Sep 29, 2023 By Dave Bates for The Observer-Reporter newsroom@observer-Reporter.Com 5 min read

When I purchased my first rifle from Ace Auto in Washington my Ruger M-77 .270 came with no iron sights. Scopes in those days were just beginning to reach levels of dependability that had not been seen in prior years.

I did not have enough money saved for both rifle and scope, so my big brother Glenn, solved the problem by giving me my birthday present early. It was a little four power Bushnell Banner, purchased on the same trip to Ace. Ironically, it was all the scope I’d need for many years – cheap, reliable and simple.

Whatever sight you choose to go with, I’d suggest making sure you keep it simple, at least in the hunting scenarios that you are likely to encounter. While I am a disciple of the K.I.S.S. school of thought (Keep It Simple Stupid), I understand that today’s technology can make our lives simpler as well as better. However, Murphy’s Law applies to all hunting situations with which I am familiar. If something can go wrong it usually will. The less that can go wrong with my scope, the better. Tread with caution when heading down technology road.

For the kind of whitetail rifle/pistol hunting that I do, I am in fairly thick cover and my shots are usually limited to well under 100 yards, the majority of deer taken under 50 yards. Not everyone hunts the way I do, but unless you are a long-distance shooter who is challenging oneself at great distances, the tools I speak of will largely do the job effectively in my neck of the woods.

So what are these tools? I find most whitetail rigs incorporate telescopic sights these days. Admittedly, I do my best work with such equipment. I own a number of variable power scopes and all are of decent quality while not breaking the bank. Rather than get into a discussion of which brand is better, I’d suggest that whatever you mount on your rifle, make it the clearest scope you can afford. I believe in buying the best glass you can afford for your rifle. A good scope that has the ability to gather light early on at daybreak or as the sun goes down will ultimately be your best friend. These two qualities of better scopes are what can cost the greatest amount of dollars. Simply put, your chances of taking game are a lot better if you can see it and see it clearly.

Occasionally, I find myself dialing up my scope to 10 or 12 power to get a better look, but I usually don’t have time to enhance power by the time a buck is in my sights. I usually start on 3 or 4 power and find that low magnification is enough to get the job done. I have even had a scope or two that was powered at 1 or 2 and that seemed to prove plenty of magnification for most field situations. Save the magnification for a good pair of binoculars and use them.

There seems to be a point of diminishing returns when it comes to magnification and overall scope size vs. practicality. I prefer a scope that is not overly large but rather quick. I want to bring my rifle to arms and find my sight picture as fast as possible. I would dare say that this facet of hunting contributes to more success than most others. Practice your mount.

Another option that seems to be increasing in popularity are red/green dots, also called luminous dot sights. They come in a host of configurations but they are simple to use and they are also fast. Being of the color blind persuasion, I fancy the green dot, as the red is difficult for me to see under certain light conditions. Adjustment for both dot size and brightness is important.

When it comes to reticles I would throw out a word of caution. Many of the reticles that come standard today incorporate a BDC or ballistic drop compensator. I might be missing something in translation, but I find them complicated and confusing to utilize. Admittedly, I am hunting at much shorter distances than the apparent legions of hunters that kill their deer just short of the two-mile mark, but I find BDC’s far less valuable than most folks. Give me an old-fashioned single, thin, cross hair every time. Some of the more basic plex reticles are fine.

Keeping water off your scope lenses is a primary difficulty in the woods. Scope covers can pay big dividends when the moment of truth arises. I often use a bandanna, a fleece or wool cap, or some other cloth to keep my scope dry as my weapon lays across my lap. I usually carry a bikini cover as well. My favorite are the flip-up lens caps customized for your particular scope. These equate money well spent.

And don’t forget to clean your lenses prior to first morning.