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5/19/2014 5:34:36 PM EDT
I have narrowed my choices down to a 2.5-10x42 or a 3.5-14x42.



What id like to know is, does the difference in zoom on the low end make that much difference in the real world or is it just a number on paper.




5/20/2014 4:41:32 AM EDT
[#1]
Not a huge difference. What ranges and uses are you looking to use the rifle for? Quality of the optic would matter more to me between those 2 whatever they are; I'd rather have a better 10X scope than a lesser 14X scope.
5/20/2014 4:50:58 AM EDT
[#2]
I agree... there won't be any difference to be concerned with at either the high end or the low end.  Like pointed out above, QUALITY over power.
5/20/2014 6:43:16 AM EDT
[#3]
Thanks, they are Leica scopes. I found the measurements for them this morning and I wont be able to mount the 10x as far back as I'd like (14.5"LOP)



My biggest concern was that 3.5 might be too powerful in the woods. But since thats the one that fits I guess thats the one I'm going with.
5/20/2014 8:20:10 AM EDT
[#4]
3.5-14

I had a zeiss 3-9 and always wanted more
5/23/2014 8:42:00 PM EDT
[#5]
Out west I would want more mag.  In the woods I would probably want less.

Task specific.
5/24/2014 7:42:04 AM EDT
[#6]
I hunt "out west" in the sage brush and open country, never needed more than a 3-9 for hunting mule deer with my .30-06.
5/24/2014 11:22:42 AM EDT
[#7]
You would be fine with either one.

You have to learn when to stalk with the scope turned down, and learn how fast you can respond to quick decisions.

Just my own opinion, but I only use the .30-06 out to about 500 yards. When it hits I want it to carry enough energy to have a terminal effect on things like large deer or elk.

I can see fairly well in terms of distance, so even 9X to 10X is good enough for my own taste. Judging animals in quick situations takes practice and experience, so good binos are just as critical as the scope on your rig.

If your hunting affords you time to zoom in, there is nothing wrong with higher magnification. If you have to move fast and find your quarry in clutter on the move, be sure you can handle yourself under pressure and time constraint.

Shooting animals from body supported positions in the brush is real different than paper from a bench, so if you can, take a look through some samples outside in your country before you decide.

Good luck and good hunting either way.
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