Greetings Fellow Hunters,
Today’s generation seems to be fixated on gadgetry, including but not limited to all these overly complicated scopes so popular lately.
Do they prefer such complicated and extra magnification rifle scopes because it reminds them of playing their video games ?
Whatever the reason, I think that it is fantastic because now when I see any fixed power scopes at gun shows or in the “bargain bucket” of the local gun shops, even in excellent condition, they more often than not sell for only about 1/4 the price of a same maker’s modern gadget-rich and over-magnification type scopes are selling for.
For those who are happy with feature-rich scopes, complete with multi choice reticules, variable power settings, over-magnification, etc., set in high if not extra high rings, I am with those here who say those guys should buy whatever they prefer.
People who work hard for their pay should have what they want.
I certainly do.
Pictured below is my very own favorite “deer rifle”.
It is a CZ 550 FS Model in 6.5x55 Caliber, with vintage Leupold 3x scope and simple crosshairs ridicule, in Alaska Arms lever rings.
Admittedly this rifle and scope combination is not well suited to shooting tiny pests (ground squirrels, gophers, etc) at extreme range.
However, I’d hate to be a ground squirrel, stationary at only 200 meters or less, if any thoroughly practiced shooter had my above described little “deer rifle” and scope handy.
Anyway, this particular rifle / scope combination is nonetheless perfect for me on typical N. American deer species, when conditions may include bagging a running, jumping and zig-zagging one at close range or, settling down to carefully plunk a distant stationary one, across a stubble field or a canyon, etc., especially if it turns broadside, easy breezy Chuck E. Cheezy.
Parting Shot:
It always inspires a snicker from me when once in a great while some lad calls me a “Fudd” or a “Conspiracy Theorist” or a “Beer Snob” or whatever, because of my (at least by today’s standards), admittedly odd way of doing things.
Incidentally, being odd has sometimes saved me a good bit of money.
Plus, I do not recall ever wishing for a variable power scope while aiming at any target, live or inanimate.
Neither have I ever wished for more gadgets to choose from in my scopes, when aiming at any target.
Whatever you decide to equip yourself with, practice mightily with it from field positions and then practice some more.
Cheers,
Velo Dog.
PS:
Iron sights are also a favorite thing of mine and at least a few other old brother Fudds like me thoroughly enjoy them.
I am extra fond of aperture (“peep”) sights and wide shallow “V” shaped “express” sights.
It might surprise some folks just how accurate iron sights can be, especially peep sights, in the hands of someone who has practiced mightily with them.
But iron sights are for another thread.
