3-12 or 4.5-18

[Savageman25]

Decided to get the bushnell elite tactical lrhs. I'm having a tough time deciding which one to get. The 3-12 or 4.5-18. It's going on a 6.5 creedmoor at first. I'm trying to get set up for hunting. I'm a newby. This scope could potentially go on a ar15 in 6.5 grendel also. If I like it well enough I might get another that way they both have one and I don't have to switch. Any thoughts or recommendations? I'm leaning towards the 4.5-18 because I just don't see me really losing much with it compared to the 3 lower power, but gaining that extra on the top end power.

 

[Rich Coyle]

When anyone is talking about these low magnification numbers I always suggest the most you can handle. One of my hunting rifles has a 5-25X and the other a 4-24X.

 

[bruce_ventura]

What will the rifles be used for? Paper, steel or hunting. What range? What type of hunting?

 

[Rick Richard]

I rarely use a 3x or lower magnification even when hunting white tails in the woods. Therefore, I would suggest the other since I tend to want more magnification rather than less

 

[bruce_ventura]

What will the rifles be used for? Paper, steel or hunting. What range? What type of hunting?

 

[Savageman25]

What will the rifles be used for? Paper, steel or hunting. What range? What type of hunting?

The 2 guns I plan on using this optic for is 80 % hunting 20 target. I'm not totally sure of range as I haven't hunted yet but my guess is minimum of around 100 to max of 500 to 600. The plan is for coyote and elk, but in the long run I'm thinking more animals such as hogs, mule deer and whitetail.
For those of you thinking I have no business shooting animals at a long range being an inexperienced hunter, I agree. Those long range shots would be at a later time after I gain experience. But when I get to that point I don't want to purchase a different scope. I want the one I want now to suffice for the future also.

 

[bruce_ventura]

Where I hunt yotes the typical range is under 100 yds. I consider hogs to be dangerous game. So I would strongly favor the 3-12X model for the wider field of view. I think it's the more versatile model, given the intent to hunt yotes and hogs.

Otherwise, I would go with the 4.5-18X model because the magnification is high enough that I can use the rifle scope to count antler points, allowing me to leave the spotting scope in camp when hunting in steep terrain, and spot game with just my 8X40 binos.

You will eventually need a second scope after you get your 6.5 Grendel. The 3-12X would be ideal to mount on that rifle for hunting smaller game or hogs at shorter range. You could buy the 4.5-18X model then and set up the 6.5 Creedmor for longer range.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I like the 4.5-18 even at under 100 yards. I also think it will work on the AR rig.

 

[Savageman25]

I'm going to go with the 4.5-18. That will allow me experience to know at a later time if I would want the 3-12 for the ar. Thanks guys. You helped me decide without a doubt which scope to get first.

 

[Sully2]

Id sure go with 4-18X..