Side focus hunting scopes, are they practical and needed?

[280ackimp]

I am in the market for a new hunting scope. I have been using the VX3 & recently the VX3i. I don't dial for now because I hunt in the east where a long shot is 100 yards, I am considering dialing for a western hunt wand am considering this where I expect the shots to be 300 + yards. The rifles I shoot are flat shooters, 257 wby, 280 AI and 300 wby.
Just what are the advantages of side focus ? The 3.5-10x and 4.5-14x that I have do not have adjustable objectives and don't seem under prepared even when hunting out west at 0-300 yards. While I don't shoot beyond 200 yards as a rule, what does the side focus give me when hunting in the 200-500 yard ranges.

 

[Slugz]

I just mounted three VX5 3-15x44s CDS-ZL2 171715 on a 6.5CM and two 280AI. First side focuses Ive had my hands on and liked it. While sighting in then verifying ballistics I noticed how nice it was to range the target, quickly focus to the range then dial moa. Just seemed nice to not be moving my hands all over.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have all VXIII's on my hunting rifles. Once I set the focus to my eyes, I never change it.

 

[JimP]

For normal hunting conditions it isn't needed.

Now for shooting pariedogs at extended ranges it is real nice.

I only have it on a VX3 6.5-20 that sits on my 22-250

 

[mallardsx2]

I agree with CC and Jim.

IMHO It really isn't needed and really is only useful for extended range shooting or when you are at a bench trying to spot holes.

 

[Winchester]

I agree with what's been said above.
For the hunting ranges you mention it's not needed.
I did get a scope with side focus on my new .28 Nosler but for hunting I set it at about 300 yards and just leave it alone.
It is nice while sighting-in at the range though ... it really makes the targets clear and I can see my bullet holes too.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

For normal hunting conditions it isn't needed.

Now for shooting pariedogs at extended ranges it is real nice.

I only have it on a VX3 6.5-20 that sits on my 22-250

I have the same scope on my .220 Ackley Improved Swift. It is great for this and not great for prairie dogs, they hate it!

 

[280ackimp]

Thanks Gents, the darn marketeers are working me over. I accept and agree that at hunting ranges side focus is a 5th wheel.

 

[Winchester]

I was using mine at the range this morning … very nice … you probably really need one

 

[Bonecollector]

There is an easy test you can perform to see what it actually does and how it actually does affect long rage impact. I was surprised how important it actually was at that point!

 

[badgerbob]

I have all VXIII's on my hunting rifles. Once I set the focus to my eyes, I never change it.

Same here. I have only had one fail and the warranty service was so great I couldn't believe it. I have three VXlll's