Scope Questions

Question 1: Any reputable scope maker can make a better fixed power than variable at a given price point.

Question 2: That depends on your eyes & how small your targets are.

There was a time when variable scopes were more likely to be problematic compared to fixed power scopes but those days are long gone. I would focus more on your intended use and budget rather than any perceived quality differences between the two. Fixed power scopes are typically simpler and lighter than their variable power counterparts, and any reticle with holdovers works without the need to check or change the magnification setting. I can certainly see the appeal of a fixed 4, 5 or 6X scope on a hunting rifle despite only having and using variable 3-9X or 3.5-10X on mine.

For the same money you'll likely get a tougher fixed power scope than a variable, but the difference anymore is pretty small. They are going to be a few ounces lighter too if that is important. Other than weight and toughness I don't see any difference in the quality of the glass on a fixed power.

If I were putting together a lightweight mountain gun for use in areas where longish shots were the norm I'd look hard at a fixed Leupold 6X42. Or a 4X on a heavy recoiling gun. If a variable is going to break it will be on something 300 magnum or larger. On typical non-magnums I doubt it matters.

My philosophy is that most fixed power scopes have "too much" magnification. I have a mix of 1-4X, 2-7X and 3-9X scopes on my rifles. I zero at the highest magnification and double check at the lowest setting to verify that zero hasn't changed with magnification. It does happen, usually not much, but some. I hunt at the lowest setting and can't remember the last time I actually shot game with anything but the lowest setting. Out to 200 yards on 2X. I simply never use anything but the lowest and highest setting.

This limits the possibility of POI shift as I work though the magnifications. I figure if I need more than the lowest setting I have time to adjust the scope and there isn't any downside to just going all the way up. That is where I know it is actually zeroed. At closer ranges where shots can happen quickly the last thing you want is for the scope to be anywhere but on the lowest setting.

I've probably taken more big game with my .270 than any other rifle I own, incidentally I put a 3X9 Weaver on it, however it usually sits on the 4X setting. On a mule deer hunt in Seligman, AZ. quite a few years ago, when the rain and snow had just started, I set that scope to 3X and ended up getting a huge 6 point muley, at about 50-60 yards that I happened upon.

I've shot pronghorn using the 9X at 300+ yards out in Wyoming several years ago, so it is nice to have the option. I believe the price difference is negligible in a quality 4X vs. 3X9.

1) Yes.

2) Yes.

I started out 50 years ago with a fixed 4 x Weaver, tried all sorts of variable , wide angle and big 50 mm variable scopes and after it was all said and done I've got the Weaver K-4 mounted back on . I never found a need for over 100 yard shooting , would sight it in and leave the scope in one setting, so I only gained bulk. 100 yards and under the 4 X covers a lot of ground, If you do more longer range work , 6 X.
You gain in better optics for the same price, no setting to change point of impact accidentally and the scope is slimmer and trimmer.
That's been my experience.
Gary

Compare these two scopes from Leupold ...

A fixed FX-3 6X42mm scope that weighs 13.6oz and is 13.2" long:

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/fixed-power-riflescopes/fx-3-6x42mm/

and a variable VX-3 3.5-10x40mm that weighs 12.6oz and is 12.6" long:

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/vx-3-riflescopes/vx-3-3-5-10x40mm/

The FX-3 is $125 cheaper but heavier and longer when comparing it to a VX-3 with the same reticle.

jmr40 said:

If a variable is going to break it will be on something 300 magnum or larger. On typical non-magnums I doubt it matters.

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I've never broken a variable power scope and yet I've shot thousands of rounds through magnum rifles with variables mounted. Those rifles in include .300 Win Mag, 300 WSM, .338 LM and .375 H&H Mag. Then again, I don't buy crappy scopes. I stick with Premier, Nightforce, Zeiss, Leupold and more recently Vortex.

I've killed a lot of

white tails and hogs in the 60 years that I have been meat hunting. I usually use a Rem 700 BDL in .30-06 which came with a 4 power Weaver scope, bought in 1971 ( $169 out the door with a box of Browning ammo and a sheepskin carrying sleeve.) I don't remember shooting anything over 200 yards distance. Though I have many rifles of many calibers with various power scope at various prices to this day, I doubt that I really need anything over or less than a 4 power. Others may differ.

I think the Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36 is the most versatile scope made for under $1,000.00 and can be had for $400.00.

I have a couple Nikons, A Bushnell, Swarovski, a couple Zeiss and a dozen or more Leupolds of different flavors. Never will buy anything else but Zeiss or Leupold. Pay a little more and get Quality you won't regret it.

Shooting both eyes open and being of some skill/exp.......a 4X can work on close/fast critters.

But a 1 or 2X makes it way more easy.

Fixed power or variable.............it's still glass in an aluminum tube. What might wipe out a variable could also smoke a fixed power.

I say buy something of decent quality and not worry about the supposed difference.

You will get a lot more 3-9x40 scope for your $ because of marketing . They make them the priceleader flagship of any of their lines .

MCMXI said:

Compare these two scopes from Leupold ...

A fixed FX-3 6X42mm scope that weighs 13.6oz and is 13.2" long:

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/fixed-power-riflescopes/fx-3-6x42mm/

and a variable VX-3 3.5-10x40mm that weighs 12.6oz and is 12.6" long:

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/vx-3-riflescopes/vx-3-3-5-10x40mm/

The FX-3 is $125 cheaper but heavier and longer when comparing it to a VX-3 with the same reticle.

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The VX-3 also allows you to do ranging, using magnification to put the deer's body between the crosshairs and the upper duplex, then read it off the scale on the eyepiece. You can also get the VX-3 with the CDS turret and new WindFlex reticle.

The VX-3 is really the sweet spot in Leupold's lineup.