This past weekend I came to the realization that it's time for me to put a scope on the 30-30. I'm 47 and I guess my eyes just need a little help. At 130 yds I could see the deer and the sights, but thats about it. When I looked through the scope on the guides .270 I could see stuff in the background I didn't see before. It gave me a much clearer picture and I had a much better take on what was beyond my target. Last thing i'd want to do is wound or kill a 2nd animal unitentionally. I will use the see through mounts for when i have a close enough and clear enough shot. Anyone else experiencing the same thing?

I suggest a fixed 4 and no see through mounts.

2 x 7 and agree, no see through mounts

2X7 is on my most often used guns for a reason, it works great.

See through mounts put the scope too high for comfortable shooting and fast target acquisition. At the lower power I am much faster with it than open sights when the scope is mounted at the proper height and distance ie. correctly.

No see thur's unless you like to be ridiculed!

As stated a straight 4x is good, or a 1-4 or 1.5-5.

You may also, think about a quality peep sight.

I really a 2-7x on my 30-30 set up.

^^this^^

Commit to irons or optics, not both.

Ridiculed? Lol, that's been going on my whole life - why stop now! I haven't ever taken a look at a 2x7 it sounds like a really good option. With that low a setting I might not feel the need to see the iron sights for closer targets, I expect that most of my hunting will be shorter range in brushy conditions. As for the higher position, I don't know why but probably from the early day optics on the A2 upper carry handle, I kinda like the higher position. More than likey I will end up trying to do too many things with the same tool and will probably end up buying a .270 for deer season. I really liked the one the outfitter let me use. Now this has me thinking...wasn't there a pick of a tactical 30-30, harris bipod, lights & laser out there somewhere, lol I'm sure one of you guys has it. lol. I'll just scare the animals to death. Merry Christmas Everyone!

A little off topic, but if I wanted to use irons and a scope I'd use. . . .

2x7 is perfect.

don't feel bad, I'm 27 and couldn't see much past 75 yards with open sights

Or, you could try one of these. I used to use them for competition shooting, they work great. You can both sights and the target clearly.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/07/diopter-devices-aid-old-eyes/

Chris42, those QD mounts would not be good at all for a lever gun for the same reason why the see throughs are not good. The scope would set too high.

QD is also something I considered. I don't mind the higher shooting position, and it would give me the flexibility to add the component as needed. Using the scope this past weekend didn't help me aquire the target - but it allowed me to see much more clearly what-else was around and beyond my target.

Thanks for all the input!