Scopes

[red rattler]

Lookin for a replacement scope for my winchester bolt. It has a 38mm on it now. It's been on it for years. i only use it to hunt in the rain. Would like a 50mm to put back on it. I don't want to spend a fortune either. It's getting harder to see with it when light is low or my old eyes is getting worse.lol

[Fronty Owner]

How much magnification are you running now and what are you going to?

From what I have read, you dont get more light until you get more magnification.
All things equal a 4 power 50mm is gonna transmit about the same as a 4 power 38mm.
The human eye has a diameter of about 7mm max. If the scope has an ocular diameter greater than that, you're not getting any benefit. ocular diameter is the objective divided by power. Your running a 38mm now so if your over 5X, then you would see a benefit. for a 50mm objective, your looking at 9X depending on the ocular lens diameter

take a look at http://www.rifle-accuracy-reports.com/Riflescope.html

[red rattler]

It's a 3x9 on it, I'd like to have at least a 10 power. The scope on my browning is a 3x10 x50 and i can see well after dark with it. there may be something wrong with the old scope too. I dunno. Just know i can't see with it in dim light.

[Fronty Owner]

brand, coating, age, technology, all come into play on scopes. Today's coatings are better than in the past. 10X is probably pushing it on a 50mm scope.
If you have one you like, go with another.
Alternatively, pull that scope off and go to the gun shop and compare the brightness thru it and what they have on the shelf.

Personally, I run my scopes on the lowest power most of the time because of where I hunt doesn't afford a longer shot most of the time. every now and then I will run it up to 9X for spotting, but not often.

[red rattler]

Every deer i kill is 100 yards and beyond. All three this year were 200 or better. I keep it on 10x while hunting

[Fronty Owner]

take a look at something like a Leupold or Burris. for $400 you can get a decent 50mm scopes with a 10X or 12X max. You can go cheaper, but your gonna pay for it in clarity and light transmission.