So, here’s my plan… one gun, two scopes
I have a Barnes Woodsman that is exceptionally accurate but the current scope isn’t great for hunting or super long range. Don’t get me wrong, the current glossy Bushnell or whatever it is (it really has no logo or name on it!) holds zero, has repeatable adjustments and has performed flawlessly for years.
So, what’s the problem? Well, the reticle is a simple duplex thing that makes me work like Hell to figure my holdover at long range when it’s out of adjustment. At 6×18, it’s not the best for hunting when using the gun either as a .32 or .62 smoothie. I’ve used it for years and it is mounted to the gun with a beautiful hand built cantilever mount but it’s time to upgrade.
Well, I happen to already have a Nightforce scope that has great optics and a great reticle. Unfortunately, it’s designed for snipers, 1000 yard shooters etc. and will not focus down to less than about 50 yards or maybe a bit more. Clear as a freaking bell at 75 to a gazillion yards but not so great in close (unless I use the reduced objective trick but that cuts brightness way back). I was going to use this scope on my Yukon but even with decent eye relief, the kick on that gun makes scope eye a when, not if, proposition…
So, I found a cantilever weaver mount and decided to get a low power scope and mount it with quick release rings so I can swap from dedicated long range shooting to a hunting set-up. The Nightforce will be mounted using Barret 20/30 MOA droop rings and the low power scope will be mounted using Weaver quick release rings.
I decided on the Nikon P-22 2-7×32 as the low power scope. It is fixed parallax at 50 yards and will come with a BDC 150 reticle. Naturally, the BDC reticle won’t match any of my slugs as it’s designed for 1200fps 22LR rounds but it will have several alternate aimpoints that I can calibrate and index at any given power setting.
I figure since I can shoot out to 200 yards with zero mag on the Yukon, using 2x for hunting/plinking with the Woodsman ought to be just fine.
I’ll post some comments on the Nikon when it shows up… Just my luck, it’s backordered!
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Ha so funny yet so true, I have a dozen cheap scopes and only 2 good set ups.
Im A huuuuuge believer in QD/Quick release rings and mounts.Id rather buy a good set of QR rings then a new scope.
With optics being as exspensive as they are , I cant afford to have several high end scopes . All of my air rifles and powder burners have weaver/picatinny mounts . I can use my high end scope on any one I want quickly in the field with no tools or fucking around. Its a nice asset I that I think people dont take advantage of.
You know what’s funny? I see guys at the range with a $2000 rifle , $30 rings and an $80 scope, shooting match grade ammo (shakes head) 🙄
Hey!!! SGT Hathcock! Try useing some nice fucking STEEL rings!!!!
What about see thru rings? Not sure of the guns specs but the height of the rings would move the opbr out and allow open sights for close shit. I know you couldn’t miss mrs hoot at 20 so I know you’d hit a whitetail 😆
I suppose a 6x minimum is workable for crow at 20 yards but the hunting set-up for this gun supports a .62 smoothbore for deer or predator hunting out to probably no more than 50 yards here in the wooded East. I really don’t want to miss a shot because I was slow getting on target or had a scope full of fur and couldn’t tell butt from chest until the instant it was too late for a good shot. That said, I did use 18X for the ground hog I shot at 200 yards with this gun (the .32 insert was used for that lucky bit).
Maybe it’s for the best.
I’ve just one time used the scope at 8x and that was just one time when I spotted a crow 20 yards from me. I always use the scope from 10x and above. Find a scope with at least 6x minimum and goes at least 20x. There are many out there that will focus down to 10 yards. Just my 2 cents.
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Bennee,
The gun doesn’t have iron sights though they could be added I suppose. The problem with that would be carrying around that big chunk of sniper glass when a 13 ounce scope will work great.
I sure hope this Weaver rail goes on the gun straight and pure. I’ve had the gun with the 6-18x40ish (it doesn’t say, I haven’t measured) on it for years. I hate that freaking simple reticle but the set-up has been SOOOO accurate Iv’e been afraid to touch it…