Your not shooting at 25 m. You're also, if you shoot competition, an experienced offhand shooter. Most of the people who shoot in Appleseed are novices, CMP/sling shooters, and the aforementioned tacticool shooters. If you have learned to "embrace the wobble" shooting offhand(???) at 500 yds , you're the exception, not the rule. What competition requires you to shoot offhand(unsupported) at 500 yds.
As always, good well presented information. You have mentioned this before in another video and I remembered more than a few situations in my hunting experiences where the lack of field of view had come into play. It was a bit of an epiphany for me so to speak. Last scope I bought was chosen with your words in mind and is a leupold 1.5-4 x 20. (lowest power scope I have ever owned) As it happens it is sitting on the same carbine as your wife's rifle. It has turned out to be a great combination for my intended uses, so thanks for the heads up on this.
Nice video, sir. You make an excellent point about the ability of the shooter to use a low power magnification for prairie hunt shooting. Unless someone could only afford one gun, though, I think it's worth it to consider a rifle with iron sights for that hypothetical 25 yard woodland hunting shot.
I agree, and I have done videos recommending that hunters seriously revisit peep sights. In the real world however, iron sights have given way to scopes, almost exclusively, even for the military, but scope buyers are left at the mercy of an industry that is aggressively promoting high priced, feature filled optics that have absolutely no association with game hunting of any kind. My objective is to enlighten folks so they can make intelligent choices.
GunBlue490 there is a scope in the market that goes from 0.75 to 6x. Which means it has enormous field of view at 0.75. Other option is red dot sights if the rifles don’t have iron sights.
Thanks for the video. I have been shooting here in Australia since I was 5 with open sights, I'm now 64. My eyes are not as good as they used to be and I have been searching for a scope. Unfortunately I have very little knowledge, even after all these years.
I searched many videos and found yours to be the best. You talk common sense and you have helped me a lot in my search for a scope. I shoot mainly pigs (hogs), foxes, dingo's and deer in rough desert country and don't want all the fancy bells and whistles that others talk about. I would still be shooting with open sights if I had younger eyes. I found your instructions and advice easy to follow. Thanks for the help.
You know your stuff sir. Most of my friends would not believe me about this same argument!
I currently have a 1.5-5 on my rifle and while I like it I was wanting more power on that rifle. After being confused at all the different magnifications and doodads on scopes I'm glad I found your video. I think I'm going to look at (same brand and model line) a 2-10 power. That 1.5-5 will find a new home on a pcc I've been looking at.
Thank you for the clear information, sir.
Thank you Sir. Your explanations have helped this "beginner" so much. You present so many concepts in a way even I (an older shooting enthusiast newbie)...can understand. May our Great God richly bless you and yours. Merry Christmas!!
Great video, great points! If I'm hunting an area where I'll never get a shot over 100 yards I don't see the point of even having a scope.
It really helps sometimes to see the game animal more clearly.
So glad I found your channel. Thank you for taking the time to explain.
Stephen from Scotland
Only lately started noticing what he is saying here. I do some pest shooting on our farm here in Australia, i currently got a 4-12 scope on my 223 and i'm finding it very hard to locate targets quickly while on the move and especially when they get blinded by spotlight and run very close past me, on the other end when i go for long range shooting lots of the time i don't even bother zooming in, because at 300m or so its getting towards the end of the rifle/my capability but im not having any issue sighting the target yet. Hence im now looking at upgrade to a better quality scope that has less magnification and it sounds pretty weird when you try to explain it to someone.
missed the biggest mule deer buck of my life because of lack of field of view. buck stood up and shot off like a rocket at 20 yards, missed him clean with my 2 to 7 leupold compact scope. just not enough daylight around the running deer to get my crosswire set on target. now i hunt with a 1.5 to 5 power zeiss, great big game scope,all you need. high power ok for standing deer at longer ranges.
I love revisiting this one for sure.
Just found your videos and subscribed immediately as your format and content is exactly how it should be for us regular folks out in the real world. Thank you!!
1-8 low power variable optics should be the standard for close range woodland deer hunting with a bolt action...anything else like a lever or single shot should be used with irons only
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this , thank you for taking the time to make it. Could you please post a video explaining the use of a 30/30 duplex reticle for rangefinding. With all modern trend aimed towards the use of BDC/ multi aim point reticles it appears to be a lost art and something id love to learn/ get into cheers ... Ps i have quite a few scopes with different reticles, my most used is a little leupold 3-9x33 it does everything i need , it would be great to be able to learn to rangefind
You've sold me on lower power scopes for woods deer hunting. I will keep my adjustable objective higher power one for my .22 for squirrel hunting though because it's just cool to see that squirrel up close and in high definition and I'm only shooting them while they're still and a lot of times have time to mess with the adjustments. It's a thing just for the experience of it not the practicality in that case.
Actually, the field of view relationship allows for greater magnification on 22s used for small game. My personal preference is a fixed 4x rimfire scope with fine reticle.
Right on. I totally agree, been an avid hunter and shooter for many years
Just watched this video again. I do thank you--again I learned some very good information on scopes. The concept of choosing a scope based on the lowest setting vs the highest is very helpful.
If you don't mind a question here; what are your thoughts on fixed power scopes? I have a couple vintage straight power scopes. One Burris 4x and the other a Leupold 6x. I hunt deer in the midwest where shots from my deerstand can be 40 yds in the trees or out to 200yds out in a cornfield. I plan on putting these on a 25-06 and a 270. Thank You again.
Well after watching your video, I really feel educated on this subject. I was always craving for buying biggest scope there is. Thank you.
same thing taping and mudding drywall-less is more!
This fov discussion was very helpful. Also the advantages of sfp scopes & their lesser costs. And especially your recommended duplex reticle. Good info in both videos. The clr explanation of shooting within your limitations was also helpful. Humane hunting for a clean kill. Thanks very much.