Thread: What magnification are you running in the bush?

I'm curious as to what magnification people are using in the tight stuff.

My preference would be a 2-7 however my current rifle came with a reasonable quality 3-9 and the more I learn about it the more I like it... with the exception of x3 being the lowest magnification.

Years ago we either had iron sights or x4 and we got by. That was then, now we have choice.

So my dilemma is run the nice scope currently fitted or put on my 2-7 loopy.

So is my preference for 2X justified or am I over thinking it.

And for what it's worth both scopes are less than a pound and I have no interest in a 2lb monstrosity that costs twice the price of the rifle.

In fact if we can just talk magnification preferences for the bush, that would be great.

2-12 or 2-10. Extra mag at top end very handy when you need to take a longer shot.

My 223 and 270 both have 3-9s on them. 3 is probably a bit high for close tight bush work and 9 can be lacking on wallabies at 300m, but it's what I've got and works for me. I'd like a bit more top end magnification at times, something like a 3-15 or 2-12 maybe.

3 or 4 power for me

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Same 3 or 4x

3-9 kahles. 4a reticle. Good combo.
As chainsaw suggested, a 2-10 or 12 would give you more options.

I've just finished a sub 6 pound 30-30 Contender carbine and put a fixed 2.5x Leupold Ultralight for bush stalking

But a 2.5-8 VX3 would be my best pick

1.25-4 vx-r. Normally set to about 2, 3 as an absolute max. Should be able to pick up deer the first time you raise your rifle up. If you have magnification set too high and 'lose' the deer through the scope and have to lower scope to find it again, you are losing valuable seconds for a shot.

I use to run a 1.75-5 x 20 scope in the bush. It definitely got me a couple a deer with the wide field of view. I prefer 2ish in the bush. Current scope is a 2-12.

X3 works fine for me. Shot a pig on the run yesterday in the bush. If you already have the x2 then you don't really have a problem, you can put it on with no extra cost when ever you like.

Anything with 4x or less is fine for me in bush. Currently have 2-7x on BA13 308, 3-9x on my main goat gun 223. 4x on my old faithful 308. Never had a problem in tight stuff but I also shoot both eyes open which helps I guess. Has worked for me for about 50 years.

Haven't tried both eyes open with a scope so putting that on the list of things to do next time I'm shooting at paper.
I'm finding 3x is okay if everyone is standing still in the open. (doesn't happen often)

Over a few years I've switched most of the rifles I would use bush hunting to Z3 3-10X Swarovskis. All with the same reticle. I set them all on 4X when hunting and the majority of shots are at that magnification. In the open many shots are taken on the 10X setting.

2-16×50 very fov and out to 400+yds if need be.

2.5 for me. I've hunted with lots of low power scopes including 2-7 leupold, 1.75-6 bushnell and now a 2-8 Nikon. Always set it on 2.5 and seems to be perfect for me.