Best Optics for .243 in Northwoods for Deer
- Thread starter Blake S
- Start date
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
They're everywhere because people buy them. What I wonder is why they buy them in the first place. Disagree on their utility. I would wager that 99% of those who have them would be better served with a low power variable. I know guys that never shoot over 100yds but use a 4-12x.
Larry in wyoming
Member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2021
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- 621
Well it's not like having a 3x or 4x scope makes it impossible to shoot game at 50 yds or even less. It's only that having an even lower power might work better in those situations. 3x9, 2x7 2.5x8 are all fairly reasonable ranges of magnification for most hunting. Sure I can do just as well with a 1x6. My preferred rifle for antelope wears a fixed 6x. But I never felt hindered with a 3x9. Never.
I started out with a 3-9 on my rifle, as I’m sure a lot of us did, and it works great.
I put a 1.75-5 on my “woods” rifle and I really, really like that!
it is so easy to acquire a target at 1.75, especially with both eyes open, and I can hit a softball at 300 yds on 5 power (off a rest
)
I put a 1.75-5 on my “woods” rifle and I really, really like that!
it is so easy to acquire a target at 1.75, especially with both eyes open, and I can hit a softball at 300 yds on 5 power (off a rest
)
It goes back to supply and demand. 3-9 scopes have been used and easy to find of so long that people stick with them. I do agree that in some instances people would be better off using a LVPO. It boils down to familiarity, sticking with what has always worked, ease of buying. and tradition. Gramps used a 3-9 so I will too types.
Space Ghost
Member
Heck, for that short a distance... use a .44 mag lever gun with a red dot.
Probably just me, but when I think of a .243, I think of it's flat trajectory that allows for nice hits further out.
Consider an LPVO maybe? That should get you a reticule you can use close in like that.
(You'll have to do range training, as the marks won't line up with the .243's ballistics.)
I have the PA 1-8 on a Remington 700 Classis in 7mm Mauser.
Good "do it all" package really.
In my eyes... the modern evolution of the "scout rifle" concept. (Albeit in an caliber many consider to be obsolete)
I have a Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50 on my .243, but it's my tactical precision rifle.
Kind of an unusual application for a .243, but it's "enough gun" for the intended use, and extremely accurate.
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I honestly think most people choose them without thinking about it too much. As Larry mentioned above, a fixed 6x has always been very popular on pronghorn rifles. If a 6x works fine for 400yd shots, why do people hunting the eastern woodlands need a 9x for 150yds? It's not so much that 3x is too much for shorter range as it is that 9x is all but useless. Most would get a lot more utility out of 1x than 9x. My favorite was always the Leupold 1.5-5x. Much easier to make a 300yd shot with a 5x than a 20yd shot with 3x or more. Plus there's less weight and bulk to contend with. To me, it just makes more sense.
Space Ghost
Member
Exactly why the 7mm Mauser has the LPVO...
I had an old one, 2-10, but gave it away. It was a poor execution of a great idea at the time.
It really goes back to when variables first came out most hunters had a 3x,4x or 6x fixed scope. The first variables were mostly 3-9x to cover what guys were used to.
And most people have just stuck with using 3-9 scopes over the years for various reasons.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
What a great option 2× for up close, 10× for more precise shooting at 100 yards and further.
Im happy with it. fits what i wanted for this rifle which was primarily a scope that was light, had more than 4xs and reasonably decent glass. Trade off is that its JUST decent glass, thats dimmer than other optics ive got, and has a really tight eyebox.
Major appeal was that i already had it.....just on a gun thats a buddy has been borrowing lol.
If the Forge i have wasnt so bloody big and heavy it would be an ideal general use optic 2-16x. I honestly considered sticking it on there as a joke, it weights about 1/4 what the rifle does.
If your ok with toting around a 2lb optic, there isnt much hunting it couldn't do well.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
The old Leupold 3.5-10x AO ( 40mm ) was the dual purpose scope back in the day.
Of course, they dont make it anymore. They dont even make a gloss scope these days.
Unfortunately mine is old, friction adj and has scratches. And a clean click adj last version gloss costs way too much.
Be a dandy scope on a hunting higher end .22 rf IMHO. Slap that on any looker rifle IMHO
Of course, they dont make it anymore. They dont even make a gloss scope these days.
Unfortunately mine is old, friction adj and has scratches. And a clean click adj last version gloss costs way too much.
Be a dandy scope on a hunting higher end .22 rf IMHO. Slap that on any looker rifle IMHO
Looks like its ready for chucks or deer on the farm
It would certainly do the job!
Hey Blake....Fortunately your question is easily resolved as there are many good options. As to your question about Riton; for your purpose I wouldn't recommend one. Had one but the reticle was so fine I could hardly see it so sold it. My brother has killed dozens of white tails with his Ruger #1 .243 and a fixed 6X scope. For deep woods shooting with low light conditions I would suggest an illuminated reticle like the Leupold Fire Dot. I use a Meopta Optika 5 4-20X RD with Illuminated dot on one of my .22 squirrel rifles. Just recently I hunted squirrels on a rather dark overcast day and the illuminated dot was a big help. My Meopta is closer to your budget limit, but you would have to remember to turn it off and on. More money gets you the automatic feature of a Leupold Fire Dot. Minimally I would recommend a 4-12X. I have a Tract 4-16X Tekoa for $500 that would be an excellent choice. Happy Hunting!
Got the 2.5x fixed on my Ruger #1A.
The crosshairs are pretty thick and the magnification aint much. Folks say this is a good thicket optic.
Eh, id rather have a 2-7x. Makes range time a little more fun. Benched the 2.5x at 50 yards is OK. The crosshairs thick to cover the red bull of a Shoot N C 8"
The crosshairs are pretty thick and the magnification aint much. Folks say this is a good thicket optic.
Eh, id rather have a 2-7x. Makes range time a little more fun. Benched the 2.5x at 50 yards is OK. The crosshairs thick to cover the red bull of a Shoot N C 8"
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Captains1911
Member
For those distances a 2-7x is plenty. Pick the one with the reticle you want and don’t overthink it. I’ve found the Leopold Freedom and old VX-1 lines to be hard to beat for the price point. You’re better off buying better glass than magnification (and weight) that you don’t need.
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