Scope Facts

Randy discusses the pros and cons of different sized scopes, the objective, light gathering capabilities, and many aspects of using the scope in hunting situations, but he does not cover the cross hairs, hashes, dots, etc. in this video.
He also recounts his work at Burris and working with Don Burris, an opportunity that gives him a deeper insight to the interior workings of scopes.
Overall, his go to recommendation will be, and has been for years, Leupold scopes. A wide range of scopes for any shooter. USA made and customer service second to none.

[@drunknnirish]

I think the 2-7×32 Leupold VX Freedom is my ideal hunting scope and very underrated.

[@johnlasley9384]

Finally nice hearing the truth about arms, scope, ammunition & not someone selling someone else’s product to make a buck.

[@williambader1425]

I have a Leopold 3x9 we've used hunting for more than 30 years, Last year I got a 1.5x6 for AR rifle and I love it.

[@timothycoupe2738]

Once again, advice from a man that knows what he is talking about, it's the same here in the UK, we see people who think they need a 24 power scope, some of them even on air rifles, another informative, truthful video, well done Sir.

[@deanstout1134]

Thank you for your insight and your wisdom and all your years of experience passing this knowledge along is priceless!

[@victorwaddell6530]

Thanks Randy ! You are a fountain of knowledge. God Bless you and yours . I was a navy radar operator and expert lookout . My introduction to glass optics was learning how to focus binoculars and use them for visually detecting and identfying contacts . I agree with everything you say in this video .

[@etiennescarbinski7890]

My uncle only used 1-4 weavers on his 270s hunting out west for years. Neither ever did him wrong.

[@PeaceCountryBoy]

Just last week I purchased a 3-15x44 Leupold VX-5HD Duplex firedot and I'm happy it is as nice as Randy says it is. You get what you pay for. I don't need an objective that big but I wanted to try something new. Thanks for your videos, love watching them.

[@jonschena5292]

Ty for your wisdom. Please keep it coming. You remind me so much of my father. God bless his soul. I really enjoy your videos. I have watched them all. Some i have watched many many times over. Ty again!

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

You hit the nail on the head. A fixed 6 is the sweet spot. I settled on that years ago for many of the same reasons you state.

[@nmelkhunter1]

That’s typically where I set my variable scopes and leave them there while hunting.

[@dgambrel9241]

I have a fx2 6 on my m70 for my son and a fx3 on my 18” 06 semi custom. Great for 350-400 yards. My target gun has a Nightforce, 2 jobs 2 tools.

[@burgerchris1]

I wish there was more solid power scopes people don’t realize clarity is better than magnification.

[@ronaldroehrick4872]

My main deer rifle is a model 700 classic long action in 6.5 by 55 Swedish Mauser and I used 46.5 grains of RL-22 with a Nosler 140 grain partition bullets with a 4 power Zeiss scope this setup has served me well, its a low powered quality scope with an accurate handload with the bullets seated out to get the most out of this caliber.

[@scooterdogg7580]

got a Husqvarna m38 with 4x32 Bushnell served me fine for ages :)

[@dillonkeenan7838]

Just found your channel learned more in the last hour than I have in a while thank you for spreading your knowledge! Seems like u forgoten more than most people know.

[@jvpjr9621]

I have learned so much watching and listening to your videos. My sincerest thanks to you for sharing your knowledge!

[@MechanicMax]

As for the scopes.....a quick story that happened to me..... I had mounted a high quality imported scope on my 375 RUM chambered rifle. Very heavy rifle...very high recoil. I assumed I needed a heavy built scope to handle recoil and help with sensed /felt recoil. Upon test firing, I broke Leupold scope mounts...replaced them with same....broke mounts again, and ruined scope. Contacted Leupold about broken mounts. No problem replacing mounts for free and Leupold HIGHLY suggested I purchase a scope of their brand in a lighter weight and size. I followed the recommendations and WOW! Not only did I NOT break any more mounts, I was able to see more clearly and get on target quicker!!! Lesson learned for sure and this goes exactly along with what Randy is teaching us. Hats off to you sir!

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

I learned something new today, thank you Mr. Randy

[@nathanielcansler9088]

Mr Randy , thank for your wisdom as always

[@Mikael5732]

Dear Sir, this was the best video I have ever seen on scopes. And I know you were keeping it very general and to the point. Thank you for making this video. The Lord bless you. Mike

[@adamscott-young1216]

I just read an article in the latest SSAA journal here in Australia. A guy reviewed a lightweight mini action Howa with a carbon fibre stock. He then mounted a 23 Oz super dooper scope on it and added a 10 round magazine? Keep up the good work Randy, telling it how it is in the real world.

[@WayStedYou]

I saw that same article. He managed to make the howa1500 qeigh the same as my dads 300 win mag weatherby vanguard witha 3 to 9 at twice the price

[@pnwdweler4100]

I've mounted several Leupold and Zeiss optics with 50mm objectives and I've always been able to use medium height rings with plenty of clearance between the objective lens and the barrel.

[@A1soldiersaint]

Mr. Selby thank you again for the impartation of knowledge. I hope you are doing well. This was perhaps my favorite of your videos. I wish Burris was still family owned and made exclusively here in the US.

[@jackcottrell3891]

Always wanting to learn more, thanks teacher!

[@64samsky]

Great video Sir! You are a wealth of knowledge.

[@ronaldroehrick4872]

Thank you Randy you really know your trade you sir are a true master.

[@robertskowronski2923]

You are right again! I am a Northern New England whitetail deer hunter. My all time favorite scope has been a Leopold fixed 4 power. Next is an old Leopold 2.5 -8 variable scope. We put that Leopold 4 - 12 AO on that 6.5 GWI because it is to be used for varmints as well as deer. It is headed to Maine on Sunday. : )

[@darrinsanders8666]

2X-7X x 32mm has always been my favorite. Carry it on 2X and only turn it up when needed.

[@earlyetman5588]

I have a 2x7 Leupold on my 700 BDL 30-06, whole rig is from 1985.

[@44240xtp]

Yes indeed . Better to keep your scope on lowest power for the wider field of view. You.can always turn the power up if need be. I'll take a 2x7 scope over a 3x9 for a hunting rifle any day .

[@ronbianca9722]

Hey Randy! Good seeing you once again. I enjoyed your video very much! Stay healthy (you and your wife) my friend!

[@justinferguson5451]

This is awesome, im glad i seen this video. It is gonna save me alot of money. My brothers .270 rifle scope took a dump and lost its zero at 25yd it was about 8 inches low and 15 or so to the right, after making a 20 click adjustment to the left about 3 times the bullet impact never changed. So i was considering taking my 3-9X50mm off my .300 win mag and put it on the .270 and get me a 4-16X50mm vortex. This video has made me rethink my options

[@robertloomis1479]

You’re absolutely spot on !

[@michaelford1602]

I love your videos. They are very helpful and informative. Your knowledge is invaluable to hunters. Weather it’s hunting ethics or equipment. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@lancemiller9998]

Thank you, Randy. Still new to using optics. This helps.

[@dukeman7595]

Thank you for the information sir; appreciated very much.

[@RickNethery]

My preferred hunting scope is a Leupold 3X9X40. It's always worked well for me.

[@125saito]

Very, very well said Mr. Selby. I recently purchased a 4-16x44 Arken riflescope. 24+ ounces. Great boat anchor.

[@ivanhamlyn]

I have a leupold 3x9-40 and its perfect for hunting I love leupold

[@brianmiller1580]

Recently put A Meopta fixed 6X scope on my 308 and I love it!!

[@MechanicMax]

You remind me of my Dad and Granddad...you tell it like it is and don't worry about the ones that disagree. Fact is fact and BS is just that..BS. Love your videos....please keep it up.

[@davidromero6335]

I always learn something from Randy, young folks listen up sometimes you can not out research experience!

[@Clingerman93]

True! I'm 27 an I've always wanted to be a gunsmith and when I know the more knowledgeable person of a subject is talking I listen

[@brutalbob3982]

My father always told me when someone is smarter on the subject you are speaking about, "shut your mouth and open your eyes & ears."

[@Clingerman93]

@@brutalbob3982 your dad was a wise man sir! So was mine and unfortunately my generation is very lacking in that department

[@brutalbob3982]

So sad but true regarding our generation, and the next.

[@0onpoint]

general delawarde video

[@davidwhiren817]

Folks take notice , this is SAGE advice . Thank you , thank you , thank you !!! I needed to hear a lot of what you had to say in this video . My scope needs are not as great as some others , but I have always wondered how to select & match a scope to a particular rifle . For me , you addressing this puzzle was very timely & most informative . Thank you once again & I am going to book mark this video for future reference . Love your gun stock carving !!! Wish I could see more .

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

My favorite “hunting” scope (here in the woods of Tennessee and N Georgia) is a Leupold FX II 2.5X20 wide duplex…it’s simple, quality as well as super light on my AR .300 B.O. SBR…deer and pigs are not fans 😎😎😎…your channel (along with Cathy’s expert production) is one of the best on the “Tube of You”…may God continue to Bless Y’all and take care 🙏🙏🙏

[@pilot4them2010]

I have a VX3I 3x18x50mm on my 7mm. It stays on 4 power for my area of hunting and 6 to 8 power at the range. It has never let me down. And the only time I ever turn the power above 8 is when I and looking at my target while on the range. Great info and video!!

[@imafriend1336]

I have the controversial range finders with Etched reticule aka graticule, having a different target then most, but this info is great, is like a refresher, thanks Randy

[@peterd2587]

Third time watching this video since you put it out, Thanks for all your videos

[@Jeff_Seely]

I am really enjoying these. The videos that you make are a sort of a confirmation to me that I'm not crazy for what I've been doing for these years. I stopped buying other scopes when I bought my first Leupold. And I stopped buy other rings the day I mounted that Leupold on Burris conical scope rings. I have a nice 9x Leupold VX scope on those wonderful rings and they are a match made in heaven. Just a plain Jane 9x second focal plane scope. I believe that in terms of hunting magnification, less is more. If my deer is on the move, I dont want to lose him. I go through quite a lot to ensure that my equipment isnt any reason for not taking game and it hasn't been, so far.

[@PS-ld2zu]

All this guy is saying is spot on. I've learned much about scopes. Basically I see scopes in two different categories. 1- Hunting scope, 3x9, 2x10, 3x15 power. I would stick with a 2nd focal plane scope so that the reticle is thick enough to use on the low end of magnification, a first focal plane reticle is generally too fine to see at the low end, now illumination can fix this issue but is not something I think you should rely on. Also you will need to be aware that to use the reticle measurements you will need to be at max magnification. 2- Target scope, 3.6x18, 5x25, 7x35 power, really anything in this power range is great, also weight is not an issue because you will not be hunting/hiking with it, also first focal plane is just fine and allows you to be more fluent in time sensitive shooting situations like competition shooting, these larger scopes usually have 34 and 35mm main tubes and will give you more elevation adjustment.

[@appalachianstillhunter6534]

Another great video! I have a couple of those early Burris scopes ,US made that you were probably involved with !Although they both have a greenish tint in the coatings now, they are both still in use! Still have an old 2.5 x Redfield that maybe Don Burris designed as well!

[@LPVP123]

Thank you for sharing Randy ..

[@StumpkillerCP]

Whew! I was getting concerned until four minutes in when you held up in your right hand the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15X44mm (mine has the FireDot Duplex) that I decided as a "retirement" gift to myself for deer/coyote/varmint to re-scope my lightweight Savage .260 Rem. Liked everytrhing about it (especially the 19 oz for the size & power). The state just extended legal shooting to 1/2 hour before & after "official" sunrise & sunset and it stays dark late and gets dark early in among the mature hemlocks. That little LED is a treat! And I agree - walk in and move around at 3X for jump shots (provided you have PRACTICED offhand shooting). I've taken many, many more whitetail deer under 45 yards than over 100 yards.

[@johnmorganjr769]

Thank you for true candor in a 'namby pamby' world. If anybody doesn't like your presentation, they are 🐈ies !!! God bless brother !! ( Oh, Burris rocks!)

[@thastinger345]

Have the Leupold fixed 6x42 FX-3 scope on my 25-06, beautiful combo

[@alaskalamb]

Totally on point! Great explanation

[@truthhurts467]

U sound & remind me of my Dad his name is Randy too. I take whitetail deer at 5 - 650 yard's with my Browning bar mark ii safari chambered in. 300 Win Mag with the Boss system. Your right on the money on what your talking about. I've practiced & practiced an practiced some more to be able to reach out on long distance phone call. Lol I've listened to people who think the more money spent on the gun means they can make shots that far without any type practice. Alot go's into it breathing control type of gun + the ammo firing through it. Weather wind even gravitational pull when going farther out. But anyway I've been binge watching your videos sense I found your channel you've got a wealth of life experience insights & hands on information!!👍👍

[@leonardmorgan359]

Thank you randy. Great information as always. You have to be respected more with how your willing to speak the truth instead of some marketing strategy to get paid by sponsors. Hard to find these days in a person is honesty. But you sir are as straight forward as it gets. I sure wish I can head down to the lower 48 to see your custom rifles. Maybe one day

[@mikemcreynolds6236]

I used to hunt with a burris 6X. Loved those scopes. On my ruger 270 I still have an old 3X9 leopold scope that I will never remove. Rifle is 50 years old scope at least 35. My 7mm has Zeiss. Many times in Wyoming I leave the 7 in camp

[@diehard8061]

Thank you tremendously for sharing your knowledge Sir. 👍👍

[@markstuut4024]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge

[@gsbell5255]

This is all correct for hunting aspects. These scopes will work for long range but the other options will be better. Bigger tubes give more internal adjustment for extreme long range. I agree with you for a hunting build.

[@normanmallory2055]

This is very good information .. well done .. All my hunting life for 58 years of being out there in the field i have used starting out using a 4X scope and used it for years .. Later on some years i bought my first 3X9 Leupold which i still use .. Around 40 some years ago i bought a Leupold 3.5X10 AO which i still use .. I have never found any reason to advance to a higher power scope for big game hunting and i still don't.. I don't need it for hunting ..

[@randyvannatta6523]

I've had great luck with my Leopold 2.5-8x VX-3 on my Rem 700 in 7mmRem Mag. Its lightweight, bright, and plenty of magnification for hunting over the last 35 years! Its a tough scope to beat!

[@kurtgates4194]

I have an older 4x16x50 signature series Burris, it is my favorite scope I have ever had.

[@varietasVeritas]

Thanks, you saved me a pile of money.

[@tommcdaniel2208]

Checked Randy's statements against the article on Leupold web site "Five Scope Myths"....Randy deserves huge credit for highlighting these myths. Half the people out there could have saved money and got better results by NOT believing the "gun counter" myths.

[@mikewickerham8149]

I hear so many things regarding guns, scopes and shooting that run contrary to what my experience has taught me. It’s hard to counter all the hype and misinformation out there. It’s nice to hear factual advice from someone with so much experience and knowledge. My experience has shown me that 15x magnification is the upper limit to usefulness in a hunting scope. Some sage advice on marksmanship vs shooting off a bench would be good to hear also. My older brother who was a Marine taught me the difference.

[@1776vtgmb]

So, my old favorite from the 60s, the Weatherby 3x9, was a good idea after all!!! WillyB

[@coldandaloof7166]

2 years ago I mounted a 1.5x fixed straight tube shotgun scope on my Marlin guide gun. Helps me shoot better on anything withing my limited range with my aging eyes. It really does not change the handiness from open sights much at all but does make me a bit more precise. My Daughter has a 3-9x40 mounted on her .357 magnum and she has trouble finding things in the brush on 3x and has missed some opportunities. Good advise on keeping the scope low power and cranking it up only if you need it.

[@greybone777]

I love my one Burris that I have. Great clarity and a bigger sight window than any of the other scopes I have. I've seen scopes other than Leopold blow up on the 338 win mag. Leopold is my go to. The other thing that people assume that power is equal to resolution. I got a vortex 6x22 50 mm which I like but honestly over 18 power it's grainy and you get increased problems with eye relief over about 12 power. Thanks Randy.

[@williamfrancis402]

Hi Randy, you are spot on as usual i have a old Buris scope i love but i think they are all made off shore now.

[@mikemagnum7987]

Thank you for chiming in on this important issue Randy! It seems that the "Operators" and the "Internet" have combined to create a generation of "Internet Idiots" that don't know a damn thing... and refuse to learn from anyone who questions their collective beliefs... Everyone just has to be a "sniper" and have all the latest and greatest "sniper gear" these days because that's what Hunters should have.... The BIGGER THE BETTER! ;) Like you, I have some years of experience under my belt and have been a life long LEUPOLD SCOPE user by choice. I have 50 years to your 57 years! I have not had a Leupold scope ever fail me, EVER. The fact that they are 100% made in America is one reason why I love the company. I like a 3-9, 2-7 or a straight 4x and have used many 1-4x scopes. My .300 Win. Mag wears a Leupold 4.5 - 14 CDS for open country. The majority of the game that I've taken over the years, my scopes have been set on the lowest setting or 4x, 6x regardless of the distance shot. Never had an issue, but then, I'm a "Hunter" not a stunt shooter. There were a few years that I used a .44 magnum handgun in thick timber just for hunting white tails and did very well, no scopes. I doubt that we old timers will get through to many of these younger sheep being educated by the "Internet Collective" and the new breed of greedy "Gun Marketeers" out there... We are just a bunch of old "Fuds" and "Boomers" who spent our lives not learning a damn thing! ;)

[@aubreysteele4466]

I see that you've been to the range lately. It's populated with guys shooting $1500 AR's with $2,000 sights that can't hit a pie plate at 50 yards from a dead rest. Some of them shoot so fast you could broil a steak on their barrel and then they wonder why their barrel loses what accuracy it might have had.

[@victorwaddell6530]

Recently I bought a Bergara B14 Woodsman rifle chambered in 300 Win Mag . Beautiful gun . I'm currently shopping for a scope for her . I think Ill stick to something like a 40 or 42 mm objective lens scope with 1 inch or 30 mm tube . Just for fitting , I've mounted a cheap 40mm objective lens 1 inch tube scope on her , and the comb height is just right for a scope of that size . The cheapo scope is a fixed 4x , which if my math serves me is 40mm ÷ 4x = 10mm image size . I believe the optimal image size for a human eye is 7mm , and anything larger than that can't be seen . Therefore , I think a 40-42 objective lens scope in fixed 6x or 2-7x adjustable would be optimal . Am I on the right track ? Thanks for your comment . Edit . I didnt mean to say that an image larfger than 7mm is invisible to the human eye , what I meant to say is that there is no real benefit in having an image size larger than 7mm . I was a navy radar operator and expert lookout , learned about optics and human vision , and learned how to use and focus binoculars .

[@mikemagnum7987]

@@victorwaddell6530 Mr. Waddell, if I were looking to scope that .300 Win. Mag., I would either head over to my favorite local gun shop or get on on Midway here on the "internet" and look through the many fine offerings of the current Leupold Scope line up. The majority of terrain and type of hunting you intend to do, will determine what power range is best... I like to still hunt and find that a 2-7X or a 1-4X is very suitable for that work. If you hunt primarily in open country a 3-9X or a bit greater might be a better choice. Personally,, I've never had to take any shot over 400 yards at any big game animal because I plan my hunts and know my areas well enough that it isn't required. A 3-9X will very likely get any hunting job done that will ever face. Just be careful about "too much magnification and weight" by the end of the day, that rifle will gain pounds from somewhere that we cannot explain... :)

[@ballisticlt7452]

Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge with us! I’m sure to many this would seem like common knowledge, but could you do a short series on reloading ammo? Taking us through the basics of everything we’ll need to get started? I’ve watched your load development mini-series but it’s still a bit intimidating to jump right into it. I don’t want to waste time and money with the wrong equipment and poor fundamentals. Thank you.

[@michaelguerin56]

Thanks for another good video and a reminder of your particular optical manufacturing/testing/analysis expertise. Many people fail to realise that even target shooters do not use full magnification unless they are using their sighting telescope as a spotting scope. Many a time, during four position (4P) prize shoots @100m; I have observed shooters with Leupold 6.5-20x scopes who keep the power down to 8x or 9x and only turn it up to 10x or 12x when the sun gets so bright that, with multi-coated optics, there is too much glare on and around the target! Also, as someone who can easily pick out a target similar in size to a red deer’s body at 500 yards with a 3-10x40 scope set at 5x, I do not see the need for high magnification scopes when the quarry is significantly larger than a rabbit. It is worth bearing in mind, that: high power variables did not sell well (at least here in NZ) until after the Weaver K/KT scopes disappeared from the market with the demise of Weaver in El Paso. Meade Optical missed the boat by making the Grand Slam 4.75x with the same mounting length as the K4 and K6, which often require heavy one piece mounts on full length rifles such as Mauser 98, Model 70, etc. The Classic 8x56 had the same issue. Modern alpine hunters, in my experience, tend to prefer full-length-receiver alpine rifles with light weight two piece scope base arrangements. Fixed scopes became less popular because Weaver disappeared and the Leupold 6x is too short for two piece mounting on a full length receiver. Tasco offered good Japanese made World Class 4x and 6x scopes but they wrecked themselves, apparently by introducing cheap/nasty Walmart style product.

[@45-70SBL]

Love my Vortex Razor HD 2-10 power. Weighs 15 oz's and has a very wide field of view. Mounted to my Tikka T3X lite in 300WM with a DNZ 1 piece CNC machined mount/ring base. Leaves only a few thousands of an inch between the scope and the barrel. Can carry this setup all day without fatigue. Setting on 2 power when jump shooting whitetail in the thick stuff works like a charm. The wide field of view on 2 power allows very fast target acquisition. But if setting up for an ambush shot across the wide open I have the option of the higher magnification. Also added an MK throw lever if a fast adjustment is needed during late season hunts when the cold temperatures make the scope grease stiff. Not to mention my cold stiff fingers!

[@pikeman0357]

Ok you just answered my question..thanks sir God bless!!

[@deotwell43]

Love your videos. Great info here. A bit of exaggeration on the mounting height section though. The difference in mounting height between the 44mm & 56mm is less than a 1/4 inch. True, adjustments must be made, but its not that bad.

[@markadkins9290]

LOVE THE WISDOM!

[@mic982]

I guess my father knew more than I thought when he mounted a 2.5x10 Weatherby scope to his Model 70 .300 H&H and told me it was all the scope (and more) I'd ever need if I learned how to use it properly. And here was I - always wanting more without really understanding a thing about how scopes work and how to work them.

[@buddy22801012]

My favorite scope is my Maven RS-2 scope it’s a 2x10 -38 and only 12.4 ounces extremely clear and only $550. I’ve found this to be the perfect setup for almost every hunting situation that I might find myself in. Great binoculars as well

[@Wyo2Wis]

Maven, Lander, Wyoming. Top quality, great prices. You will not be disappointed.

[@neocommodore]

We should normalize using binoculars for looking at something they don't intend to kill/destroy.

[@WilliamStihl]

Totally right there is no reason to use a rifle for looking for game animals !!

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

Your absolutely right! One of the first things they teach you in regards to firearm safety is… NEVER point your gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot!! This is GUN SAFTEY 101!! If you need optics to identify your target… Then use your BINOCULARS first. Then, and ONLY then, should you use your scope!! That’s just common sense.

[@A1soldiersaint]

idiocracy

[@neocommodore]

@@A1soldiersaint what is your problem?

[@johnfinch8173]

I tested 14 different rifle scopes in the early 1980's from 6x42 (7mm exit pupil diameter) right up to 5.5-22x56 Nightforce LM series during the day and at night (used a Niteforce 170 spotlight with and without a red filter fitted) to find the best combination optics for clarity and brightness for both game hunting and varminting at night. A v-block jig was used to mount the scopes on during the testing. The testing was done on a set of targets that included normal range graduated targets and life sized colour prints of a black backed jackal and a Caracal (red lynx) and a Cape fox (the size of a Jack Russell Terrier)at a 100 and 200 yards. The variable scopes were set to give an exit pupil diameter of 7mm. The scopes that had Magnesium Fluoride lens coatings like Khales and Schmidt & Bender (both 8x56) Gave a very good sight picture during the day and night comparison. The Germans cannot use any form of spotlighting at night hunting wild boar, hence the very good clarity and sight picture. The Niteforce 56mm objective scopes also were very good but had a slightly less field of view compared to the 8x56 scopes. The 2.2-12x56 Khales had the post and crosshair reticule fitted but due to being a first focal plane scope the reticule got larger the higher the magnification obscuring a large portion of the targets at 200 yards. I had the same problem with the variable magnification Leupold scopes. To my dismay the Swarovski scopes did not like the 540 Nm frequency Niteforce red filter at night possibly due to the fully/multi-coated optics. To cut a long story short the best performers under the test conditions especially at 200 yards were the Niteforce 3.5-15x56 (30mm tube), the Tasco Titan 2.5-10x52 (30mm tube), the 2.5-10x44 Nikon (1 inch tube) with the European scopes a close follow up. Note: The 6x42 (1 inch tube and 7mm exit pupil diameter) was great at the 100 yard mark.In conclusion: All the rifle scopes in the 20, 38 and 40mm objective diameter did not give the clarity and or light gathering abilities of the top scopes I mentioned. I hear what you say Randy but as a Professional Hunter and lifelong varminter in South Africa I beg to differ on some of your comments.

[@robertmartin4456]

Thanks for sharing sane common sense info that is the result of actual field experience.I don't claim to be an expert but I have observed the folly of people always preparing for an unrealistic long shot and get caught with their pants down when an animal presents itself at normal or short range because they had had their scope turned up to high power!

[@jamesjaeger3976]

So true that it’s funny. Love listening and learning as I have from my dad. Sure miss the last 11 years hunting with him. Anyone who has the opportunity to still hunt with your dad, please do. ❤🙏🏻👍🦌

[@wyattgraham5711]

Shape of the lense has a big part of it. The internal erector unit has a lot of dealing with focal points and how it flips the image around to get the picture to our eyes as clear and crisp as the quality of glass allows.

[@Guide504]

Love the channel by the way. I run all my hunting gear light and fast, save only the predator kit.

[@TACx3]

Really liking my VX 3HD 3.5-10x40 CDS ZL duplex on my 7-08. Great combo that works fine for me. Range-Dial-figure the wind….Boom !👍🏽👍🏽

[@tommykawasaki9676]

I have 4 Buris scopes. Tight eye relief. You get comfortable with it & soon your eye is automatically always right where it should be. Wonderful glass. Tough & durable scopes.

[@wyominghorseman9172]

Spot on Randy.

[@MrGrxxx123]

Excellent video

[@CETGale]

Got a 3x9x40 Ziess conquest scope from the early 200's made in Germany I droped my rifle hunting up the river in 15 to 20 feet of water for 24hrs bought a "fishing" magnet and god bless I FOUND it... cleaned it and she still as clear as glass NO water damage.... THAT IS A SCOPE!!!

[@bigjermanprepared3164]

Great information thank you.

[@forrestnoyes5715]

I tell this to customers over and over, it's a battle every time. Target scope's are not hunting scopes! You will not be twisting knobs and dueling up for shot on game.

[@AyjayAlleyway]

I disagree. It depends on the type of hunting you’re doing, and where you are. I have some whitetail spots where I’m looking over about a 700 x 400 yard field. Often, the deer are there long enough where making an adjustment is beneficial and doesn’t cost me the opportunity.

[@forrestnoyes5715]

@@AyjayAlleyway if your on stand then it does not matter how heavy your rifle is. I'm not against long range precision scopes, I own several. But there not on my hunting guns. And ill never pack my 13LB. Rifle on a hunt. Not far from the truck anyway

[@AyjayAlleyway]

@buszero1 ?

[@marcushibdon562]

I agree

[@A1soldiersaint]

uh, maybe you have not seen all the people doing it. I agree with Mr. Selby about scopes, as he is technically correct AND practically correct. However, there are a lot of people now days who are dialing in solutions at the range and on the mountain, as well as working up loads or having one worked up for their rifle so they can dial up a solution and hit an animal at long distance with a precise shot placement. The old saying goes... many ways to skin a cat. As for me I like skinning my cats the way Mr. Selby does.

[@kyleshaffer8471]

I just recently bought a tikka t3x superlite and put a leupold VX3 HD 2.5-8x36mm. I love the set up. 270 Winchester

[@nealhess6770]

Good Morning Randy....

[@seanwhite304]

I've been using 1-8×24 or 1-8×28 on my 308 for 5 years now. It works perfect for me . I don't shoot game past 350 yards. I only use Nosler 165g Partition or 168g E-Tip.

[@usmclee65]

Thamks Randy !

[@Bullets4Bucks]

For benchrest shooting you might want to have extremely high magnification. If you have that you need to have a large objective to maintain exit pupil

[@gilfaver362]

Terrific. Thanks.

[@SnipeU696]

Thank you old man.

[@repairfreak]

I feel better now after watching this video and receiving my Leupold VX Freedom 4-12x 40 CDS with parallax adjust today. I really wanted a Leupold that started at a lower power and to maybe 10x at most, but much more expensive and harder to locate. Heck my 4-12x 40mm SFP scope cost $500 as is and doesn’t even come with lens covers!

[@mycatumz640]

I find a 3X9 does just fine. I have a 4 power on my 44 lever and it's just fine

[@neilandrews9373]

Finally someone who knows whats what and talks sense!

[@GentrifiedGenocide]

I use a 56mm objective lens scope with a 34mm body tube for my bench gun and love it for that. But it’s not a setup that I would take stalking

[@joejenjust]

This Gentleman is the true real deal!