3-9x40mm or 4-12x40mm for hunting&target?

3-9x40 is almost a standard scope these days, good for deer. For target I would go with a larger bell. Something like a 6-24x50.

there is a reason 3-9x is pretty standard. It works. Where are you hunting and what realistically is your longest possible shot? Field of vision and target acquisition are more important in hunting than they are in target shooting. If you are never going to put your scope on 12x to shoot a deer than I would say go 3-9x. I find 3x to be too much where I hunt. But my shots are rarely past 50 yards.

I USE A 3X9 AND 4X 14.5 FOR HUNTING USUALLY THEY STAY AT THE LOWEST POWER , WHICH IS FINE FOR UP TO 200 YARDS.
THE 4X14.5 ON THE M1A IS GOOD FOR A LOT LONGER.

JUST GET THE BEST QUALITY GLASS YOU CAN AFFORD .
1 INCH TUBES FOR HUNTING 30 MM FOR TARGET

yeah guess ill go with the 4x12 and just keep it on the lowest setting when out in the woods.  

I have a nikon 3-9x40 and love it!  Paid $150 on eBay.  Has the BDC to make accurate shots at 200+ yards.

What about a 6X fixed power scope. Simpler with less to go wrong? Weren't WWII  sniper scopes often a fixed 4X or 6X?

Go with the best you can afford nikon monark 3 to 12 covers everything great glass  

I was in the same dilema I was worried about taking looooong shots and wanted the high power scope. My friend who guides in alaska said just get the 3x9... I bought a nikon 3x9 and am very happy with it.