Magnification Opinions


tedicast

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I am looking for a scope for my new 45/70 Encore barrel. The barrel is being shortened and a muzzle brake installed right now, and I want to order the scope so I will have it when the barrel comes back.

I am definately getting a Nikon ProStaff, but am unsecided between the 2x7x32, or the 3x9x40. Being that the 45/70 is a short range gun, I'm thinking the 2x7x32 will be plenty of scope. But then on the other hand, will I gain that much more light with the 3x9x40? There is only $20 difference in price, so the $$$ isn't an issue. Just wondering what everyones thoughts on this are.

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Re: Magnification Opinions

Get as big a front Obj as you can, everytime, without question.

Nothing beats light gathering capabilities at last light IMHO.

As far as the mag, 7x and 9x may not be that different but at longer ranges it can help.

I know its not a long range set up but still nice to have it, if for anything, sighting in.

JMO

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Re: Magnification Opinions

[ QUOTE ]

Get as big a front Obj as you can, everytime, without question.

[/ QUOTE ]

What???? I definately do not feel that is good advise. You reach a point where there is no better light transmission no matter how big the lenses are. The optics and coating quality mean more to light transmission than obj lens size does. Light gathering is really a bogus term. Light transmission is more accurate.

Personally, I would go with a 3-9x40. That's about the minimum scope I would buy. Even on short range guns.

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Re: Magnification Opinions

I agree with AJ, 3X9X40. On the same note, the 45/70 isn't necessarily short range. It just shoots like a rainbow at long range! If you know where the bullet will drop, it's all good! Big 45/70's are beautiful things!

I dropped a coyote at 284 yards while it was walking away from me. He wasn't running cause he thought he was safe at that distance, I guess! I took a buffalo at close to 200 yards and it dropped immediately. I am comfortable with my 45/70 out to 300 yards consistantly.

But, I must admit, I have fallen in love with big magnums for things out past that 300 yard mark.

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Re: Magnification Opinions

[ QUOTE ]

The optics and coating quality mean more to light transmission than obj lens size does.

[/ QUOTE ]

Correct me if I am wrong but is it not front obj. lense part of "the optics"?

I realize coating is very important to clarity but is it not the quality and the design of the lense that transfers the light?

The two factors give you what I like to call light gathering...

But I conceed it is more accurate to say "light transmission".

All I know is my very expensive Pentax 10x24 and my expensive Leupold 3.5-10x50 are like night and day.

The 50mm is much brighter much longer into last light.

Both are IMO super quality scopes but the larger of the 2 definately transmits more light.

Will a few millimeters make a huge difference?

Probably not but for the extra $20 I'd still go for the larger front objective everytime.

JMO

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Re: Magnification Opinions

Actually,, Both AJ and GrnMntMan are correct... grin.gifwink.gif

Objective Lens Size

The second number in the formula (4x40) is the diameter of the objective or front lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light that enters the scope, and the brighter the image.

RI_objective.jpg

Coated Optics

Coatings on lens surfaces reduce light loss and glare due to reflection for a brighter, higher-contrast image with reduced eyestrain. Bushnell® riflescopes are coated with a microscopic film of magnesium fluoride. More coatings lead to better light transmission.

TYPES OF COATING

Coated - A single layer on at least one lens.

Fully-Coated - A single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces.

Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on at least one lens and all surfaces are coated at least once.

Fully Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces.

Tedicast,, here's a great article that will cover all of your questions on choosing a scope, and the TERMINOLOGY behind what makes up a scope... wink.gif

http://www.opticsplanet.com/info/how_to_buy_riflescope.shtml

Hope this helps ya out abit.... wink.gif

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Guest bronco_mudder

Re: Magnification Opinions

I love shooting the 45/70, in any rifle design. I've haven't enjoyed the Encore yet, but have had a Ruger No. 1, and still have a Trap Door, Winchester 1886, and just recently accuired a P-14 bolt action rebarreled into the 45/70. The plans for this last rifle are to be my go to rifle for when I'm stand hunting in thick brush, which we have a lot of where I hunt. The scope I've decided to mount on it is a Burris Signature Select 1.5-6X40. I wanted to get a low magnification scope with a larger objective, not something that easy to find, around here anyway smirk.gif I didn't want to go with the 32 mil obejective if I didn't have to, I wanted as large a field of view as possible, and the low 1.5 power in the bush will be great when it's getting dusk for target accuisition in thick underbrush. As well since the 45/70 isn't an ideal long range hunting cartridge the top end of 6 power will be plenty for any range you'll shoot your rifle at game. Burris scopes are of great quality, but whatever you choose, spend as much on the scope as possible. There is nothing more important than good glass on your rifle. grin.gif

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