Scout scope question

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Space Ghost

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I had the Vortex 2-7 scout scope on my Brazilian Mauser. I didn't care for how much the eye relief changed when you cranked it up to 7 power, so I swapped it out for a Hi-Lux. (also a 2-7) Guess what? Same thing. I'm just gonna leave it on 3 power and call her done at this point. I know you don't really need 7 power on a scout rifle anyhow. It would just be nice...

Anyone else notice this with variable power scout scopes?

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Virtually all variable power scopes do this. There are only a handful made that have a consistent eye relief at all magnifications. Generally the eye relief is greater at lower magnification and less as you move up in magnification.
 
I've decided to just leave it set at 3 power... Not like you need 7 power on a scout rifle anyhow...
 
Virtually all variable power scopes do this.

Yup. We don’t notice it as much when using standard rifle scopes, because the same proportionate change in eye relief is less noticeable on 4” as it is on 12”, but it’s there. Even worse on 22” eye relief pistol scopes. I place my scopes with the magnification maxed out while holding the rifle standing, such my head is as far back as it ever could be, and my eye relief is as short as it ever could be. Zooming out and/or going prone then works in my favor.

Personally, I gave up on the scout scope concept a long time ago, but I DO expect to want 7x on my scout rifles, or more, as shooting game at 300-400 yards is realistic in my world, and if my life depends upon my rifle, I want more than 2-7x, whether that’s identifying and engaging threats out 500 yards, or putting meat in my belly at 300-400. I know I can deliver fast shots at short range with a receiver mounted optic, even in double digit magnifications, but I also know the real world limitations of shooting game beyond 200 yards with a LPVO.
 
I don't really have to worry about it so much. Just an annoyance. I won't be shooting at anything past 200 or 300 yds where I'm at anyway.
 
Yup, can't get around that thing called physics.

I'm a scout rifle concept fan, and recently got that same Vortex you mentioned, Space Ghost. I'll be stretching out her legs when it cools off a bit here and see how she does out to 300yds on paper.
 
I also run a Vortex 2-7 on my savage scout rifle. I like the scope but have noticed that sometimes I have to change how close I get to the scope to get a clear sight picture. Never knew it was related to changing magnifications. Thanks guys for the info. It is always good to learn something new.
 
I had the Vortex 2-7 scout scope on my Brazilian Mauser. I didn't care for how much the eye relief changed when you cranked it up to 7 power, so I swapped it out for a Hi-Lux. (also a 2-7) Guess what? Same thing. I'm just gonna leave it on 3 power and call her done at this point. I know you don't really need 7 power on a scout rifle anyhow. It would just be nice...

Anyone else notice this with variable power scout scopes?

View attachment 865425
If you move the scope back so you have proper eye relief at 7x can you still get a good sight picture at low power? I’ve never used a scout scope, but the goal is to never need to reposition your head and still be able to achieve a good sight picture. Not sure how the focal point changes in that scope as you dial up and down in magnification
 
That's a nice looking rifle. I have a variable power scope on a Lee Enfield. I haven't noticed much difference. When I think about it, it's probably because I practice in lots of different positions. Everything changes.
 
My eyes don’t get along with scout scopes, even high end ones. They also don’t do well with red dot magnifiers. I’ve always assumed it had something to do with the fact I have astigmatism that is off the charts bad.
Virtually all variable power scopes do this. There are only a handful made that have a consistent eye relief at all magnifications. Generally the eye relief is greater at lower magnification and less as you move up in magnification.
As a general rule I’ve found the better quality a scope is the more constant the eye relief is through the magnification range.
 
If you move the scope back so you have proper eye relief at 7x can you still get a good sight picture at low power? I’ve never used a scout scope, but the goal is to never need to reposition your head and still be able to achieve a good sight picture. Not sure how the focal point changes in that scope as you dial up and down in magnification
I'm kinda stuck not being able to move it much unless I get a different mount. As it sits, it just has a piece of picatinny rail screwed to the 100+ year old original rear sight mount. My only other option would be to have it removed, then get one of those XS Clifton Scout scope mounts. I may do that in the future, but I don't need the higher magnification bad enough to worry about it at the moment.
 
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I keep my scout on high power as this gives instant sight alignment and sight picture. The HiLux ballistic reticle is made for highest power. Check your focus to correct.
If I want, I can also use 3x and everything in between. The big thing is making sure your scope is focused first.
 
The focus adjusts fine, but I don't want to leave it on 7x. That kinda defeats the reason for making it a scout rifle if I can't make a real quick snap shot. I almost had my gunsmith put a set of normal rings on the receiver, but never had a scout rifle before, so I wanted to try that first. I can always have the old sight base (with my little rail) taken off later if I change my mind. If I do, she'll get a Primary Arms 1-8 with the ACSS reticle. Got one on my .308 AR and love it. Best of both worlds... but then it won't be a scout.
 
So you won't be shooting past 300 yrds, might acog fit the bill, since you won't be shooting "coast to coast"? ;) :D

Nope. An ACOG mounts in the conventional scope area. That wouldn't leave the action open to easily top it off. Also, 4 power is a bit high for quick, close engagements with both eyes open..
 
I actually took off the scope, and the rifle now has a Sig Romeo 5. I do still have the scope, so it could go back on if need be. Then again, it may go on the Mni 14...
 
I have never thought a scout rifle is a good idea. It might work for some people but not for me. I can't focus on a forward mounted scope and see around it at the same time and it takes more time than either sights or scope. You might just as well use a red dot or ACOG in my opinion. But then I am very skeptical of any one guys new better and big ideas unless they actually work. I guess I am the contrary guy.
 
I have never thought a scout rifle is a good idea. It might work for some people but not for me. I can't focus on a forward mounted scope and see around it at the same time and it takes more time than either sights or scope. You might just as well use a red dot or ACOG in my opinion. But then I am very skeptical of any one guys new better and big ideas unless they actually work. I guess I am the contrary guy.

Two contrary guys. Scout scope concept doesn’t work for me either.
 
I just run the old Leupold 2x scout scope. Works well for the application.
..... That sums up my feelings & experience with it. Except I believe he means 2.5x which is what mine is. Had one on a K98 Mauser in 8x57 for 10 years and enjoyed it a lot. Was a new experience using a scope with both eyes open, although I hear some folks have problems with that. The 2.5x power was nice, as lower powers also allow a wider field of view and yet was adequate for the shooting I did with it. Made a great woods rifle with a wide field of view and yet I could leave both eyes open. Being a fixed power is why there were no eye relief issues, as the power never changed. That previously posted Leupold 1.5-5x Scout scope looks interesting but I have no experience with a variable scout scope. Never had complaints about the 2.5x scout but I eventually removed it and the S & K no gunsmithing mount that it was in because I didn't use the rifle as much as I once did, and wanted to return it to original before I started getting called "Bubba". Too bad I didn't get good digital pix of it before I took it off but I have one here on the computer that's a digital pic of an old snapshot of it up in the winter woods. IMG_9440.JPG
 
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