Scope Question

[Mark M.]

Would a fixed 36x scope be to much for varmint hunting? Shooting a 22 ppc

 

[effendude]

If you are referring to coyote/fox/prairie dogs/ground squirrels, I would definitely say yes. The first two move constantly. The last two are usually shot in the heat and mirage is a big challenge. I run most of my scopes around 20-24X for prairie dogs, 6-10X on coyote and fox
Scott

 

[jpx2rk]

If the CH's are just the fine CH w/ or w/o the dot, would be difficult for hold offs at varying distances as well. Mirage could/would be an issue and no way to dial the scope back on power to reduce the mirage.

 

[Gary in MD]

I tried a 36 on a ground hog rifle once, it sucked. Couldn’t wait to get a 20x back on it.

 

[alf]

I had a straight 24X on a prairie dog rifle.....once......

 

[long40shot]

14-16 is the sweet spot for p-dogs. The mirage gets to crazy after that. Higher magnification is nice to have available, but isn't always applicable.

 

[swd]

Yes, the field of view is too narrow. It’s really hard to find your target!

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

Hard to beat a 6.5x20. I’ve shot maybe a million squeaks with a quiver of rifles with Leupold 6.5x20 on them. You can find them used here or on EBay pretty darn reasonable.

 

[nakneker]

I think you be happier with a variable, something like a 5-25x. I used a 24x fixed Leupold once, came home and swapped it out. Not all shots are longs shots when and when it’s a hit day the mirage can take be frustrating.

 

[ARW]

I have a 12X42 NF BR on my groundhog rifle.....It never comes off of 42X.

 

[jepp2]

Would a fixed 36x scope be to much for varmint hunting?

Another vote for it being too much.

My very first prairie dog hunt I took a 3x9, 6.5x20 and a straight 36 power scopes. I pulled out the 22-250 with the 36x on it. Shooting prairie dogs in an alfalfa field. I couldn't find them. I am much better now at finding the dogs in my scope that I have identified next to die. And I shoot a 6x24 FFP scope set on 24 power all the time. I don't have an issue with mirage because I hunt in May and shoot mostly in the morning.

 

[markT]

Yes. Prairie dog hunting, my Pard showed up with one.. Couldn't see. I pulled a scope off another rifle for him to use..

 

[ken158]

I tried a 36 Leupold on local groundhogs and also Prarie dogs - problem was locating my target in such a small field of view and mirage got bad real quick. Went to a 24 Leupold and experienced the same issues. Now I use a variable 8.5-25 Leupold, 5-22 Nightforce and 6-18 Sig BDX. I like variable power for adapting to the circumstances of the day and will say the BDX is a hoot to shoot with.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I can barely tolerate a fixed 12x. Its really hard to scan for targets.

 

[JimPag]

A friend of mine from MD sold me his Goodling built long distance BR rifle that he took to SD two years in a row for shooting P Dogs and it wore a NF BR model 12-42x56. He said he loved that scope for shooting P Dogs.

 

[Bob3700]

A straight 15/16X is really a great all around power for varmints of any kind. U don’t have to worry much about mirage.

 

[Treerat-sniper]

A 4-12 or 4-16 is what I have ran in the past.