2-7x or 3-9x? Opinions...

[racking up points]

I'm looking for some feedback from shooters that extend their range and shoot out to 80-120y. I am setting up my Matrix 405 for long range shooting with an HHA optimizer. I am torn between a 2-7x33mm and a 3-9x40mm Leupold VXR.

Below is how I have broken it down but I don't have the experience at those ranges to know for sure, so maybe you can set me straight and give me your opinion.

2-7x
Pros
-lighter
-smaller and looks more suited for a crossbow
-better FOV
Cons
-less magnification

3-9x
Pros
-should gather more light
-should offer more precise aiming at long range
Cons
-heavier
-looks big on a crossbow
-less FOV

I am leaning toward a 2-7x33 VXR in duplex or ballistic Firedot. My major concern is that I won't be as precise at longer distances compared to the 3-9x. Is 7x enough magnification at say 120y?

Any feedback is appreciated, thanks.

[bdog]

if it's just long range target shooting, I'd go with the higher power, you don't need fov for targets

[flightattendant100]

4-12x w/AO. Go big or go home. Seriously target definition is your friend, and the AO is mandatory to run higher powers up close.

[vixenmaster]

2x7 ought to be very good out to 100+ yds on any deer - hog-elk. Bet you can see a hard ball wid it at 100yds. I can hit tennis balls at 60 yds wid a 4x n poor eye sight

[SEW]

I've used the 2-7 VXR some, like it, and would likely stay with it. However, this is a real toss up . I use a Duralyt 2-8/Optimizer and don't feel the scope is too big. I've never regretted more power.

[racking up points]

I should have mentioned that I will also hunt with this bow. SEW, those Duralyts offer the best of both worlds in terms of FOV, slightly more mag than the 2-7x. I have been watching for some used ones on eBay, but the resale market on quality scopes is thin...wonder why?

[paulaboutform]

Hey Derrick, here's the thing as I see it. I know you're BIG on less weight and size. The 3-9X40 is bigger and weighs slightly more of course. I honestly don't find it noticeable or obnoxious but I also haven't shot the 2-7×33 to be able to compare. I bought what I did because that was my best deal. Period. If you can wait until Boofest you can test mine out and see how it feels. If you're that concerned about the magnification and the longer ranges then go with more. I keep mine at about
3.5 × and I'm assuming I'd keep the 2-7 at around 3 power as well. Wish I could be more help buddy.

Paul

[racking up points]

Hey Derrick, here's the thing as I see it. I know you're BIG on less weight and size. The 3-9X40 is bigger and weighs slightly more of course. I honestly don't find it noticeable or obnoxious but I also haven't shot the 2-7×33 to be able to compare. I bought what I did because that was my best deal. Period. If you can wait until Boofest you can test mine out and see how it feels. If you're that concerned about the magnification and the longer ranges then go with more. I keep mine at about
3.5 × and I'm assuming I'd keep the 2-7 at around 3 power as well. Wish I could be more help buddy.

Paul

Thanks, Paul. When you're shooting at those distances, is your magnification on 9 power? I had a Leupold Ultimate Slam in 3-9x40mm on a 330 and it looked fine to me, so the physical size isn't a huge factor, the extra weight is justifiable if it gives me an edge at say 100y.

[paulaboutform]

I believe I did have it cranked up and if I recall correctly I also had to re zero. That's the other reason I sent my scope in and had the paralax setting changed. As soon as the new bow is ready I'll try to get out and test it. My goal in doing that is to be able to leave my scope at lower power for my closer range shooting and hunting then crank up to the high magnification for long range shooting while maintaining zero....we'll see.

Paul

[flightattendant100]

I believe I did have it cranked up and if I recall correctly I also had to re zero. That's the other reason I sent my scope in and had the paralax setting changed. As soon as the new bow is ready I'll try to get out and test it. My goal in doing that is to be able to leave my scope at lower power for my closer range shooting and hunting then crank up to the high magnification for long range shooting while maintaining zero....we'll see.

Paul

AO..... If you have the parallax changed , then it's off at longer ranges, or shorter ranges. AO, you set it to what you are shooting.

[racking up points]

Now parallax just adds another dimension to my conundrum! Is it really necessary to adjust the parallax? If we were on a rifle forum, 100y shots would be little chip shots. How important is parallax at say 100y? I know Paul found a difference around that yardage, is it common? AO scopes are a bit more pricey and I didn't see a VXR with adjustable parallax, is there such a thing?

[paulaboutform]

I believe I did have it cranked up and if I recall correctly I also had to re zero. That's the other reason I sent my scope in and had the paralax setting changed. As soon as the new bow is ready I'll try to get out and test it. My goal in doing that is to be able to leave my scope at lower power for my closer range shooting and hunting then crank up to the high magnification for long range shooting while maintaining zero....we'll see.

Paul

AO..... If you have the parallax changed , then it's off at longer ranges, or shorter ranges. AO, you set it to what you are shooting.

What does 'AO' mean? .....the Leupold tech told me that changing the paralax setting from 150yards to 50yards would allow me to shoot higher magnification at closer yardages without the distortion being as evident. Also, with the paralax setting closer it wouldn't be as noticeable at the further yardages. That's just what I was told by the Luepold guy??? We'll see when I'm actually able to get out and check the longer ranges.

Paul

[paulaboutform]

I believe I did have it cranked up and if I recall correctly I also had to re zero. That's the other reason I sent my scope in and had the paralax setting changed. As soon as the new bow is ready I'll try to get out and test it. My goal in doing that is to be able to leave my scope at lower power for my closer range shooting and hunting then crank up to the high magnification for long range shooting while maintaining zero....we'll see.

Paul

AO..... If you have the parallax changed , then it's off at longer ranges, or shorter ranges. AO, you set it to what you are shooting.

.....oops, the dreaded double click.

Paul

[Normous]

"AO" stands for Adjustable Objective.

[flightattendant100]

I believe I did have it cranked up and if I recall correctly I also had to re zero. That's the other reason I sent my scope in and had the paralax setting changed. As soon as the new bow is ready I'll try to get out and test it. My goal in doing that is to be able to leave my scope at lower power for my closer range shooting and hunting then crank up to the high magnification for long range shooting while maintaining zero....we'll see.

Paul

AO..... If you have the parallax changed , then it's off at longer ranges, or shorter ranges. AO, you set it to what you are shooting.

What does 'AO' mean? .....the Leupold tech told me that changing the paralax setting from 150yards to 50yards would allow me to shoot higher magnification at closer yardages without the distortion being as evident. Also, with the paralax setting closer it wouldn't be as noticeable at the further yardages. That's just what I was told by the Luepold guy??? We'll see when I'm actually able to get out and check the longer ranges.

Paul

AO... Adjustable Objective. Leipold a adjust from under 25yrds to infinity. You want to shoot 25 yards adjust it to that, you want to shoot it 100 yards , adjust it to that .