3-9 or 4-12/4.5-14 for Elk in Southwestern MT?

[ridge63]

Looking for a Leupold scope either a 3-9 or a 4-12 Rifleman scope. Any clear advantages of the 4-12 over the 3-9 for elk hunting in SW Montana.

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

All depends on what distance you're hoping to shoot at. Also the 3x9 will be clearer and brighter for the price than a 4-12. As you start to crank up a scope it will get darker unless it is quality glass.


With that being said, 3x9 is good for say 300 yards no problem. beyond that it still works but the game will start to be the same size as your crosshairs.

 

[mtmuley]

[QUOTE="ridge63, post: 2931564, member: Any clear advantages of the 4-12 over the 3-9 for elk hunting in SW Montana.
[/QUOTE]
No. mtmuley

 

[Deleted member 20812]

Never hunted with anything above a 3.5-10. Used a straight 4x out to 350 no problems.

 

[ridge63]

All depends on what distance you're hoping to shoot at. Also the 3x9 will be clearer and brighter for the price than a 4-12. As you start to crank up a scope it will get darker unless it is quality glass.


With that being said, 3x9 is good for say 300 yards no problem. beyond that it still works but the game will start to be the same size as your crosshairs.

Hopefully to just 300 yards. I'll practice out to 350-400, but I'll be shooting a 30-06, so out to 400 is a stretch. Thanks.

 

[Addicting]

I have the 4.5 - 14 and love it. It is the lowest magnification I have. I have never heard anyone say I wish I had less magnification at 4.5 to justify going down to a 3 power.

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

Hopefully to just 300 yards. I'll practice out to 350-400, but I'll be shooting a 30-06, so out to 400 is a stretch. Thanks.

I'd go just a 3x9 personally.

 

[ChrisAU]

Was fine for elk with a 3-9 this past fall, just over 400 yards.

 

[MThuntr]

Spend the extra $100 and get the VX3i 3.5x10

 

[nrpate05]

Spend the extra $100 and get the VX3i 3.5x10

+1 on this