Went back to Nebraska and took my 10-year old son duck hunting for his first time, he got his first duck this last weekend, he was pretty proud of it...
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2020 Deer Season
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Good as any place to ask. I need to upgrade my scope on the 7mm. It's a nice 4x12 Nikon 40mm that has served me well. I found myself sitting on a 400yd shot waiting for the buck to get up. Had his back to me. At 12x, I did not feel I could take an ethical shot, even in a supported position. Meaning being able to steady enough to have desired placement. Some of it is my eyes at my age. Any feedback or experience with this range and scope options? I'm thinking a 20-24x with a 50mm objective, second focal plane. But would like to stay between $300-$500 max. The gun can do it, my peepers need an assist though. Cheers boys.
Do plenty of research before you buy. Not for price but for what you want the scope to do. I am far from an expert on the subject so take my words with a grain of salt. I also have a 4-12 x 40 but I have a Vortex. Love it. But from what I can remember when buying that scope was the more magnification the more steady you need to be. If you crank a scope up to 20x even a breath seems like an earthquake. Something like that anyway. I didn't have the need for more scope than what I purchased so have never gone bigger.
A lot of sensationalism regarding distance shooting over the last 20 years due to coverage of the M.E. wars and Seal fascination - that has no bearing on hunting. Truth is, you won't find many SEAL snipers taking shots at 400 yards when they are hunting. The goal is to get a ethical shot and there's no real repercussions if you don't take the shot.
Keep the scope. Get better at tracking and concealment. Unless you are in the Rockies scoped in on a Bighorn on the next ridge, pass on the 400 yard shot.
Just my opinion.
Understand the perspective and it certainly has merit. The terrain is going to be wide open rolling prairie and stubble fields. Opening weak you will get 200yd shots all day as they have not been pressured. That said last weekend of season, you won't get that close. The rifle is more than capable of the 300-400yd shot. Agree on placement. I have looked through several that are still fine at power. And I would be sure to be in a supported prone position. I can shoot with most anyone. Got my fundamentals from 22 years with Uncle Sam. Breathing, trigger pull, sight picture, windage. My eyes need the assist. I may end up spending more than I want, or I could also get a ghost blind. Will let all know. Thanks for the feedback.
There are some places where I hunt antelope in northwestern SD where 400 yard shots are not unusual, and they're only unethical if you're wounding (and not killing) animals.
I wouldn't go above 15x for hunting unless you have a setup that would allow you to be immovably still.
I will take some outside to see how they look at distance. In the store is tough to tell. Will be doing antelope next year same area. 400yds as you said, will be the norm.
Are you from SD?
The buck I took 3 years ago was at 467 yards, thought it was a deer we have been calling Casper, it wasn't but still poked him just once and got him, he dropped 20 ' from where I hit him.
BigRedHunter
Recruit
I am really late to this. I also have a 7mm (Cooper) with a Nightforce SHV 9-20 scope. Took a REALLY nice Mule deer at 468 yards this year. I hunt in Montana and Washington where getting closer is just not realistic based on cover. My suggestion is to save what you can and invest in the best glass you can afford. You will be happier. I agree with doing you research. The amount of light and clarity of the glass is amazing and YES you will see the difference and it will help your shot placements.
There are a ton of choices so take your time to learn about each one.
As far as Seals not shooting at distance while hunting is laughable. Just saying this from personal experience. Although it depends on the location, terrain and cover.
