The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - 4x scope - how far can I realistically expect to take deer in the field with it?

Paul B. · February 18, 2002, 12:31 PM

I have to go along with Art. The longest shot I ever made on a Mule Deer was at 427 paces, witnessed. Rifle was a .308 Win. with an old Weaver 3X scope. For the record, I normally do not shoot at game that far. This deer was wounded and getting away. I'll be the first to admit it was a lucky shot. Lucky for me and lucky for the deer. He was brought down and not lost to the coyotes.
While most of my rifles now have variables, I would not feel handicapped at all, if I had to go back to 4X on all of them. One of my pets is a 7x57MM on a Mauser action with an early 2 3/4X Leupold. I can hit the pig silhouettes at 300 meters fairly regularly with it, when I do my part.
BTW. Most of mine stay set at the lowest power, usually 3X.
Paul B.

February 18, 2002, 12:31 PM	#8
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	I have to go along with Art. The longest shot I ever made on a Mule Deer was at 427 paces, witnessed. Rifle was a .308 Win. with an old Weaver 3X scope. For the record, I normally do not shoot at game that far. This deer was wounded and getting away. I'll be the first to admit it was a lucky shot. Lucky for me and lucky for the deer. He was brought down and not lost to the coyotes. While most of my rifles now have variables, I would not feel handicapped at all, if I had to go back to 4X on all of them. One of my pets is a 7x57MM on a Mauser action with an early 2 3/4X Leupold. I can hit the pig silhouettes at 300 meters fairly regularly with it, when I do my part. BTW. Most of mine stay set at the lowest power, usually 3X. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!