450Bushmaster.net

While waiting for Cabelas to process my order I’ve started having second thoughts about the Vortex 3-9x50. First, is 3x too much magnification for hunting under 100 yards?

Second, is it madness to put an 18 oz scope on a rifle that only weighs 5.5 pounds?

Wondering if I should be looking at a 2-7x32? Or a lighter 3-9x40?

The 50mm version attracted me for the light gathering for early morning / late night, but I don’t want to throw off the balance of the rifle.

It really depends on your hunting situation. Open fields or dense hardwoods. I hunt open fields. I use a 4-12 and never take it off 12. If I were hunting woods, I would keep it on 3 for a 3-9. I’ve never been a fan of low power scopes. IMO the only thing u r giving up on high magnification scopes is field of view. I can live with that on a scope with bdc and second focal plane. U can always turn them down. Can’t turn them up past 4 on a 1-4 power.

As for the weight, it has never bothered me in the field

Many thanks for sharing your experience. Soothes a rookie’s nerves.

Do you think 3x would be okay for a 70 yard shot?

3x9x50mm is my preferred option for most any deer rifle from Whitetail to Mule deer.

Escape Pod wrote:Many thanks for sharing your experience. Soothes a rookie’s nerves.

Do you think 3x would be okay for a 70 yard shot?

I’d say it should b perfect.

Escape Pod wrote:Many thanks for sharing your experience. Soothes a rookie’s nerves.

Do you think 3x would be okay for a 70 yard shot?

I hunted for years with a fixed 4x and took deer from 20 to over 200 yards. Yes, 3x will do nicely.

Many thanks, all. 3-9x sounds like the way to play.

I guess the last question on my list is whether the 50mm bell on the Vortex Crossfire for 450BM is overkill for that magnification range on my RAR. Some folks say that the higher mounting point of the scope is less desirable, that bigger glass is prone to glare, and of course will it look goofy and handle clumsy on a rifle with 16” barrel. Others say that the extra light and clarity are really nice if you’re hunting in the bush.

I normally don’t fuss this much about gear, but I understand that once you mount these scopes you can’t return them so I want to try and get it right,

I like the 50 lens for its light gathering properties. I think you will too. I wouldnt worry too much about how goofy it looks. The deer wont notice.

Smokinbubba wrote:I wouldnt worry too much about how goofy it looks. The deer wont notice.