Rifle Scopes 6-24x for varmint hunting

[eleaf]

I have an extra Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x50 after replacing it with a NF on my .308, and wondering if this might make a good hunting scope on a varmint rig (DPMS Sweet 16 with some upgrades). I'd very much like to re-purpose this scope, but I'm not sure if 6x is too high for a minimum magnification for shooting critters (ground hogs/coyotes), or whether I might be better served looking at a Falcon 4-14x.

Anyone use a similar scope (6-24x) for hunting varmint?

 

[gixxerpilot750]

Re: 6-24x for varmint hunting

I've used a few of them on varmint rifles in 223, 22-250, 220 swift and 243 mainly for prairie dogs. They worked very well for me. I dont think the difference between 4 and 6x minimum magnification will make a big difference.

 

[ARCOREY]

Re: 6-24x for varmint hunting

I use a 6x-24x-44mm Burris Signature on my 243 SPS varmint for groundhogs. It use to be on my AR, but I needed it on something with more range and punch. It seems to work for me, I've shot some pretty close ones with it, say less than 50 yds. Of course, groundhogs don't tend to be runners like coyotes, LOL. It has fit the bill from 50yds to 500yds so far for me. Looking for some in the 600's this year hopefully. I shoot both eyes open and feel it helps manage a higher magnification scope on moving targets and close shots. My predator guns and varmint guns are different animals all together though. My predator rifles all wear 3x-9x or 4x-12x scopes.

 

[eleaf]

Re: 6-24x for varmint hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ARCOREY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My predator guns and varmint guns are different animals all together though. My predator rifles all wear 3x-9x or 4x-12x scopes. </div></div>

That's kind of what I thought. I'll likely start looking for some 4-14x or similar scope for this gun so that I can effective hunt both varmint and predators. I need to track, and I'm partial to wanting more zoom than I need on the top end, even if I never use it.

My dedicated critter gun (squirrels, ground hogs) is a 17 hmr with a 3-9x.

 

[eleaf]

Re: 6-24x for varmint hunting

Decided on a Falcon 4-14x44 FFP ML16/MIL scope for this gun. 4x is low enough to track moving targets, and 14x is enough to reach out and touch small critters at distance. Plus I get all of the other goodies I was looking for (MIL/MIL; tactical turrets).

 

[AMAC]

Re: 6-24x for varmint hunting

I use a 6.5-20 Leupold for shooting groundhogs and have had no problems. I rarely take it off of 20X.

 

[sniper762]

Re: 6-24x for varmint hunting

be aware that many times zeros change with magnification changes.

 

[eleaf]

Re: 6-24x for varmint hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sniper762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">be aware that many times zeros change with magnification changes. </div></div>

What?

If your zero changes with a change in magnification, you need a new scope.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: 6-24x for varmint hunting

Very low magnification have their best advantage when seeking/acquiring fast moving targets at very close proximity. Aside from such applications, higher magnifications are better. Choose your optics accordingly.

I am not a connoisseur of fine optics. I don't discount their value or effectiveness, but I buy what I can afford and take what chances I need to in the process. I willingly trade expensive excellence for practical affordability.

Greg

 

[eleaf]

Re: 6-24x for varmint hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very low magnification have their best advantage when seeking/acquiring fast moving targets at very close proximity. Aside from such applications, higher magnifications are better. Choose your optics accordingly.

I am not a connoisseur of fine optics. I don't discount their value or effectiveness, but I buy what I can afford and take what chances I need to in the process. I willingly trade expensive excellence for practical affordability.

Greg </div></div>

I generally agree. I try and jack up the magnification when shooting paper. But for game at reasonably close distances (less than 200 yards), 6x is too large.

I opted to try the Falcon Optics 4-14x FFP first. If that is no good for whatever reason, I'll either try the SS 3-9x FFP or the new Viper PST 2.5-10x when it comes out.