Scope magnification for running boar/deer (BSRC ranges)

[Pine Marten]

Hello everyone.

I'm planning to buy a .22RF with which to practice on the running boar range at the BSRC in Bisley and am looking at a used Swarovski Habicht Nova in 4x32 to go on top of it. I'll have a variable magnification scope on the fullbore rifle for the running deer range, so I can adapt that. My question is whether 4x magnification is excessive for moving targets at 50m, which I believe to be the range for running boar.

I need to make my mind up in the next few days on this particular scope. Thanks!

 

[2130martin]

I would have thought that would be too much to pick up the target at that range......just come back from Boar shooting in France and had a 1.25-4x24 scope and had it set on 1.25 both days,tried on 4 and was way too high.......going for open sights when I get my new rifle for the job....its real shotgun style shooting....

 

[Leon]

I run an eotech ontop and have found that ideal, I did have a 1.25 x scope on but that was to much for me, the rifle I am having built will be running open sights. 4x mag would be awkward to shoot running boar for me.

 

[geoshot]

PM,
The guys at the BSRC will be full of advice, Steve might even be able to point you in the direction of SH scopes for sale, best of luck
T

 

[Pine Marten]

Thanks everyone. I'll just use open sights to start with I think, then work out what I need.

 

[JabaliHunter]

4x would be ideal. That is the magnification of the competition 'twin post' rifle scopes, so I'd go with what you have.
Nickel AG: Running Target riflescopes

 

[Pine Marten]

4x would be ideal. That is the magnification of the competition 'twin post' rifle scopes, so I'd go with what you have.
Nickel AG: Running Target riflescopes

Presumably they're designed to shoot running deer targets at 100m though. The equivalent for a same-sized target at 50m would be 2x magnification, wouldn't it? It strikes me that this means I need a low-mag variable scope like a 1.25-6x42 which I can also use in the field (it's primarily a practice rifle, but not only). Only that then becomes an expensive solution, damn it.

 

[8x57]

Pine Martin don't waste your time or money yet, talk to the guys at the club they will put you right. Your needs for the range may/will be quite different to real sporting and driven boar shooting and there are some very knowledable and experienced shooters at the BSRC.

 

[Pine Marten]

Pine Martin don't waste your time or money yet, talk to the guys at the club they will put you right. Your needs for the range may/will be quite different to real sporting and driven boar shooting and there is some very knowledable and experienced shooters at the BSRC.

I realise that they're different, but what I'm trying to do with the .22 is to replicate the fullbore setup (it will have a 2.5x12-50 scope on it) whilst also being able to use the rifle for rabbits etc. I really don't want to buy two scopes for it. And obviously I don't have an unlimited budget. Hence why I'm trying to work out the best compromise.

 

[8x57]

You probably won't have to spend a lot of money on a suitable scope for the .22 you may even find that one of the club members is selling something suitable. Just be patient my friend there are no end of people out there only too willing to part you from your hard earned cash.

 

[JabaliHunter]

They are used for 10m running target (air rifle), 50m running boar and 100m running deer. Don't forget that while the magnification is the same, the size of the target is progressively larder at the longer ranges. I am in the club, but the best advise would be to go along to a club day and speak to the guys shooting and see what they are using. You should also be able to try out the club rifles. Contacts are here

 

[Brithunter]

I believe you will find 4x for the 50m Running Boar is fine and if I recall correctly using standard velocity ammunition the aim point is about the eye to drop into the scoring rings. But .................................... but I have not shot it for at least 10 years now.....

Those running it will give you all the help and advice they can of course.

Most important is getting the scope fitted correctly there is no time for mucking about finding the cheek weld and hunting for the reticle that ones see sadly too often on the practice days. the sights should be aligned with the eye the moment the rifles butt settles into the shoulder. All too often one can observe shooters who fail to understand this.

 

[Pine Marten]

Thanks for the advice, gents. I've actually done a fair bit of shooting at the running deer and as you said, I needed some expertise from the gents there on mounting and target acquisition, but after the help I received, I could do it fine. I haven't shot the running boar since my induction day though. I made a huge mess of it. I could't find the target, didn't really understand what to do with the twin-post reticle, and it was a rifle that really didn't fit me. The whole idea here is that the .22 setup will replicate the fullbore one so that I can practice without the expense of firing off 20 7mm-08 rounds for every course of fire all the time. But as I said, I don't want a dedicated running boar target ridle either, since the idea is to practice for the field, not to become really good at a target discipline.

Sounds lik 4x is fine though. Maybe it takes some getting used to, but if it's set up correctly for me, it should be OK.