Why do I hate scopes?

[locosway]

I've only owned one rifle that was scoped, and I didn't like it.

This weekend I shot a .22 with a scope, and then an AR with a scope. Both times I found it hard to find the target, hard to get my eye at the proper distance from the scope to see anything, and just an overall PITA to use.

Now, we were shooting at 200 yards, and I prefer irons at that range. I can hit anything I want at that distance and can acquire the target much faster. I shot another AR that had an EOTECH on it, and that was cool and a lot of fun.

So, outside of trying to put each shot through the same hole at 100+ yards, why would anyone want a scope?

[Rob454]

Youre just not used to shooting through a scope. As you get used to it you'll find out that you will be more accurate at longer distances. Scopes are great when you're trying to put a killing shot on a deer from 300 yards away. My deer rifle is scoped and has iron sights. IDependingon the terrain I hunt I can easily prepare for either long range or close shooting.
just like anything else it takes time and practice to get used to it. Also most rifles with scopes are set up for the original shooter for distance/eye relief/height etc. So you may have to position your head in a not as natural position which can and will affect your shooting.

[Curtis]

I'm the same way with scopes. I shoot better with iron sights. But as my eyes go bad with age, I can see the need for a scope.

ETA: I agree with Rob454. I learned on and always used iron sights.

[dirtnap]

I usa a scope mainly so I can see where I hit without having to switch to a spotting scope or binoculars.

[gef]

I agree, as the eyes get older you will appreciate a scope more and more.

[bombadillo]

I'm liking the lower power scopes the more I shoot. I used to think that the huge 8-32x56 monsters were great because they "looked" cool and you could really zoom in but after shooting a bunch with them, I like the 3-9's and the 1-4's a lot better now. for target shooting primarily, a good 4-16 or 6-24 is really nice with fine crosshairs and holdover marks for long range but outside of varmint, and target shooting I stick to irons or lower power scopes now. With the exception of the EOtech I don't really consider a scope as much as a sight.

[Mitch]

Scopes are also useful to compensate for crappy iron sights.

I installed a scout scope on one of my SKSes and it's a big improvement.

[wildcard]

You don't like scopes because you don't like shooting small targets from far away.

[RobG]

I've only owned one rifle that was scoped, and I didn't like it.

This weekend I shot a .22 with a scope, and then an AR with a scope. Both times I found it hard to find the target, hard to get my eye at the proper distance from the scope to see anything, and just an overall PITA to use.

Now, we were shooting at 200 yards, and I prefer irons at that range. I can hit anything I want at that distance and can acquire the target much faster. I shot another AR that had an EOTECH on it, and that was cool and a lot of fun.

So, outside of trying to put each shot through the same hole at 100+ yards, why would anyone want a scope?

Could have been crappy scopes and/or improperly set up.

Putting each shot through the same hole is what lots of guys strive for. That or just precision shooting which require scopes. Yes there some that can be very precise with irons but not many.

[Timberwolf]

You can't shoot what you can't see and a rifle scope picks up where iron and unaided eyesight leaves off. Since you had such a hard time I suspect no one has ever showed you the basics of shooting with optics - it differs from shooting with irons.

[atto]

OP, I'm with you.. all that scopes seem to do is magnify shake and make your field of view smaller

[swerv512]

because you've never shot with nice one yet is my guess...
try a Mk4 or a NF or S&B or USO.... then come back and tell me what you think...

[Ruiner]

OP, I'm with you.. all that scopes seem to do is magnify shake and make your field of view smaller

Ever try to shoot a small target like say, a ground squirrel @ 200+ yards with iron sights? That statement makes it seem to me like you haven't learned to use magnified optics effectively because I assure you, thats not ALL they do. I love shooting irons, but there are times where I will use a scope.

[fed20]

Youre just not used to shooting through a scope. As you get used to it you'll find out that you will be more accurate at longer distances. Scopes are great when you're trying to put a killing shot on a deer from 300 yards away. My deer rifle is scoped and has iron sights. IDependingon the terrain I hunt I can easily prepare for either long range or close shooting.
just like anything else it takes time and practice to get used to it. Also most rifles with scopes are set up for the original shooter for distance/eye relief/height etc. So you may have to position your head in a not as natural position which can and will affect your shooting.

+1 on this. You need to get comfortable while looking through the scope.
Once you find the right distance/eye relief/height. It will all come to focus.

[RandyD]

When I started shooting it was only with iron sights. Later I added a scope to my rifle and had the same experience as the op. It takes some training to be able to raise a rifle to your shoulder with a scope and be instantly on target. Now, the only rifle I use with iron sights are my competition rifles and only when the course of fire is with iron sights.