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

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

SPRTN308 wrote: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.

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.

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

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.

SPRTN308 wrote: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.