Favorite Fixed-Power Scopes
- Thread starter ArmedBear
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I have a 45 year old Leupold 4x on my Winchester 70, same vintage. I think they still make the same model and it is excellent. I have 3 of their rimfire special scopes in 4x and reccomend them highly. I cannot comment on current prices, but performance has always been fine. and would choose the same models again.
They used to make a fixed 3x and I wish I had a couple of those.
It seems as though the popularity of the variables has totally eclipsed that of the fixed powers, even in low power ranges.
They used to make a fixed 3x and I wish I had a couple of those.
It seems as though the popularity of the variables has totally eclipsed that of the fixed powers, even in low power ranges.
Deer Hunter
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I love all fixed power POSP scopes.
Cougfan2
Member
I used to love the old Weaver K4's and K6's before their quality control went to hell in the 70's. The old Redfields were great too.
MMCSRET
Member
I purchased a new Barska 6x 30MM from Midway just to see what it was. I think it is well worth the price. Went on a Savage M40 in 22 hornet. Seems to work well. I really wanted a Weaver steel tube K6-B, but after looking for a year I got the Barska. Still looking for a Weaver.
Don't Tread On Me
Member
I'm into fixed power scopes.
A good value would be the Nikon Buckmaster 4x40. Bright, clear and $169. Good scope for the money, probably the price/performance king.
Leupold has their FX-II. The nice thing about it is, it is lighter, has 33mm objective, great warranty, and has a few reticle options. Especially the wide duplex which I like because it doesn't clutter up the point of aim. Only problem is, it is $269. But it is pretty much the perfect 4x if you can spend the extra $100 over the Buckmaster. Also, it has a 150 yard parallax setting which to me is ideal.
Sightron offers a 4x32 that has a lot of eye relief and is fairly short and light. Under $200.
A good higher end choice would be the Zeiss Conquest 4x 32mm. This is going to be the best optically before you get into the very high dollar (over $600). Good company and service. 4 reticle choices. One advantage it has is an etched reticle. But it is expensive at $380.
IOR has a 4x that has Zeiss-like optical quality. However, given their reputation and price, you gain nothing over the Zeiss.
Weaver has a 4x with 38mm for $130. It's ok.
It's too bad that Nikon does not offer their 4x Prostaff with a 100 yard parallax setting. It would be by far the best bang for the buck of all time. That little $99 scope has nothing, and I mean nothing in common with any of the budget scopes in its price range. I find it to be optically better than the Burris FFII line. It is robust and well made with good optics for the money.
If I were on a budget, I'd get the Buckmaster. Good optics, good price. If I could spend a little more - I'd get the Leupold. Also has good optics, a reticle I like, the parallax I like, best warranty service, light weight so forth and so on. If I was going all out, I'd go with the Zeiss and look no further. There are other model Zeiss, Kahles and others that cost double ...but in a 4x, the Conquest is going to be very good and suit practically any need.
A good value would be the Nikon Buckmaster 4x40. Bright, clear and $169. Good scope for the money, probably the price/performance king.
Leupold has their FX-II. The nice thing about it is, it is lighter, has 33mm objective, great warranty, and has a few reticle options. Especially the wide duplex which I like because it doesn't clutter up the point of aim. Only problem is, it is $269. But it is pretty much the perfect 4x if you can spend the extra $100 over the Buckmaster. Also, it has a 150 yard parallax setting which to me is ideal.
Sightron offers a 4x32 that has a lot of eye relief and is fairly short and light. Under $200.
A good higher end choice would be the Zeiss Conquest 4x 32mm. This is going to be the best optically before you get into the very high dollar (over $600). Good company and service. 4 reticle choices. One advantage it has is an etched reticle. But it is expensive at $380.
IOR has a 4x that has Zeiss-like optical quality. However, given their reputation and price, you gain nothing over the Zeiss.
Weaver has a 4x with 38mm for $130. It's ok.
It's too bad that Nikon does not offer their 4x Prostaff with a 100 yard parallax setting. It would be by far the best bang for the buck of all time. That little $99 scope has nothing, and I mean nothing in common with any of the budget scopes in its price range. I find it to be optically better than the Burris FFII line. It is robust and well made with good optics for the money.
If I were on a budget, I'd get the Buckmaster. Good optics, good price. If I could spend a little more - I'd get the Leupold. Also has good optics, a reticle I like, the parallax I like, best warranty service, light weight so forth and so on. If I was going all out, I'd go with the Zeiss and look no further. There are other model Zeiss, Kahles and others that cost double ...but in a 4x, the Conquest is going to be very good and suit practically any need.
I've been thinking about a Prostaff for a .22. My Fullfield II has pretty nice optics; if that thing's better, I've got to go get one like, now.
WRT the Buckmaster vs. the Leupold, I don't mind the hundred bucks so much as I mind the extra size and weight of the Nikon, for the project I have in mind. The Leupold 4X, which is what I've been thinking about, still sounds like the best choice so far... I think I'd get less enjoyment out of the Zeiss, since I'd be too afraid to drop it or something.
My official-size-and-weight blue and checkered walnut hunting rifle is too long and heavy for where I've taken it. It's pretty, it's accurate, it's a great offhand shooter, but it's tough to lug around through heavy brush. Gets hung up on everything. So I'd like to put together something lower-profile and more ding- and rust-resistant, and shave a few inches and 2 lbs. off what I carry now. A smaller, lighter scope mounted low sounds pretty good.
I can wait and save up the money to do it right; I've got a rifle and a scope I like. The only reason to get this one is if it ends up significantly lighter, smaller and quicker.
Thanks all, and any more feedback or suggestions are welcome.
WRT the Buckmaster vs. the Leupold, I don't mind the hundred bucks so much as I mind the extra size and weight of the Nikon, for the project I have in mind. The Leupold 4X, which is what I've been thinking about, still sounds like the best choice so far... I think I'd get less enjoyment out of the Zeiss, since I'd be too afraid to drop it or something.
My official-size-and-weight blue and checkered walnut hunting rifle is too long and heavy for where I've taken it. It's pretty, it's accurate, it's a great offhand shooter, but it's tough to lug around through heavy brush. Gets hung up on everything. So I'd like to put together something lower-profile and more ding- and rust-resistant, and shave a few inches and 2 lbs. off what I carry now. A smaller, lighter scope mounted low sounds pretty good.
I can wait and save up the money to do it right; I've got a rifle and a scope I like. The only reason to get this one is if it ends up significantly lighter, smaller and quicker.
Thanks all, and any more feedback or suggestions are welcome.
Shawnee
member
I started out years ago with a Weaver K6 but got caught up in the "variable" line of thinking and switched to Redfield Widefield 2x7s for a long time. Of course my Redfields were all set on 5x 99% of the time so when I buy my next scope it's going to be a fixed power, and for the same reasons you're talking about Armed Bear. Am thinking to buy a Remngton Model 7. Both the ProStaff and the Buckmaster look pretty good but you can bet I'm paying attention to this thread - keep the info coming, Dudes !
If I can get my hands on the resurrected Featherweight, I might get one of those. That's a nice, light, trim hunting rifle. Damn near perfect. Still, for the intended purpose, I'm thinking plastic and stainless. Savage's guns are 6.5 lbs., i.e. lighter than a Model 7 CDL, with 2" more barrel.
I like the way the Model 7 feels, but Remington has priced me out of being interested in it. I would spend the 800 bucks, but not that way. Furthermore, I'd have to factor in the price of an aftermarket bolt-locking safety, which I'd add before even firing the gun. Dragging a rifle through heavy brush with a bolt that pops open is a great way to miss out on a rare opportunity for a shot.
But I digress...
I like the way the Model 7 feels, but Remington has priced me out of being interested in it. I would spend the 800 bucks, but not that way. Furthermore, I'd have to factor in the price of an aftermarket bolt-locking safety, which I'd add before even firing the gun. Dragging a rifle through heavy brush with a bolt that pops open is a great way to miss out on a rare opportunity for a shot.
But I digress...
Don't Tread On Me
Member
Leupold has 24' fov at 100 yards. Weighs 9.3oz. 4" of eye relief.
Nikon Buckmaster has 26.5' fov at 100 yards. 3.6" of eye relief. But it weighs 14.8oz.
The Leupold glass is nice. They do get bashed a lot for not having as good of glass dollar for dollar, but the multi-coat 4 lenses they have are pretty good. Buckmaster is also good. The Buckmaster will be brighter due to the larger objective. But both are going to be clear. Either way, they have plenty of exit-pupil due to being 4x.
The Nikon has good eye relief compared to most scopes, but the Leupold has generous eye relief which makes shouldering and getting a sight picture faster and easier and is also better on hard-recoiling rifles. Leupold will be noticeably lighter as it is closer to 1/2lb while the Nikon is closer to 1lb.
Going on internet and gun-world testimony, Leupold's customer service is going to be better than Nikon's. Some people say Nikon's is horrible, but others have had good results. On the other hand, I've never heard a single bad thing about Leupold's service. That's probably why they always charge more for the same vs. other scope brands. They build in service/replacement into the scopes price. It is also made in America. The Nikon is a Japanese brand and will either be made in Japan or most likely the Philippines.
Due to the smaller objective, the Leupold will mount lower overall. Which may solve cheek-weld issues depending on your stock & mounts.
I've never seen the Buckmaster 4x offered in gloss (if that matters). The Leupold comes in matte and gloss.
Nikon Buckmaster has 26.5' fov at 100 yards. 3.6" of eye relief. But it weighs 14.8oz.
The Leupold glass is nice. They do get bashed a lot for not having as good of glass dollar for dollar, but the multi-coat 4 lenses they have are pretty good. Buckmaster is also good. The Buckmaster will be brighter due to the larger objective. But both are going to be clear. Either way, they have plenty of exit-pupil due to being 4x.
The Nikon has good eye relief compared to most scopes, but the Leupold has generous eye relief which makes shouldering and getting a sight picture faster and easier and is also better on hard-recoiling rifles. Leupold will be noticeably lighter as it is closer to 1/2lb while the Nikon is closer to 1lb.
Going on internet and gun-world testimony, Leupold's customer service is going to be better than Nikon's. Some people say Nikon's is horrible, but others have had good results. On the other hand, I've never heard a single bad thing about Leupold's service. That's probably why they always charge more for the same vs. other scope brands. They build in service/replacement into the scopes price. It is also made in America. The Nikon is a Japanese brand and will either be made in Japan or most likely the Philippines.
Due to the smaller objective, the Leupold will mount lower overall. Which may solve cheek-weld issues depending on your stock & mounts.
I've never seen the Buckmaster 4x offered in gloss (if that matters). The Leupold comes in matte and gloss.
daniel (australia)
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- Dec 25, 2002
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- 338
I have a Weaver K6 which I bought in about 1979. When I first got it I thought it was a great scope, and I've never had any problems with it, but the optical quality has been left behind by more modern scopes IMHO. In fact the Weaver is sitting on the shelf at the moment, surplus to requirements.
I also have a little Leupold M8 4x which is compact and rugged, and currently doing duty on a double rifle, but for clarity, resolution and brightness I'd give it (by some margin) to the Meopta Artemis 4x32 I have on my Brno Model 1 .22. It isn't as compact or as light as the Leupold, but all over it for performance.
Other than these everything else I have has either irons, a peep sight or a variable. Each has their advantages.
I also have a little Leupold M8 4x which is compact and rugged, and currently doing duty on a double rifle, but for clarity, resolution and brightness I'd give it (by some margin) to the Meopta Artemis 4x32 I have on my Brno Model 1 .22. It isn't as compact or as light as the Leupold, but all over it for performance.
Other than these everything else I have has either irons, a peep sight or a variable. Each has their advantages.
Bear Basin has these ---> http://www.bearbasin.com/catalog2.htm#nikon_scopes Scroll down a little to see them listed.
This is one of the last great deals on a fixed 6x hunting scope. Its the older style Nikon Monarch 6x-42mm. They are tough, bright and an excellent buy at less than $250. I have two of these. One is mounted on top of my 'go to' .308Win 700 and the other is a spare waiting on a rifle.
I really like the old Redfield 2.75x scopes and the good steel Weaver fixed 4x and 6x scopes also.
M'bogo
This is one of the last great deals on a fixed 6x hunting scope. Its the older style Nikon Monarch 6x-42mm. They are tough, bright and an excellent buy at less than $250. I have two of these. One is mounted on top of my 'go to' .308Win 700 and the other is a spare waiting on a rifle.
I really like the old Redfield 2.75x scopes and the good steel Weaver fixed 4x and 6x scopes also.
M'bogo
rangerruck
Member
weaver; been doing it the best for many years now, unless you can find a Leupold , which can be tough. The weavers have been making fixed power scopes , rangeing from 2.5x , all the way up to 36x. Even if you can get a 40 yr old, El Paso made job, they are still fantastic.
rangerruck
Member
finding the old weavers in 4x is easy, I got a bunch of them; finding them in 6 or 8 x is a toughy! And when you do, they are usually priced to match.
The lack of fixed power scopes is frustrating.
I am a particular fan of the Leupold 6x42. I just wish they built a version with M2 or M3 target knobs. Zeiss and Kahles make outstanding fixed power scopes. All too often fixed power is the same as 'cheap'.
There are a number of high end high power fixed power scopes for match and tactical shooting. It depends on you requirements. I'll never give up my fixed 10x USO ST-10.
I am a particular fan of the Leupold 6x42. I just wish they built a version with M2 or M3 target knobs. Zeiss and Kahles make outstanding fixed power scopes. All too often fixed power is the same as 'cheap'.
There are a number of high end high power fixed power scopes for match and tactical shooting. It depends on you requirements. I'll never give up my fixed 10x USO ST-10.
Vern Humphrey
Member
I like fixed powers, but like eveyone else, I have a hard time finding them. I have an old Weaver K2.5 on my Ruger M77 in .30-06, a Weaver 6X on my M82 Kimber in .22 Hornet, a Burris 4X mini on my M82 Kimber in .22 LR, and a Leupold 4X on Bigfoot Wallace, my custom '03 Springfield in .35 Brown-Whelen.
Bwana John
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Ive got 2 Leupold M8 4X scopes, one on a 7mm Mauser M700 Mnt rifle, and the other on a .375 H&H M70.
Vern Humphrey
Member
I wish I had a bushel basket full of Leupold M8 4X scopes!
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