If you choose variable mag then you should consider whether you want 1st or 2nd focal plane.
Have a look through each type and read up on it.
Have a look through each type and read up on it.
you'd be surprised by the amount of mustard good wee scopes can cut
'proper' stalker definition, yes, a thread that would probably go on a few pages
as for long range shooting in dark woods 1 minute before legal closing time,,well, one might argue if you've left it to that requirement/need, you're not really up to managing the cull job properly in the first place, and less time spent turret twiddling and zeroing the 'black guns' on the range might just have given you enough time to get the cull done in daylight hours at ethical shoot distances....but there's a whole 'nother contentious thread too
spotting with your rifle would be bad practive but once the deer is selected, using a high mag rifle scope to evaluate the deer you are considering shooting is perfectly acceptable.Using a scope on a rifle to spot your deer with has always been considered to be a dangerous / bad practice and should not be condoned.
Messing around twiddling with a rifle mounted scope with a bullet in the breech is asking for an accident to happen!
If you can't see to identify your quary properly with your binoculars, you should use a spotting scope.
Whatever rifle scope you use, its purpose is to aid placing your bullet correctly. Not for scanning / spotting.
Ian
If you are doing it recreationally, then why not make it as difficult as you can? However, if you are doing it as a job of work to achieve a cull, then you need to do the best and most efficient job you can, or you can expect them to find someone else that will! I somehow don't think that an old 4 x 32 would quite 'cut the mustard' in a dark wood at a long range fallow at about 59 minutes after sunset ???!!! I'm not quite sure what a 'proper stalker' is by definition? Is it someone who refuses to move with the times and get the latest equipment, or is it someone that gets the job done? Maybe there's another thread in itself?
MS
I'm still using an old zeiss 4x32 for both fox, roe and hill shots up to 300yds. haven't found it lacking as of yet. nice and light too. since I got rid of the heavy bipod, moderator, thick leather sling, and the heavy scope, I've come to a whole new enjoyment of stalking I forgot existed!
I agree.I'm still using an old zeiss 4x32 for both fox, roe and hill shots up to 300yds. haven't found it lacking as of yet. nice and light too. since I got rid of the heavy bipod, moderator, thick leather sling, and the heavy scope, I've come to a whole new enjoyment of stalking I forgot existed!
I disagree old boy as the correct answer is the magnification the scope is set on when encountering the beast!I have two Swarovskis illuminated as above and for fox it is X12 and deer X10. Bloody perfect.
MS I agree with you on transient Fallow last light as I am writing a management plan for one of my grounds to coupe with just this issue. Big woods either side of the estate but arable on my ground and nothing to hold them.... yet but leave the 243 out of it as its a capable tool in the right hands.You've clearly not got problems with nocturnally transient Fallow or a constant immigration of Muntjac! There is no cull plan other than 'shoot on sight in season' and it will NEVER be complete. Next you'll be telling us you've got the old 4 x 32 mounted on a .243!
MS
I still hunt all my summer roe bucks with iron sights, always get to within 50yds, wonderful experiences and brings back true stalking and field craft. In 2018 I shot one at 8 yd’s, one at 12, one at 25 and a number in between. All perfect shots and died instantly. Probably, since going back to iron sight as, I’ve had more joy out of stalking than I ever did.lets all go back to using open sights, no mods, no bibods,think how much money you,d save. bs.
If you are doing it recreationally, then why not make it as difficult as you can? However, if you are doing it as a job of work to achieve a cull, then you need to do the best and most efficient job you can, or you can expect them to find someone else that will! I somehow don't think that an old 4 x 32 would quite 'cut the mustard' in a dark wood at a long range fallow at about 59 minutes after sunset ???!!! I'm not quite sure what a 'proper stalker' is by definition? Is it someone who refuses to move with the times and get the latest equipment, or is it someone that gets the job done? Maybe there's another thread in itself?
MS