Sighting a rifle with adjustable magnification

[imer]

I have got some mixed signals on this one and need some clarity:
I have a bushel elite 4200 3x9 scope- at what magnification should I sight it in at? Or does it matter? Does the magnification adjustment change the sighting of the gun? Thoughts on this please

[SkytopBrewster]

Originally Posted by imer

I have got some mixed signals on this one and need some clarity:
I have a bushel elite 4200 3x9 scope- at what magnification should I sight it in at? Or does it matter? Does the magnification adjustment change the sighting of the gun? Thoughts on this please

Doesn't matter with that scope, only effects ranging reticles where the reticle is in the second focal plane, and that is just for ranging.

[alfoldivandor]

on 9x start from 25 yard and increase the distance keep adjust .

[densa44]

There can't be much parallax or there would be no point in having a variable power scope.

It doesn't seem to make any difference on mine, it sits on a .223

[elkhunter11]

With a quality scope, it doesn't matter what magnification you use. With higher magnification , parallax can be significant, which is why high magnification scopes usually have a way to adjust the parallax.

[oldgutpile]

Your thread does bring up another interesting topic on scope quality. Just for security sake, after sighting in your gun, try adjusting the power ring and shoot some more. The point of impact should not change. If it does, you probably just saved yourself from chasing a wounded critter!

[Grizzly Adams]

Highest power. Parralex might be a factor, but also gives you the most accurate aiming point.

Grizz

[Prairiewolf]

Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams

Highest power. Parralex might be a factor, but also gives you the most accurate aiming point.

Grizz

Bang on.

[357mag]

Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams

Highest power. Parralex might be a factor, but also gives you the most accurate aiming point.

Grizz

+2

[Big Daddy Badger]

I sight in at the magnification that I expect to usually shoot at.
With a 3-9 thats 6 because that is where I pre-set my scope for hunting.

I also confirm at 3 and 9 but I sight in at 6.

Also... I hate shooting at max magnification and will more often dial a scope down than up to take a shot.
There is nothing more frustrating than the mind... hump... that results from chasing crosshairs because your scope is at max magnification and your cross hairs are bouncing all over.

That probably results in more missed shots than a lack of magnification does.

I hope that makes sense.... might have explained it poorly...

[elkhunter11]

I sight in at the magnification that I expect to usually shoot at.
With a 3-9 thats 6 because that is where I pre-set my scope for hunting.

I also confirm at 3 and 9 but I sight in at 6.

Also... I hate shooting at max magnification and will more often dial a scope down than up to take a shot.
There is nothing more frustrating than the mind... hump... that results from chasing crosshairs because your scope is at max magnification and your cross hairs are bouncing all over.

That probably results in more missed shots than a lack of magnification does.

I hope that makes sense.... might have explained it poorly.

I always hunt with my scopes set at the lowest magnification. If an animal suddenly appears at close range, the lowest magnification makes it easier to get the crosshairs on the target quickly, before the opportunity is lost. If the animal is farther away, and I have time, I will increase the magnification to allow the most precise aiming possible. Lower magnification provides the largest field of view, but it doesn't make you more steady, it just makes it appear that you are more steady.

[Tactical Lever]

Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams

Highest power. Parralex might be a factor, but also gives you the most accurate aiming point.

Grizz

This. Some scopes will have a slightly different point of impact (poor way of saying it) at different magnifications. Though if you sight in for longest range with the lowest margin of error (ie: highest power), you will be fine for the close stuff at low power.

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I always hunt with my scopes set at the lowest magnification. If an animal suddenly appears at close range, the lowest magnification makes it easier to get the crosshairs on the target quickly, before the opportunity is lost. If the animal is farther away, and I have time, I will increase the magnification to allow the most precise aiming possible. Lower magnification provides the largest field of view, but it doesn't make you more steady, it just makes it appear that you are more steady.

And that.^

[Dick284]

If your point of impact shifts because you've changed the power setting on the scope, it's time to go shopping for new optics.

Perceivable scope wobble is just that, at lower powers you don't notice the wobble, but it's still there.

I'm not sure what manufacturer had the ad in the late 80's(Leupold?) showing 3, 3shot groups all over layed, one group shot at 3x magnification, the next group at 6x, and the third group at 9x. No POI shift!

Time to hit the range boyz, summer is here, and with a Thermacell, and or some bug dope, it makes for some good times.

Tight Groups.

[Tactical Lever]

Originally Posted by Dick284

If your point of impact shifts because you've changed the power setting on the scope, it's time to go shopping for new optics.

Perceivable scope wobble is just that, at lower powers you don't notice the wobble, but it's still there.

I'm not sure what manufacturer had the ad in the late 80's(Leupold?) showing 3, 3shot groups all over layed, one group shot at 3x magnification, the next group at 6x, and the third group at 9x. No POI shift!

Time to hit the range boyz, summer is here, and with a Thermacell, and or some bug dope, it makes for some good times.

Tight Groups.

I agree with everything but the 1st part. In a perfect world yes. However, not every rifle deserves or needs a $600 scope. If I did that for every rifle, I would hardly have any.

Besides which, I'm not going to shoot long distance or try for small groups with the scope on the lowest power. That's just nutty.

Optical perfection is nice, but hardly needed.

[Big Daddy Badger]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I always hunt with my scopes set at the lowest magnification. If an animal suddenly appears at close range, the lowest magnification makes it easier to get the crosshairs on the target quickly, before the opportunity is lost. If the animal is farther away, and I have time, I will increase the magnification to allow the most precise aiming possible. Lower magnification provides the largest field of view, but it doesn't make you more steady, it just makes it appear that you are more steady.

Same idea... basically.

Its a lot easier to snap shoot on a lower magnification.

[elkhunter11]

Same idea... basically.

Not really, I hunt with my scope set on the minimum magnification, so I have the widest possible field of view for an unexpected close shot, but I may increase the magnification if desired, and if time allows. On the other hand, you hunt with the scope on a medium magnification, so you have to waste time to adjust the magnification, in order to increase the field of view to the maximum, for a close shot.

I agree with everything but the 1st part. In a perfect world yes. However, not every rifle deserves or needs a $600 scope. If I did that for every rifle, I would hardly have any.

It doesn't take $600, to purchase a scope that holds zero, as you change the magnification.

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by Tactical Lever

I agree with everything but the 1st part. In a perfect world yes. However, not every rifle deserves or needs a $600 scope. If I did that for every rifle, I would hardly have any.

Well I've got a heck of a lot of rifles, and only 3 have optics that retail over $600.00!

But I do not own one single scope that has any appreciable POI shift while changing powers.

Whodathunkit?

[Battle Rat]

Turn the power ring while looking through the scope with a collimator(bore sighter) in the bore.
If there is a change in POI between powers you will see the crosshairs move.
I've seen this quite often with Tasco scopes and some Bushnell.
Not as commen today as it once was.

[Tactical Lever]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

It doesn't take $600, to purchase a scope that holds zero, as you change the magnification.

I hope not! Or I would be in trouble! There is no other way to describe my scopes other than A: cheap, B: old, or C: cheap and old.

Originally Posted by Dick284

Well I've got a heck of a lot of rifles, and only 3 have optics that retail over $600.00!

But I do not own one single scope that has any appreciable POI shift while changing powers.

Whodathunkit?

I kind of had you pegged as an optics snob, but to be honest with you both, I can't say whether any of my scopes change poi as the power is changed.

I just don't sight in at low power, and if it's that close that I stay on low it doesn't matter. Or I should hope not at least, because it would have to be a very significant change.

[Tactical Lever]

Originally Posted by Battle Rat

Turn the power ring while looking through the scope with a collimator(bore sighter) in the bore.
If there is a change in POI between powers you will see the crosshairs move.
I've seen this quite often with Tasco scopes and some Bushnell.
Not as commen today as it once was.

Not surprising, the tolerances on equipment are tighter today than years ago. This is something I've heard of, but never looked for, as I assumed that all scopes would to a small degree, so I just made it habit to treat them as if they did. More accuracy possible on highest power on my end as well.

I think the mid priced scopes today are easily a match for the highest priced optics of 30 years ago.

[Battle Rat]

Originally Posted by Tactical Lever

Not surprising, the tolerances on equipment are tighter today than years ago. This is something I've heard of, but never looked for, as I assumed that all scopes would to a small degree, so I just made it habit to treat them as if they did. More accuracy possible on highest power on my end as well.

I think the mid priced scopes today are easily a match for the highest priced optics of 30 years ago.

I recall a few years back reading something about Simons scopes having a different way of holding the adjustment so that there is no movement even under heavy recoil. Should try one on my 338 t3 lite for chits and giggles.

[Tactical Lever]

Originally Posted by Battle Rat

I recall a few years back reading something about Simons scopes having a different way of holding the adjustment so that there is no movement even under heavy recoil. Should try one on my 338 t3 lite for chits and giggles.

Inexpensive scopes, some guys love them and some hate them. From what I gather, Simmons sources them from China and the Philippines. The ones from the Philippines are supposed to be the better scopes, and I think they are all the 44 mm objective ones. I picked up a Predator something or other with the 44 mm objective and in 4.5-14 power to look at. The glass appeared very crisp and bright, even turned up to full power. I was surprised.

[Big Daddy Badger]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

Not really, I hunt with my scope set on the minimum magnification, so I have the widest possible field of view for an unexpected close shot, but I may increase the magnification if desired, and if time allows. On the other hand, you hunt with the scope on a medium magnification, so you have to waste time to adjust the magnification, in order to increase the field of view to the maximum, for a close shot.



It doesn't take $600, to purchase a scope that holds zero, as you change the magnification.

Misunderstood.

I see what you are driving at.

I'm at 6 and up or down 3 depending most of the time.

Works for me where I hunt usually.

I could see that changing under different circumstances though.

[wally338]

Originally Posted by Battle Rat

I recall a few years back reading something about Simons scopes having a different way of holding the adjustment so that there is no movement even under heavy recoil. Should try one on my 338 t3 lite for chits and giggles.

A friend of mine bought a Ruger10/22 with a Simmons scope, after shooting it for a week the crosshairs broke loose and turned a quarter turn. I certainly would not be buying their entry level scopes.