Shooting Tight Groups – Is High Magnification Really Necessary?

Shooting Tight Groups – Is High Magnification Really Necessary?

When it comes to precision shooting, one of the most debated questions is: how much magnification do you actually need for shooting tight groups? Josh from Pursuit of Accuracy recently put this to the test using a controlled experiment at 50 yards—and the results might surprise you.

The Experiment Setup: Shooting Tight Groups

Josh used a top-tier setup to eliminate variables and focus solely on magnification:

• Rifle: Vudoo 360 in MDT ACC chassis
• Scope: TORIC ELR (4.5–30 magnification)
• Distance: 50 yards
• Groups Fired: Two 5-shot groups at each magnification level (30x, 20x, 10x, 4.5x)

The goal? To see whether group size increases as magnification decreases—and if so, at what point.

Magnification vs Group Size: What the Data Shows

Josh’s results were clear and consistent across the board:

Key Takeaways: Shooting Tight Groups

• No significant drop in accuracy until magnification dipped below 10x.
• Even at 4.5x, Josh was able to shoot respectable groups, though visibility was a major challenge.
• 20x magnification offered the best balance of clarity and comfort without overkill.

Do You Really Need 30x For Shooting Tight Groups?

Josh’s conclusion was simple: “If you’re looking at a scope and worried you can’t afford 30x, don’t sweat it.”

Here’s why:

• 20x is plenty for shooting tight groups at 50 yards.
• 10x still performs well, though spotting impacts becomes harder.
• 4.5x is doable, but not ideal for precision work.

Scope Selection Tips for Precision Shooters: Shooting Tight Groups

For shooting tight groups on paper, here’s what Josh’s test suggests:

• Choose a scope with at least 16x–20x magnification for optimal visibility and impact spotting.
• Don’t overpay for ultra-high magnification unless you’re shooting at extreme distances.
• Consider your use case: For benchrest shooting or competition, higher magnification helps. For casual plinking or training, 10x may be enough.

Gear Breakdown: Josh’s Setup

For those curious about the gear that made this test possible:

• Scope: TORIC 4.5-30×56 MRAD ELR
• Rifle: Vudoo 360
• Chassis: MDT ACC with Gray Ops stackable weights
• Accessories: MDT Baker Wings, Bullet Bag Rider (for rear bag stability)

This setup ensured that the only variable in the test was magnification—not rifle performance.

TORIC Rifle Scope Magnification Options

Key Considerations

• Tube Diameter affects mounting options and internal adjustment range. 34 mm tubes offer more elevation travel, ideal for extreme long-range shooting.
• Objective Lens Size influences light gathering and overall low-light performance. Larger objectives (50–56 mm) gather more light but may require higher mounting.
• Magnification Range should match your shooting distance and target size. The 4.5–30x ELR is best for extreme long range, while the 2.5–15x is great for hunting and shooting tight groups as Josh has proved.

Final Thoughts: Shooting Tight Groups

Josh’s experiment proves that high magnification isn’t a prerequisite for precision. While it certainly helps with visibility and shooter comfort, tight groups are achievable even at lower magnifications—especially with good fundamentals and a solid rifle setup.

So before you drop big bucks on a 30x scope, ask yourself: Do I really need it? If you’re shooting at 50 yards or less, chances are, you don’t.

Contact Us

Want help choosing the right scope for your shooting style or building a gear list like Josh’s? Feel free to reach out to the owners at TRACT either by email: [email protected], phone: 631-662-7354 or Chat Live Now