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Vortex viper 3.5-10x50 vs 4-12x40

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New Deer Hunter View Drop Down
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    Posted: September/21/2010 at 16:45
I'm fairly new to coues whitetail hunting here in AZ and trying to make my mind up between the two scopes above. They are very small deer (typically around 80lbs). 300-400 yd shots are very common. I've had limited advice from a few people.
I hear that the 3.5-10x50 will have better clarity in low light, but may not have the magnification to take a 400 yd shot.
On the other hand, the 4-12x40 gives a little more magnification, but may have a little less clarity in low light.
I am a complete rookie...needing some advice from those that have traveled down this road before. Thanks in advance!
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JLud View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JLud Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/21/2010 at 16:54
4-12 in the Viper was suppossed to have a little tunneling in it, I read that here, do not have one.  I would think the 10x would be plenty of magnification.
That thing on the left....my old ride, some days I miss her.
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andoerin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote andoerin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/21/2010 at 17:09
My thoughts on magnification is this take a 1000 yard shot: at 10X it's like a 100 yard shot with no magnification, at 12 X it's like an 83 yard shot with no magnification. Is there really any practical difference? 

The thing that makes me uneasy about the large bell scopes is high mounting that will throw off the balance of the gun and possibly force me to lift my head off the stock to see through the scope. There is the weight consideration, but I think the difference is only like 3ish ounces. Not sure why anybody would complain about 3 extra ounces of weight.

I am in the same boat as you; I am looking at picking up on of those same scopes. 240 is a heck of a steel on those. If I was a single guy I would buy them both and give the one I didn't like to my dad or brother :-) Too bad my wife has the password for the CC statements :-( 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/21/2010 at 17:20
NDH welcome to the OT! The scopes are basically the same but the 50 mm only comes into play at sunrise or sunset when a little more light is needed,either will serve you well!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote andoerin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/21/2010 at 17:20
Actually you got me curious, so I took a look. The weight difference is +1.2 ounces for the 50mm objective. 

What I found was interesting was the OAL of the 4-12x40 was 14.4" which was 1.2" longer than the 50mm objective. Does this contribute to that tunneling effect? Why would it be that long; side focus mechanics?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WestOfPecos Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/21/2010 at 23:00
For what it's worth - regardless of the magnification, I would avoid the 50mm objective if you are going to mount it on a rifle that you will walk around with.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Prieto9000 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/22/2010 at 00:37
I would go with the 12x. Have one and love it.
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