Scope Recommendations??

[WNYBuckHunter]

Let me ask you guys this....is there anything a 32mm will do that a 50 can't? Is there a draw back to having a 2.5-10 compared to a 2-7? I guess in my view.....if you can afford it why not have more than your immediate need? Unless you are giving up function in the trade off? I guess I could have bought a deer rifle that is just capable of taking a deer.....but opted for one that deer was in its mid range....capable oftaking smaller game or loading up to take larger game

The only reason I prefer a 32mm scope is that its a bit less bulky than a 50mm, and with good glass you dont really need the extra objective size to get lots of light transmission. I have a 50mm on my predator rig only because I use it at night. The variable power, I agree with you on. Just my opinion though, it all boils down to personal preference.

[ny hunter]

I myself like 40mm.I well not go higher or lower.Just my opinon.And I also like plain old cross hairs,no dots no glowing.Again that is just me.

[steve863]

I myself like 40mm.I well not go higher or lower.Just my opinon.And I also like plain old cross hairs,no dots no glowing.Again that is just me.

I will agree with this.  Lets not forget that the man has a .308 with and 18.5 inch barrel.  The gun will no doubt kill any deer walking in NYS if he does his part, but I really don't think a super high magnification scope with a large front lens and assorted other gizmos is what that gun needs to carry.

[Pygmy]

Don't put some overpowered monstrosity if a variable scope on a short barreled rifle...

It ruins the balance of the rig , is too bulky and unwieldy and makes a nice handling hunting rifle look and handle like crap...

If you feel you MUST have a variable,go with the smallest and lightest high quality 1.5 -6 or at the most 2x7 scope you can afford... For deer hunting in the woods, a 1.5-4 would be a good choice also..

Whatever  light gathering qualities a 50 mm objective might give you is not worth the extra weight and bulk..

Ever look through a Leupold Fixed 4X ( 33MM) under low light conditions..??..You would be amazed at the clarity and definition...

[max3]

It pays to buy good glass . Don't buy cheap ! My friend and I were on a hunt in Alabama and on the trip down he couldn't believe I spent the money for a good scope. On that trip he missed a buck of lifetime because he coud not see it in the light conditions. He would take his eye off the scope and see the deer but when he put the gun up could see only a shadow. After that trip he went out and bought a good scope.

[upstaterifle]

I don't like to have too much going on. The first scope I started using was a standard multiplex. I feel comfortable with it and have stuck with it. I wouldn't think you would need illuminated with a 50mm. Try them and I would stick to a common configuration for any gun. I think for rifles and NY hunting the BDC's are not required. I would skip bells and whistles and put the cash into best optics and mounts.

What do you mean by BDC'S?

[Dinsdale]

BDC= Ballistic Drop Compensating.

These are reticles with multiple cross hairs to compensate for bullet drop at longer shot distances. Often they can also correct for crosswind bullet drift. Typically they start to shine at longer ranges or for slower bullet speeds that drop faster (for example a muzzleloader)

They go by many names Boone and Crockett, TDS, Rapid Z.....depends on manufacturer. Mil-Dots....also have multiple aiming points along the cross hairs, but the application is a bit different.

I agree with most posters....you have a short barrel gun. That means its compact for easy carry....a smaller, lighter, higher quality scope will allow for low mounting and best possible light transmission.

Here is an excellent primer for understanding many of these topics and a link to an easy to understand glossary;

http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-choose-riflescope.html