x 6 mag - enough for HMR?

[WGD]

I am finally getting round to purchasing a .17HMR barrel for my Sako Quad.

 

I have the .22LR barrel on at the moment with a 6 x 42 Swarovski scope, a combination which works very well.

 

I am concerned though that, with the additional range offered by the HMR calibre, a x 6 scope will not be enough when shooting 100 yard + rabbits or corvids so am considering changing the scope for a variable mag, say 3 - 9 or 3 - 12. Only trouble is I can't afford to change for the same quality of a variable scope offering the same quality of optic as the Swaro scope.

 

Thoughts appreciated.

[al4x]

its not enough IMHO a rabbit even at 125 yards is going to look very small at that range. Personally I don't think the HMR needs that good a scope simply because its rare to use it at absolute last light as you do with stalking or foxing its usually either daylight or under the lamp. I've a 4-16 nikko sterling on mine and its given me good service now its coming up to 5 years on there I don't feel the need to change it. Quite often wind it right up for the longer shots with no problems.

[WGD]

Thanks al4x, what objective diameter is your scope and can you change the barrel without removing the scope?

[al4x]

50 but its not on a quad so no idea about changing barrel, you could PM axe in case he is still about he's got a 56 nighteater I think on a quad from memory. I reckon though once you put the barrel on you won't change it back for a fair while so may not be too relevant

[wildfowler.250]

I have 6.5-20x40.....For 90% of my shots 6.5 magnification is fine. I tend to find I miss more when "zoomed in". Or mabye its just at longer distances the cross hairs cover more of the rabbit at low mag

 

 

 

However, if its mainly day time shooting you could go poorer quality and higher mag and get away with it

[Paddy Galore!]

depends what you're used to, some people manage quite well with low mag, personally i prefer higher on mine, got an MTC viper 4-16x50 on a sako quad, the scope has to come off tho to remove the barrel as there's less than 5mm clearance, not a major problem as the mounts are weaver type screws which are nice and big and easy to undo. I used to have a fixed 10x mag E&B opti 42 on there but that seemed a bit low when getting past 150mtrs.

[al4x]

what I like about 4-16 is you can still reduce the magnification to a good level for close stuff or as light falls

[Paddy Galore!]

what I like about 4-16 is you can still reduce the magnification to a good level for close stuff or as light falls

 

found that walking around with a lamp was a bit tricky if one popped up sub 20yds, which happens a lot on my main perm.

[MC]

I have a Hawke 4 - 14 x 56 Pro Stalk on mine and 99% of the time the mag is set on 8. I don't remember ever having it as high as 14 except perhaps when zeroing to see the bullet holes.