Im shooting 600 yards plus right now. I started with a 10-40x50 scope.I did come down to a 36 power now though. 600 yards and more can be done with a smaller scope as people will chime in and tell you. I just use it because I want to see target very well and up close. I attempt
to shoot small targets at 600 yards(eggs).And the only issue you would have with a smaller scope is being able to see that target from that range.Not that there are'nt those that can't. Im 50 and my eyes need all the help they can get
. To me being abel to put crosshairs on a quarter size bullseye will give you tighter groups than being able to put crosshairs on,say a 12 inch target.Im not aware of them not being popular in long range shooting.