Re: Magnification, Size, Illuminated, Mil/Moa ?Help!
Why would I want a scope with a fixed magnification? I would not recommend it for hunting, it is also harder to find these in what you may want and they are not any less expensive really.
Will a higher magnification or a higher adjustable range effect the quality or any other functions of the scope? It can on especially the lower end optics, but don't get carried away with the "more power" means "more accuracy", just because you can see it, don't mean you can hit it!
What is ideal for hunting? Depending on the type of hunting environment, but I normally recommend something in the 3-12x or 4-16x range. This gives you the best of both worlds, low end for low light and wooded areas, plus the upper end for longer ranges, observation and target shooting.
What about if I want to shoot around 500-600 yrds? Again, you can go with anything you like but I prefer optics with the 4-16x range and I also use some 2.5-10x models as well for this range on AR's and more compact setups.
Size (30 40 50mm?)
This is the size of objective lens correct? Well it can be, but there are two different
items you will see with sizes on them which will be the OBJECTIVE (normally this will be 24, 32, 40, 44, 50 and 56mm ranges and there are many more), then there is the TUBE diameter (normally 1", 30mm and 34mm, and again there are more).
Does a larger one mean a larger scope view itself (i.e. you can see 3 inches vs 5 inches in diameter at the same magnification?) No the larger the number (objective size say @ 50mm) means the end of the scope will have a 50mm lens which will allow for more light to be gathered for a better clearer image to you. There are other aspects to this but keeping it simple and to the point, this is what you are getting.
Does a larger size mean easier viewing or better eye relief? The larger the tube and objective, the more means the optics has to present you with a clearer image. As for eye relief, not so much, this is in the other end, ocular and it established by the size of the tube/ocular eye piece/magnification range and a host of other items.
Will a larger size be more unreliable? why wouldn't someone want a bigger size scope? No, again I believe you are referring to the objective being larger and it will not have anything to do with the reliability of the system. Why would you not want a 56mm or a 72mm objective since it gives you some advantages. One, it makes your mounting solution (rings) have to be much taller, which means your bore axis and optics center line are further apart, and your cheek piece will have to be adjustable or you will be using a Eagle stock pack with foam underneath it to elevate your cheek weld.
Illuminated?
Does this make it easier to see in low lighting conditions? Yes, but I have rarely ever used the illumination on any of my scopes, including at night with Night Vision. If it is a higher quality scope, and your eye sight is good, most of the time you will not need it. But in a hunting situation, wooded and low light, it could make or break the opportunity.
Will it illuminate the picture or the reticule or what? Illumination, is only the reticle, you will need Night Vision to make dark into light and that is a whole different story.
Why would I not want an illuminated scope? So it looks cool, you can say it is illuminated and if you were to use it in the above mentioned situations then it could be useful.
Mil/Moa? Oh boy, well I will say this. MOA is what normally everyone starts off with, understands somewhat with sighting in dads scope on the ole hunting rifle and is what I believe for the average person, the simplest way to get from zero to target.
I've been reading on this subject but I would appreciate the input, for application use? does it matter? First off, the .1mil scopes will cost you more, just like the First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes over the Second Focal Plane (SFP) and if you get a Mil-Dot in many optics that will add to your cost as well. For what you are doing, you really don't need it, this is used for military, competitors, optical ranging, hold overs and a slew of other features that you are most likely not going to use.
Other features I might want? Discuss those...: Try to stick with a system with same the MOA reticle as well as the MOA turrets, this will simplify your shooting solutions. Zero-Stop, if the manufacture offers it, I would highly recommend it. Why, once you zero your rifle say @ 100yds, you set the zero-stop, after that no matter what you do, if your elevation turret gets moved you will notice it and can quickly return to your standard zero without concern. This is a "hands down confidence" winning solution.
Oh what kind of bipod should I get for the qd swivels? Most will recommend a Harris 9-13" swivel model and get a KMW Pod-Lok. This is for a hunter that is going to shoot prone, most likely the best to clear underbrush and give you a descent amount of elevation to work with as well. If you are a sitting hunter, my sons uses the 13-23" model and it works for him.
What kind of sling? Uh Uh, a sling, one that is comfortable for distance and long carries. This is one of those items which is a personal decision, check them out and pick what fits you the best.
Lastly, make me a recommendation for about 700, 1000, 1300 price range.: I would recommend the NightForce 2.5-10x32 or 3.5-15x50 models, which you can find several on this forum now for sale in this range. These are outstanding, durable and extremely effective optics for all your applications. Yes there are other such as Leupold, Nikon, Bushnell and several others available. But for the one scope setup that I was going to keep, hunt with and rely on year after year in this range it would be a NightForce currently.
