DaryI S---hunted for years and years with a straight 4X on my big game rifles. I even taped my Daughter's 2 1/2 to 10X scope at it' 4X setting, but then, she shoots better than any client I ever witnessed tested on paper.

Elbow rested, 1 1/2" for 10 shots @ 100meters using a solid black (no aiming point) deer silhouette for a target. 8 shots inside 1 1/8". I merely said, kill that deer. Is more power needed?

I see too many people every year, due to having high power variable scopes, using them for glassing, instead of binoculars. Around here, whe you see movement, it might be a hunter walking down a logging road or on a trail you didn't even know was there.

I've personally see a glint, looked at it through my binocs to see someone looking at me through his damn 3-9X variable scope That will make your neck hair stand up! How many times are neophites like this curling a finger on the trigger? He actually thought you were a moose, deer or bear. I am convinced high powered variables promote this 'glassing for game' using the rifle's scope.

If I had my way, scopes during big game season would be limited to 4X or less - 2X would be even better. That at least would limit or eliminate the 'glassing' with their rifle scopes.

That's my opinion of variables. Yes, I have a number of them and use high powers only when load testing. During the hunting season, they are taped off at 3X or 4X.
Daryl S & Paradox,
I agree 100% with you, elaboration on my view that variable scopes are not needed; are mostly “glitz” and a selling feature, for maximum profit from manufacturers and retailers.

Mike Bailey--I can´t believe people would "glass" you with a scope on a rifle!!!!!!!!!?? Is that true ? best
Yes, Mike, I can assure you that it is true, for I have seen it done numerous times, and when done to me, it gets me rather upset and uncomfortable, though obviously not as upset and uncomfortable as being actually shot at, which has happened to me twice by damn fools who should never be hunting anything.

Two other fringe opinions: 1. By far, I prefer the great old German Claw mounts, probably best mount design ever—the Germans had it right from day one. I have used my milling machine to make rings for the many German claw mounts on double rifles in my collection. German claw mounts allow quick on/off, with never a problem. 2. Most, in not all, original scopes on classic old double rifles, tended to be mounted way too high—that was the common popular style in those days. The more modern trend is to have them mounted lower, a marked improvement, in my opinion. My preference is to mount my double rifle scopes as low as practical, and that is precisely what I have done over the past 30 or 40 years.