Scope for PA Deer Hunting

[MMH]

Looking for a scope to mount on top of a Remington 700 in .308.

Looking at a Simmons 2.8-10X44 w/ an illuminated truplex reticle. I really would prefer a MilDot reticle. Also wish that that it had SF/parallax adjustment. To get the parallax adjustment (in a Simmons scope) I have to go to a 4-14X44. To get a MilDot reticle I have to go to a 6-24X44.

So, what is the highest magnification at the low end that a PA deer rifle scope should have? Seems like a 6X would be too high. Is parallax adjustment that important? I'm not hung up on Simmons but several people have said that they are a decent quality scope for the money (i.e. as cheap as you can go w/o having a lousy scope that will not get the job done)

[Lycanthrope]

I use 8x40, but I hunt fields. It used to be that 3x9 was pretty much perfect with 4x16 being a nice field scope.....but......with the antler restriction if you are used to shooting out to 300 yards you need a LOT more magnification to count tines. Otherwise, you're just guessing. I like the 6x24 option.

My experience with the low end scopes are that they either work from the beginning or break right off the bat. It's just the luck of the draw. I've had good experience with both BSA and Simmons.

Lycanjusttakespracticethrope

[wis bang]

I have 3-9 and a 4-12 and I keep them at their lowest settings. Most woods shooting is under 150 yards so Parallax shouldn't be an issue. You may just want good binoculars to check points...

Finding & hitting a deer at 9X or 12X isn't easy. Keeping the power down helps w/ target aquisition.

[Scrumpyjack]

Still using 3-9X40s on most of my deer rifles and still putting legal meat in the freezer. As stated above, it really depends on the terrain you will be hunting. In NEPA, we have dense woodlands and scrub oaks aplenty. In the past ten years since I moved back here, I don't think I've taken a shot at over 75 yards.

[schr8er2000]

I use a 3 x 9 scope.. with SEE through mounts.. that give me the option of close shots using the iron sights,,, but still able to "REACH out and touch someone(thing).....

Good luck... and safe hunting....

[Karys]

...You may just want good binoculars to check points...

That's what I use. My binocs are actually better and more expensive than my rifle scopes.

All my deer rifles have Nikon 3-9's. I bought my first Nikon a few years ago and I like them a lot for a less expensive scope.

[kpw]

If your main purpose is to hunt deer. You don't need p.a. on your scope. Mil-dots are great for target but not the best for hunting. They tend to wash out faster in low light. I use a fixed 6x Leupold most of the time. Thick or thin, works well. I also use 3-9x Sightrons on a couple. Usually set at 5-6x. Get a decent set of binos and your good to go.

[Chazman321]

I bought a Tasco 6-24x44 for my .243 for about 70 bucks. Has a paralax setting, mil-dots, and scope covers. Great scope. It's mainly for target shooting, but I would have no problem taking it out into the woods after a deer. I have it sighted in on the bi-pod, but still need to bag it... On my 30.06 I have a 3-9x40 Leupole Vari-X II with see thru mounts. I keep it on 5 power and use the irons for anything closer than 50 yards or moving quickly... lol

-Chaz

[dk99358]

If you're shooting mountain top to mountain top, then you need more but a fixed 4 power will do anything you need in the woods. It will also keep you from blowing a shot because you're fiddling with the power ring or parallax or you can't find the deer in the narrow field of view at 16X.

I have two 4X's on a pair of Savage 99's , a 6X on a 270, a 2-7 on a 30-06, and a Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9 on a 7mm-08 for crappy weather. The variables all seem to get set at about 5X when I'm in the woods. Weaver, Nikon, Leupold, and Bushnell all have worked well for me.

Like a couple of other posters, I'm a firm believer in binoculars.

Dale

[fingers80002]

I have a BSA POS on my -06, a NC Star on my .338WM.
Used to be the other way around.
40 mm and a shitty scope sucks.
The 50 mm NC is only 4-12, but is a much clearer scope.

For driving and brush, I use a 30-30, with a 0X red-dot.