Buying a scope for next year.

[Moving2thecountry]

I saw a Nikon buckmaster 4x40 on sale tonight, and really liked it.

So the question I have, how often do you need a zoom?

The 4x40 seemed brighter than the 3-9x40 Nikon Omegas.  I noticed the difference in brightness before I noticed that the Omegas were zooms, and the buckmaster was not. 

I plan to use it on a muzzleloader during firearm season next year.

Any tips on buying a scope?  How important is a zoom, really?  How many people take deer at 250 yards?

[Cody Gruchow]

well on a muzzleloader its possible to get the bullet out to 250 but i personally wouldnt try it. the omegas are really nice scopes and are built to handle the recoil of a muzzleloader. i beleive they come with the BDC reticle also, which is the greatest recticle i have ever seen. i have the nikon slughunter with the BDC 200 recticle. now as for the zoom they are nice to have. all but one of my scopes have the adjustable zoom, they help with longer shots, and also with closer ones i think. but they arent terribly important to have, but i would suggest getting one that have zoomable adjustments. thats just me though everyone has a different preference and style they like.

[GOLDTIP]

Not to burst your bubble, but did you know that scopes are illegal on muzzle loaders during that season?  I have owned a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9 by 40 and just loved it's light gathering ability, my vote would definately be for the Nikon.

If you are ever going to use it out west or be taking shots out past 200 yds then I would go with something that has zoom. my 2 cents

[HD]

Muzzleloaders with scopes are legal during the regular firearms seasons, but are not allowed during the muzzleloader season except by special permit for hunters with a medically certified visual impairment.

Copied from the DNR web site...............


Hunter

[Cody Gruchow]

sorry goldtip but he did say he was using it during firearms season and you can use a scope on it for that season just cant for the muzzleloader only season

[RandyMan]

Yea Hey!
Scopes with a fixed level - say 4 power are perfect for stand hunting were your in a woods or have most shots under 100 yards. If you hunt like me - in a stand, drives, walks, stalking or go into brush, deep weeds and the alike I would go with a variable.

Do any of you have your scopes up high so you can also shot with the iron sights?

Getting colder!

[Cody Gruchow]

no my irons arent in my view of my scope, but i dont have irons anyway