Side Focus and 50yd minimum

[SPRTN308]

Hi everyone. I'm new here, and have already gained a pile of information, but now have a question. I'm looking at a new scope purchase, and while I'd love to (and am still considering a Leupold 6.5-20 EFR) I'm looking at other more economical alternatives. I'm wondering if I'd be limited by purchasing a scope that only focuses down to 50 yds? Some of the optics I'm looking at have side focus that only go down to 50 yds, vs. 10-20, and I'm wondering what sort of impact this will have on my sight picture for chickens? For everything else it shouldn't be an issue.

Some of the optics I have in mind are the Nikon Buckmaster 6-18 with side focus, and just recently I came accross the Vortex Viper 6.5-20 x 44 with side focus down to 50 yd, and available target dot. Up here in Canada these guys retail in the 400-600 range. While I understand much of the parallax issue, would I have any problems with my adjustable focus set at 50 yds when I'm shooting approximately 45 yds for the chickens?

Thanks.
Andy

[BlauBear]

50 yards equals 45.72 meters so you won't get a good focus on chickens from a scope that only goes down to 50 yards.

[Innocent]

SPRTN308,
Welcome to SC and the addiction of silhouette shooting.
You can't go wrong with a Leupy...good resale value, never had any problems with focusing on chickens, with different models/powers and even some modified by Premier.
Nikon makes good glass, but they are not usually easy to adjust windage and elevation, which can be a serious issue in silhouette.
Side focus has it's advantages in hunting but there is enough time to focus in silhouette, so front adjustments are fine.

Weaver T series are great scopes but not enought light for my personal preference. Sightron makes great glass, and adjustment scopes and they carry a lifetime warranty.
I am not familiar with Vortex that you mention but will keep my eyes open for the opportunity to play with one when i can.

Innocent Mary

[Jerry G]

I have a Leupold with a side focus on my HP. I like the scope but.... The focus knob goes from close to way out in less than 1/2 inch of travel. I have found that I need to get it clear on the pigs and just live with it for the other distances. I am not convenced that takes care of the parelex problem.

With a sil rifle you can mark the ring for every animal and the front focus is not any problem at all. For SB I would get the EFR because then you can use it indoors during the winter. I have 2 Dick Thomas bumped EFRs and a regular 6.5x20 EFR They all are great.

[malinois]

Back in the day before the EFR scopes and I used a hi power scope for airgun silhouette...I took an old butler creek cap for the objective and drilled a small 3/8 inch hole in it...kinda like stopping down on your camera lens since I only needed it for the close in targets I just flipped it up when I shot everything else presto fix'o for about 6 bucks problem solved...give it a try...

[SPRTN308]

I guess I should really clarify what I'm after here. Living in Canada a 6.5-20 EFT is going to run me 1100. I'd really like something decent, that would do all I need it too for around $600. It seems my options for something that focus' down to 40m are very limited. I currently use a cheap bushnell 3x9x32 rimfire scope, and don't find the focus to be too bad at all the distances. If I was to get something that only went down to 50 yds, would I really be handicapping myself that much at the chickens? I can pick up a used VXII 6-18AO for 600, and its very tempting, as it would suit most of my needs. Correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't I then use the Leupold 50ft adaptor for indoor use?

I appreciate your help. I'm pretty new at this, but know my current optical setup is holding me back somewhat.

[BlauBear]

I can pick up a used VXII 6-18AO for 600, and its very tempting, as it would suit most of my needs. Correct me if I'm wrong, but couldn't I then use the Leupold 50ft adaptor for indoor use?

I appreciate your help. I'm pretty new at this, but know my current optical setup is holding me back somewhat.

Do it. The VXII 6-18AO, especially with target knobs, is a fabulous scope. If this one lacks the target knobs and you want them, Leupold can install them as your budget allows and you'll have a scope to use forever. Next best thing to a VXIII 6.5-20x40 EFR and it will almost focus down to 20 yards without the adapter.

[Jerry G]

There is no advantage with a side focus shooting metal silhouette. I have one on my HP and I set the focus on pigs and shoot all the animals with that setting. It seems to me that there is less than 1/4 inch movement to go from chickens to rams.

[old sparky]

I have a VXll 6x18 AO that I got back from Leupold yesterday. I had them install target turrets and a 1/2 min dot. I think I will be very pleased with it I took it out back with my range finder and focused it at 40-400 yds I didnt try focusing closer. The work they did cost me 60 for the reticle, 60 for each turret. And they were great to work with. I don't think this scope would be a disappointment. Just my 2 cents, Sparky

[SPRTN308]

Ok guys. Thanks. I bought the VXII 6-18 AO target last night. I won't have it for the match on sunday, but I should by thursday . I should have asked this question weeks ago. At least now if I decide to move up I will have something of value to trade/sell.

[BlauBear]

At least now if I decide to move up I will have something of value to trade/sell.

Hang on to it! I sold two and regretted it almost immediately! These are excellent scopes that will work well on just about anything you care to shoot.