Riflescopes for driven hunts | Optics Trade Debates

By Maruša Justinek Jul 29, 2020

Hello again and welcome to another episode of Optics Trade Debates. Today, we will be discussing categories of driven-hunt riflescopes; riflescopes suitable for driven hunts.

Wide-angle scopes is the broader term, and the sub-groups would be wide-angle scopes for driven hunts, and the tactical CQB (close quarters battle) – which are also wide-angle but not meant for hunting.

What makes a scope suitable for driven hunts? First of all, the magnification has to be either 1 power or 1.1x. If the magnification is above 1.1, it cannot be classified as an appropriate riflescope for driven hunts. The main reason for that is that with a true 1 power magnification, you are able to have both eyes open while aiming – similarly as with a red dot.

The objective diameter is usually smaller than 30 mm, but the gold standard is 24 mm. There are also a few 20 mm scopes (like the 0.75-6×20), 22 mm scopes (the Kaps models), and the 26, 28, and 30 – they are all considered riflescopes for driven hunts because they offer 1.1x minimal magnification.

The second feature is the hunting-style capped turrets. Slowly, some of these scopes are also getting BDC turrets however we believe these riflescopes do not need them, as all shooting distances are up to 100 m, rarely more.

Preferably, their scopes should have day-time illumination. However, some of them (like the Leupold VX-6) are without illumination. Yukon Jaeger has illumination, but it is meant for low-light use. They are still considered to be a part of the category of riflescopes for driven hunts because you are still able to use them for that purpose.

Usually, these scopes only have an illuminated dot in the center of the reticle. It is also true that even though we listed riflescopes without day-time illumination, it is preferred to buy a scope with day-time illumination. Most of these scopes also have at least a 4x zoom factor (1-4), a 5x zoom factor (1-5), or a 6x factor (1-6). A few rare examples even have a 10x zoom (1-10).

Moving on from the features that make a riflescope suitable for driven hunts, let us turn our attention to the features that do not. There are so many questions about using a 1.5-6×42 for driven-hunts. A simple question is yes, but it is not a scope designed for this exact purpose – it is designed for stalking. It is light and compact.

There are even some who ask if it is fine to use an all-rounder (1.8-14×50). Again, normally, you can, but it will not perform on the same level as with all of the above-mentioned scopes. The main difference is that with scopes which have a true power 1 magnification, you are able to keep both your eyes open and have a full field of view (usually, the field of view is at least 35 m / 100 m, and you are able to combine those visions). With these scopes, even if you have both eyes open, your brain will not be able to combine both images in the same way as proper scopes for driven hunts.

We already mentioned that riflescopes for driven hunts need to have 1x magnification, but 1.1x is also suitable. This is a delicate matter because some producers say that 1.1x is even preferred aiming with both eyes open. Schmidt & Bender and Zeiss do this – if you look through them, they are high-quality scopes. It is true however that a true power 1 magnification is better.

Gradually, manufacturers are even going bellow 1x (Swarovski to 0.75), so you are able to adjust it where you wish to have it. This is most important when you are on a driven hunt, waiting, and you are able to see the surroundings and judge on which distance you will shoot. If you are extremely close (closer than 10 m), magnification bellow 1x can be of great help.

This is it – if you have any additional questions regarding the driven-hunts riflescopes, feel free to write us an e-mail and do not forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Take care until next time. Bye.