I generally prefer a fixed power scope the past few years, as I have variable powers and have never, ever changed power, so why bother, you can spend that money on better quality glass. I have both 4x and 6x and either is all you need for deer at the ranges most people should be shooting at them.What is a good power scope for deer hunting?
It really depends on the area you're hunting and the type of deer hunting you do.
Shots in brush or cover need a lower power for quick target acquisition. Scopes in the range of 1.5-5x or 2-7x.
In the open woodlands of the northeast, where shots out to 200 yards are not uncommon, the 3-9x reigns king.
For more open territory, where long shots are the norm, a higher power scope is needed. Anything from 4-12x up to 6-24x fits right in in these situations.
You also need to consider the caliber of the rifle you're using. Generally, you'd not expect to be using a .30-30 with a 6-24x scope for open plains hunting.What is a good power scope for deer hunting?
3-9X40 is a good middle of the road scope that most folks use. Sure theres super long range scopes and scopes for close up work but the 3-9X40 is the most common and works well to 200 yards, maybe more..... This suggestion is for rifles only. ===== If you are considering using a shotgun be aware a rifle scope may not be a good choice for a couple of reasons. Eye relief is one thing to consider. You surely dont want the recoil of a shotgun to force the scope into your eye - OUCH! For shotgun get a scope made for shotguns. They have a longer eye relief....... Also for shotgun its ok to get a scope thats less powerful. Most folks that use shotguns dont try to take a deer with a shot longer than 100 yards so theres no sense getting a scope that can see farther that the capabilitys of the gun... A 2-7X32 or similar power would be fine.... See the below link. Nikon scopes are a favorite of mine -- Theres an informative video there also.....
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-rifles鈥?/a>
By far, the most common scope used on hunting rifles is 3x-9x, which means that it magnifies about 3 times at the low end of adjustment, up to 9 times at the high end. A 40mm objective lens is plenty big, and that's what I prefer on my own hunting rifles. So for the purposes of this discussion, I'll stick with the most popular scope there is: 3x-9x, 40mm.
2.5 /3/4 power is good unless Western long range over 400 meters. Wisconsin 2.5 x30 is common - good wide view and gets image in early morning light when deer are heading to bedding grounds. 3x Lyman for 30-06 in Iowa, Wisconsin never felt under served. 4x on .270 for Wyoming and N Dakota no problem. Variables have fair reputation for mixed small varmint and deer on .243, etc. - but if your talking general deer rifle a basic large lens fixed power is simpler to use.
The variable power scopes seem to be the most popular. Still I prefer the fixed power scopes in either 4 or 6 power. You just get more scope for the money with a fixed power scope. Most people will find a power that they like and seldom change it. I have some 3 X 9 power scopes and find that I leave them on 4, 5 or 6 power almost all the time.
I have always used a 3x9x40. It works well in low light, but it sits on see thru rings. It is on a Winnie .30-.30. I hadn't fired it in nine years, brought it to the range, and hit three bulls in a row at 100 yards. I've moved twice in that time, and carried it daily after Katrina. That is what I call holding zero!
3-9x is most popular. It's hard to figure why since deer are big enough to need no more than 6 or 7x even at extreme shooting range.
Good recommendations above. I like 2-7x 32. The smaller objective gives a more streamlined rifle and the 2x is perfect for close in shots.
3-9x or 3.5-10x are good for all-around use. Lower-power (i.e., 1.5-6x) for shorter shots, higher (i.e. 6-20x) for more open country.
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