scope options for slug gun

[pass-thru]

Several places I hunt don't allow rifles. I've been using my muzzleloader but am thinking about getting a 12 guage slug gun.

As far as the options for the scope, I am looking at three models, all 30mm tube:

1-4x24
1-8x24
1-6x42

I like the smaller size and speed of the 24mm objective lens. But would 4 power be enough for a slug gun, with max range under 200 yards? The 1-8x24 would seem a better option to have the increased magnification if I want it. But the price is more than I am willing to spend. The 1-6x42 seems like happy medium, but I fear losing the speed of the smaller objective lens.

Thoughts?

 

[Nhill]

I would recommend a fixed 4 power scope. I think 4x is plenty under 200 yards.

 

[TheLBLman]

Several places I hunt don't allow rifles. I've been using my muzzleloader but am thinking about getting a 12 guage slug gun.

As far as the options for the scope, I am looking at three models, all 30mm tube:

1-4x24
1-8x24
1-6x42

I like the smaller size and speed of the 24mm objective lens. But would 4 power be enough for a slug gun, with max range under 200 yards? The 1-8x24 would seem a better option to have the increased magnification if I want it. But the price is more than I am willing to spend. The 1-6x42 seems like happy medium, but I fear losing the speed of the smaller objective lens.

Thoughts?

Based on the limited options you've presented, I'd go with the 1-4x24 (assuming the 1-8x24 is not one of your options).

The 24mm objective is more than large enough to let in all the light your eyes can utilize at 4x, while 42mm is a waste of space and unnecessary on a 6x optic.

Keep in mind you're not competing for scores on a target at 200 yards, and I'd bet your average deer is going to be shot under 100 yards? 4x gives you a nice 25-yd aiming point on a 100-yd deer, or a nice 50-yd aiming point on a 200-yd deer.

Finally, there is more handicap in a hunter having too much magnification on a close shot vs. less than ideal magnification on a long shot.

You might also consider a totally different make of scope, perhaps something in the 2-7x or thereabouts configuration (most of which have 32 to 35mm objectives). And if you're experienced in shooting scoped guns, imo, you'll have little desire or need to go with less than 2x magnification.

 

[Gravey]

Check out the 20-gauge slug guns before you jump into a 12. Not near the recoil and leave a big ole hole too. I bought a Mossberg 500 20-gauge two years ago for hunting corp land some. Didn't use it this past year but the first year hunted with it once and killed a deer. I was impressed with the hole it left and the deer dropped in his tracks. I currently don't have a scope on it so interested in what opinions come back.

 

[TheLBLman]

These newer slug guns are much more advanced and can be used at longer ranges.

That is true, but would one need a 50mm objective for use on a scope with no more than 9x magnification?

I may be wrong, but am thinking anything above about 40-42mm cannot provide any additional usable light to the average human eye (at 9x magnification)? (I do know that greater magnification calls for larger objectives, just wondering what's to gain with 50mm on a lower magnification scope.)

 

[pass-thru]

If I recall correctly, you gain the benefit of additional objective lens for light transmission up to a quotient of 7. So to maximize use of a 9x in low light, you would need an objective lense of 63. Conversely, an objective lens of 50 would allow you to use your scope on 7 power all the way up to dark. An objective lens of 42 would give you use of 6x in low light.

A caveat to this is the limit factor of visual degeneration. A middle age man likely doesn't see well enough in low light to take advantage of the full spectrum of light transmission. So even with a quotient of 7, based on eyesight your ability to will give out while others may still have enough light to hunt.

My vision is still pretty good but I have notice I can't see as long after sundown as I could 10 years ago.

I've never hunted with a slug gun. My mzldr is good out to 250 yards. I have a good scope on it with has marks that allows me to take well aimed shots in low light.

But for a shotgun I am thinking I will be taking shot no further than 150. Most shot within 75. I would like to have up to 6 or 8 power, but think the advantage of goin with a faster 24mm objective lens is the better trade off. I have some time to think it over.

 

[TheLBLman]

If I recall correctly, you gain the benefit of additional objective lens for light transmission up to a quotient of 7.

We're thinking on the same page now.
But I was thinking that quotient was more like 5.0 to 5.5, although it varies from individual to individual, and is generally a little higher for younger people.

Should also point out that an individual user effectively raises that quotient by reducing the magnification on a variable scope. If a particular 3-9x scope is say 5.0 at 9x, it may go to something like 7.0 simply by turning the power ring down to 7x.

Not mentioned previously on this thread, but a major factor in low-light user ability is the quality of the glass. Sometimes a higher quality glass with a smaller objective can provide better low light visuals than a lower quality glass with a larger objective.

 

[JimFromTN]

I have a 1.5-6x42 on my slug gun. Its plenty of scope. A 1-4x24 would be fine. You are going to have a hard time shooting out to 200 yds with a 12ga slug, even with the newer, flatter shooting sabots. If you are really thinking you will take a shot like that then get a savage 220. 20ga's shoot flatter. You need a tight dedicated bolt action slug gun to take those kinds of shots.

 

[lightfoot]

Hey just one other thing about slug gun scope, you need plenty of eye relief, just something else to think about if go with a 12 ga.

 

[redblood]

Several places I hunt don't allow rifles. I've been using my muzzleloader but am thinking about getting a 12 guage slug gun.

As far as the options for the scope, I am looking at three models, all 30mm tube:

1-4x24
1-8x24
1-6x42

I like the smaller size and speed of the 24mm objective lens. But would 4 power be enough for a slug gun, with max range under 200 yards? The 1-8x24 would seem a better option to have the increased magnification if I want it. But the price is more than I am willing to spend. The 1-6x42 seems like happy medium, but I fear losing the speed of the smaller objective lens.

Thoughts?

Based on the limited options you've presented, I'd go with the 1-4x24 (assuming the 1-8x24 is not one of your options).

The 24mm objective is more than large enough to let in all the light your eyes can utilize at 4x, while 42mm is a waste of space and unnecessary on a 6x optic.

Keep in mind you're not competing for scores on a target at 200 yards, and I'd bet your average deer is going to be shot under 100 yards? 4x gives you a nice 25-yd aiming point on a 100-yd deer, or a nice 50-yd aiming point on a 200-yd deer.

Finally, there is more handicap in a hunter having too much magnification on a close shot vs. less than ideal magnification on a long shot.

You might also consider a totally different make of scope, perhaps something in the 2-7x or thereabouts configuration (most of which have 32 to 35mm objectives). And if you're experienced in shooting scoped guns, imo, you'll have little desire or need to go with less than 2x magnification.

great advice