fixed power scopes... you opinions please.

[t george]

Ok over the past few times I have been looking to buy a scope I for some reason have felt the need to find variable scopes either 3-9x40 or 4.5-14x50 or ect for my hunting rifles... it hit me today that like 90% of the time I keep my rifle on 6x when hunting.

right now I have a 338 win mag that is in need of a scope and I am really considering just a fixed 6 and learning to use it well... for some reason the simplicity of the fixed power appeals to me... this rifle will be used for elk and alaska if I ever get that chance.

Can I get some opinions from some people that use fixed power scopes? do you find your self wishin for more magnification?

I have not had any problems with my variable scopes... Maybe I should just go with a 3-9x40? or maybe the the nikon monarch 2-8x32 with the bdc and just keep it at the top power of 8 all the time... I donno what do you think

any suggestions are welcome.

 

[skiking]

If I were to go for a fixed power scope it would be a 4x. I usually set my 3-9x on 3x or 4x. If I had a 6x fixed for a hunting rifle, I would find myself wanting less magnification far more often than I would be wanting more. I say better to have a 4x scope on a 300 yd shot than a 6x on a 40 yd shot.

 

[dakotasin]

when i hunt w/ a variable i typically have it set to 6x. this took me down the same path you are headed down, and resulted in me getting fixed-4 and fixed-6 scopes. ultimately i no longer use the fixed-4's, but still use and like the fixed-6's for hunting.

my 338 was wearing a fixed-6 for my last 2 elk hunts.

i've never wished i had the ability to change the magnification either up or down on my fixed-6's when i've been out hunting. i like the simplicity, ruggedness, and light weight of the fixed-power scopes. that said, my most common scope is a 4.5-14x.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I prefer a fixed power scope in general. If I have a variable such as a 3-9 I leave it on 5x and never move it. If it is a 2-7 I leave it on 4x and never move it.

I have found variable power scopes to really not have as much real world versatility as they have on paper.

 

[chas08]

I prefer a variable. As to the power setting the scope is on, that depends on the way I'm hunting at the moment. Typically when stand hunting open country I'll have it on the highest setting. When walking or still hunting I'll have it adjusted lower. It's the best of both worlds now that trackout has been virtually eliminated from todays quality variables. There is nothing wrong with fixed power scopes. The Leupold M8 is living proof, however it is more expensive than the Vari-X II 3 X 9 X 40 probably as a result of supply and demand. The asumption that less moving parts equals better reliability certainly holds merit, but in the hands of an average hunter is it really an issue? It all boils down to preference. I prefer variables on everything but my shotgun. It has a fixed 2x that works just fine. As for your choice of a fixed 6X for a gun that will mostly be used at a 100 yds or more, it's a good choice.

 

[Art Eatman]

The empirical evidence of practical experience proved to me that a 3x9 set on 3X was entirely adequate to hit Bambi exactly where I wanted--at 350 yards.

It's understandable that using 9X or suchlike will help in that final judgement to determine if that trophy is indeed THAT TROPHY! or not, but there's a reason God invented binoculars.

As far as killing a deer or an elk? Any old decent 4X will take care of "need". It's just personal opinion for me to prefer a 4X over a 6X; I just prefer the wider field of view for some animal at closer range. No big deal.

 

[schlockinz]

I like a variable, I leave mine on the lowest setting, then change it to suit my needs. I wouldn't get anything higher than a 4.5 for hunting (on the minimum side). The higher mags really shine when I want to bust small pig at a longer range, coyotes, cats, or other small objects. If I were just deer hunting, I'd probably get a fixed 4 and call it good, but I shoot other critters as well.

 

[Asherdan]

I like the fixed power scopes, right now I'm running a Weaver 2.5x20mm on a Marlin 1894 and I see it as the perfect 200 yard and in setup. I also use a 4x32mm that has been on a few rifles and find it plenty for my ~300 and closer spot & stalk style of hunting.

It's nice at the range to have the ability to dial up the magnification and work out a rifle on paper, but hunting I prefer to go fixed power and to have shot it enough to know it.

As far as 4x vs. 6x, I'll agree with Art, it's just preference and style of hunting for me. If it'll fit what the OP wants to do I can recommend it.

 

[Fremmer]

It's just personal opinion for me to prefer a 4X over a 6X; I just prefer the wider field of view for some animal at closer range. No big deal.

But is there really a practical difference, Art? I know there's a difference on paper (before anyone posts figures from a scope maker, lol), but when hunting in the brush, I don't find much difference in FOV between 4x, 5x, or 6x. I have a variable, and I usually leave it at 5x or 6x in the stand or in the brush.

So I'd go with the 6x, for the extra magnification for long shots and when sighting in the rifle. But it is truly just a matter of personal preference.

Edited to add: And if you are short on funds, go with the fixed scope in better quality glass (as compared to a variable in lesser quality glass). The fixed scopes are usually less expensive, which means you get better glass for the money.

 

[sam700]

I'm strongly in favor of a variable scope with a 3-9 probably being my favorite. I generally leave my scope set at the lowest setting possible. Sure there might be a slightly greater failure rate in a variable scope but the chances of this in a modern scope are extremely small. 30 years ago this might not have been the case, but I think the chances of a scope failing are much smaller than the chances of the extra flexibility helping you.

Leaving a 3-9 set on 3 or a 2-7 on 2X would give you a much faster shot in close cover then a fixed 6. On the other hand, if I had a fixed 3X or 2X, I would often be wanting more magnification for the longer shots.

 

[MCgunner]

For me, 3X in a fixed. I'd far rather take a shot at 400 yards with a 3x than try to get on a bounding buck at 25 yards with an 8x. Most of the shots that I have ever made have been inside 200 yards.

 

[Art Eatman]

Fremmer, you go to swinging on a running buck at maybe 40 or 50 yards, a tad more field of view is a Good Thing. I had a 2x7 set doofusly on 7, one time, and all I saw on a 25-yard buck was a horn, some brown, an ear and then brush. I got religion about checking my scope settings, after that.

In a stand, I'm generally less concerned than when I'm doing my walking and sneaky-snaking. If I'm watching a longish opening, and I figure that Ol' Bucky will just be ambling along, I might well crank it up some. Otherwise? Low power, wide field of view seems to work better for me.

 

[Fremmer]

Fremmer, you go to swinging on a running buck at maybe 40 or 50 yards, a tad more field of view is a Good Thing

LOL, now I see your point. But FOV won't matter if I try to shoot a running buck; I'll miss no matter what. I just don't have the skill to do it. But for you guys who are better shots, I can understand wanting more FOV on a running deer.

 

[amprecon]

I had a Redfield 3-9X40 that went tango-uniform on me. Now it was the only "quality" scoped I ever owned and I did drop it and the rifle on a mountain-side way back when in Wyoming. But ever since then I figured a fixed power scope would've probably faired better after a drop, maybe not. But being a mechanic for a living, usually the less parts sumpn' has the more reliable it is.
So my only scoped rifle now is my M1A with a Nikon Monarch 6X42 and so far I've been happy. I have yet to drop it on the scope yet though to see how it does.

 

[inherentical]

I use fixed 4x scopes for hunting. The Wisconsin northwoods isn't really a good place for long range shots, though.

 

[t george]

I have just about decided to go with a fixed 6 I think... if I dont like it I will change it up and trade scopes with another rifle that I have...fov is not really a big deal as the only moving target I might shoot at is a walking elk... if he is moving very fast I will pass on the shot unless he is very close... if the elk is in the next county he is safe as well as i like to limit my range unless I can get a very good rest and a very still target!

Thanks for all of yalls input. now what do yall think would be the best 6x to go with... I have not researched this much, but i have always been happy with my leupolds... but at the same time I hear alot of people who really like thier nikon monarks too...

 

[lopezni]

I would like a fixed 12x with AO for varminting arround here. Variable on everything else for me though.

 

[scythefwd]

My .308 is outfitted with a fixed 4x right now, and if it tracks well and holds zero I won't be replacing it. My muzzle loader has a 1.75-4x, and it will probably stay at 1.75 or 2x once I get it sighted in. I bought the adjustable only because of the price on it.

 

[dakotasin]

leupold 6x42 is an awesome scope. leupold 6x36 is a solid, lightweight scope. nikon 6x42 is another good one. as w/ most glass questions, the conversation has to start with how much you want to spend. there are tons of fixed-6 options out there.

 

[North61]

I have recently gone back down the fixed power route. I have had some durability issues with variables (including Leupolds) and far fewer with fixed. At present most of my fixed powers are the Old El Paso Weavers and Leupolds or Burris.

1.5 X Weaver with Post and Cross Hair.... 44 Ruger Carbine
2.5X Leupold 358 Norma Ruger. Feel confident to 300+ yards here
3X Weaver Wide Angle w Post and Cross Hair 284 Win Savage 99
3X Weaver Post and Cross Hair (Heavy) 350 Rem Mag Model 660
4X Burris Mini 6mm Rem Model 600
4X Burris Mini 22 Magnum CZ
4X Leupold Sako 358 Norma.
4X leupold Mini 6.5 Rem Mag Model 660
6X Redfield Wide Angle Weatherby 300
6X Burris Mini .223 Remington Browning Micro Medallion


As you can see I favour the 3 and 4X. 2.5 and 3X goes on rifles that will see more use in woods. 4X sees more use in plains rifles. I have taken game to 370 yards at 4X with no handicap. I see less and less need for a variable.

To me 6X even in Wide Angle mode is more of a long range specialist. It gets harder to use on shots at 25 yards or less which sometimes present themselves.

 

[interlock]

if i had loads of money i would equip all of my deer hunting rifles with schmit and bender 6 x 42 scopes. fixed power is fine.

 

[MCgunner]

LOL, now I see your point. But FOV won't matter if I try to shoot a running buck; I'll miss no matter what. I just don't have the skill to do it. But for you guys who are better shots, I can understand wanting more FOV on a running deer.

Well, I got a lot of practice when i was a kid on rabbits with a .22. I got rather good at it using iron sights so long as I had enough time before he hit cover again. A low power scope allows you to get on target a lot quicker, but you need that wide FOV to do it. Like Art, I like LOW power scopes and preferably variables with a low power option. 2x7 would work fantastic. I have a 1.5x4.5 I don't have on a gun at the moment, well, it's on a .22, not on a centerfire. It has a 23mm objective and is pretty useless in low light. If that scope had a 40mm objective, it'd be doing duty on something. My fav scope on my fav rifle at the moment, my .308, is a 2x10x40 Weaver. Like Art, I'm pretty vigilant about checking to make sure it's on 2 when I'm walking, still hunting. When I get to my stand, I'll usually move it up to 4 and move it back down to 2 for the walk out. I don't own any fixed power scopes at this time, prefer variables and the 2x10 is about good as it gets. I never set the thing over 4, though, cause i just don't hunt where I would ever care and, well, I can make a shot to my 400 yard self imposed limit on 4X no problem. 10x is nice at the range off the bench for getting those 3/4" groups at 100 yards, 'bout the only time I ever use it. I took out a coyote once at over 350 yards with it set on 2X. Never thought to move it up some. He was a target of opportunity on a hunting trip for deer.

 

[usmc1371]

I used a fixed 4x this year for the first time on my 375 and I really like it. I took a buck at less than 20 yards, a doe at 315 yards and a coyote on the trot at about 200. I grew up with variables, 2.5x10, 3x9 and 4x16 but I have always carried them on 4x. In 19 years of hunting big game I have never turned the power up to make a shot, never crosses my mind when something worth shooting is in fornt of me. I like the higher power for sighting in but even then I do most of my shooting on 4x.

 

[T.R.]

For many decades I was happy with my el-cheapo Weaver in 2.5X with post & crosshair reticule. But in 1988, I made the switch to compact 4X with long eye relief. Then my eyesight started going and I've been very happy with 2X - 7X scopes. Overall, I'm very pleased with 2X - 7X configuration. Most of the time I leave it set at 4X.

6X on a custom Ruger 77 in 25-06 has toppled stacks of mulies and 'lopes for my friend in the photo below. That's an older Redfield Widefield scope.

TR

 

[jmorris]

I hunt different things in different places I use scopes ranging from 1-4 all the way to 6-20, most of the time it’s with something in between. They are always placed on the lowest setting for acquisition and if I need/want I can adjust time willing.