| Before buying a rifle scope for hunting, there are | | | | shots than that will be taken, a 4-12 can have an |
| some important things to consider. There is a | | | | advantage. Anything more is not needed, unless |
| common misconception about how much | | | | doing extreme long distance hunting, which |
| magnification is needed. When target shooting at | | | | requires heavy-barreled, highly accurate |
| the range, it's nice to have as much as you can | | | | benchrest-style rifles. For close range hunting, a |
| get, but out in the field where a game animal can | | | | 1-4, 1.5-5 or 1.75-6 scope can't be beat. These |
| pop up at any distance, too much magnification | | | | power ranges are especially good when hunting |
| can be a handicap. Aside from the magnification, | | | | dangerous game, like bears or cape buffalo, or |
| the size and weight of a rifle scope is something | | | | when hunting deer, hogs or moose in thick woods. |
| to consider before choosing one, as is the price. | | | | Actually, even at distances of up to 400 yards, |
| For most hunting, a variable power scope has real | | | | four, five or six power magnification works |
| advantages over fixed power models. Depending | | | | surprisingly well. |
| on the terrain, the magnification can be turned up | | | | When selecting a scope, consider the size and |
| or down as needed. While hunting, it's best to | | | | weight. High power scopes can be quite large and |
| have the scope set at a low enough setting that | | | | heavy, especially if they have a 30mm tube. A |
| if the animal is spotted a close range, it can be | | | | large and heavy scope can change the look and |
| picked up easily in the scope. If an animal is | | | | feel of an attractive, well-balance rifle considerably. |
| spotted at longer range, there will usually be more | | | | It's advisable to spend as much as you can afford |
| time available to set the scope as needed. | | | | on a hunting scope especially if it will be mounted |
| The most popular variable scopes have either 2-7 | | | | on a heavy recoiling gun. Heavy recoil can damage |
| or 3-9 power ranges. These magnification ranges | | | | a cheap scope quickly. Some brands with good |
| work wonderfully for virtually any medium to long | | | | reputations to choose from are, Leupold, Nikon, |
| range big game hunting. Nine power magnification | | | | Bushnell and Burris. They all produce quality |
| is plenty for shots out to 400 yards. If longer | | | | scopes, covered by good warranties. |