3-9 vs 4-12 mag?
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Scopes And Optics Gate
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uncle paulie
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3-9 vs 4-12 mag?
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Topic: 3-9 vs 4-12 mag? (Read 1904 times))
snitzle
Shooter
Posts: 14
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Real Name: Cal
3-9 vs 4-12 mag?
«
on:
August 13, 2017, 10:27:52 PM »
It seems to be, after a lot of internet research, that many scopes that are 3-9 mag receive a lot of attention and end up on "top lists" whereas the 4-12 mag versions of the same model get ignored. I've noticed this even when the 4-12 model is very similar in price. One popular example is the Hawke Vantage 3-9 x 40 AO, which gets a lot more reviews and mention than its 4-12 x 40 AO counterpart of the same line (and it's only $20 more).
Does the 3-9 mag inherently have a clearer sight picture? Is 3-9 mag just a more popular range for airguns? I'm confused...
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SteveP-52
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Re: 3-9 vs 4-12 mag?
«
Reply #1 on:
August 13, 2017, 10:38:17 PM »
I have both, actually several of each and it may just be because the 4-12 version is relatively new compared to the 3-9 version. The only real differences I can see having both are I get a little more magnification if I want it in the 4-12's but they don't have them with IR reticles yet, at least as far as I know. Sight picture and clarity is the same on both.
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TwiceHorn
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Posts: 754
Real Name: Mark
Re: 3-9 vs 4-12 mag?
«
Reply #2 on:
August 13, 2017, 11:39:00 PM »
It is an interesting question. The first scopes tended to be lower power, less than 4x. I think military applications drove power higher (most of the Unertl scopes were 10x), but hunters tended to prefer the lower powers for field of view, so 4x was kind of the ultimate compromise. Then 3-9x, spanning the magic 4x and including higher and lower power became a fairly standard variable power.
I guess as scopes started to creep above 10x in power, it was thought that maybe 4-12 might be a better range than 3-9.
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Artie
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Real Name: Richard
Re: 3-9 vs 4-12 mag?
«
Reply #3 on:
August 14, 2017, 10:26:41 AM »
2-7 & 3-9 scopes were the first real step up in optics evolution over lower fixed power optics. Historically fixed power was superior to variable and low magnification superior to high magnification. Generally speaking the same can be said for 3-9 vs 3-12 or 4-16 power in a given class of scope quality wise. Anytime more power and more glass is introduced into a package more flaws generally reveal themselves. Improved technology and changing demand has made higher power, higher quality scopes more available and more economical than ever. Nowadays a 3-9 is probably as "clear" as a 4 power was thirty years ago, same is true with a 4-12 compared to an older 3-9. Folks target shoot now more than ever increasing demand for higher power. I think it is the market that drives this and not so much the military.
Most of my hunting is seasonal, targeting large animals under a hundred yards and I prefer the more stable lower power optics, 4 or 6 power, or 3-9 variable. I target shoot frequently though, rested and almost always prefer 3-12 or 4-16 scopes set at max power. The improved technology providing better optics and market demand/supply pushing cheaper scopes out the door allows me to do this with relatively little additional cost.
«
Last Edit: August 14, 2017, 10:31:41 AM by Artie
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Yogi
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Real Name: Yogi
Re: 3-9 vs 4-12 mag?
«
Reply #4 on:
August 16, 2017, 11:43:51 AM »
So I guess the moral of the story is, a cheaper scope is OK for 3-9 or 4-12, but better optics($$$) should be considered for 16 power in up?
-Y
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Artie
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Real Name: Richard
Re: 3-9 vs 4-12 mag?
«
Reply #5 on:
August 16, 2017, 11:57:53 AM »
I would feel safe with that statement. 16 + magnification in variable power requires a high level of optical engineering, pristine glass and top tier quality control. Several hundred dollars worth and then some if cost is not a factor.
I also believe shooting above 16 power also requires substantial shooting skill and control.
«
Last Edit: August 16, 2017, 12:01:07 PM by Artie
»
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jus Tom
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Real Name: Tom
Re: 3-9 vs 4-12 mag?
«
Reply #6 on:
August 17, 2017, 10:58:10 AM »
All good replies to the OP along with my thought being that it comes down to how you use your air gun.
My 65 year old corrective lenses eyesight demands a scope on all my guns. Back when I re-introduced myself to an adult air rifle I figured a 4x would be sufficient,, and it was for what I used that gun for, 25yd or closer shots, actually should've had a 2-7.
Fast forward several more years and I now own what shows in my list of air rifles and find that a 3-9 scope is my "go to" favorite and does all that I need. I have a couple higher power variables that I thought to be needed on the guns they are on,, but in reality a 3-9 would do just as good.
I rarely take shots past 40yds, I use some sort of forward rest in 99.9% of my shooting and about the only time the scope comes off 3 or 4x is to see a hole in the target or finding a small pest that was shot and laying dead in the grass.
Hope my experiences help your decisions.
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NE Ohio
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3-9 vs 4-12 mag?