Fixed Vs Variable power scope?

[classcpl]

Hello all, first post.

I am looking for a new scope for my Savage 12FVSS in .308 and have narrowed it down to three choices. The Nikon Monarch UCC fixed power 6x42($226), Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40 ($250.86), or the Super Sniper SS10x42 ($299). This rifle is primarily a range queen, but may see the occasional hunting scenario. (my 270WSM and .444 marlin handle most of my other hunting chores.) My longest shots at this point will not exceed 300 yds (the limit at my local rifle range) At this distance, I find 6-8x all the magnification I need. Also, due to the fact that all of my variable power scopes shift point of impact at different magnifications, I usually just zero them at 6x anyway. As I see it, the main benefit of the high range variable will be for evaluating my shots at longer distance. Anyway, I am a recent convert from the dirt-cheap-scope crowd and am looking for advice from those who know.

Forgot to mention, the Buckmaster 4.5-14 and the SS10x42 both have adjustable parallax, the Monarch UCC does not.

This rifle is currently weraing a loaner Simmons whitetail expedition 6.5-20X50mm and will still shoot sub MOA, but its time to do my handloads some justice.

Your input is appreciated.

 

[dagger dog]

As you get onto longer ranges the variables are the ticket and the parallax adjustable will be needed.

The Nikon lines are getting some rave reviews, I've shot the Super Snipers and am not impressed. Don't over look the Burris line yes they are assembled in the Phillipiens but give them a look see.

Since you aren't put off with the thought of a fixed power scope you can find some mighty nice deals on Leupold fixed powers and if you don't mind used you can even get into the higher end of that line.

The Hunter Benchrest crowd that shoot 30 cals at the ranges you state are confined to 6X and do a great job of shooting some very small groups with the .308 Win.

So a quality fixed power glass would be a great way to go.

 

[ranger335v]

Variables are prone to a wandering zero as the power is changed. Better variables change less but they all do it, all brands, all price levels. Get a fixed if you seek top accuracy.

 

[rcmodel]

That was true 30 years ago.

IMO: Not true now.

rcmodel

 

[Jim Watson]

Fixed power will usually cost less, if you can find one at a power you want.

The emphasis has always been on more and more "zoom" for all-in-one scopes. They started out with a 3:1 ratio and have developed it to the point you can get a 3-9X blister packed at cheapmart. The latest and greatest is the Bushnell 6500 with a 6.5:1 ratio; a 2.5-16X in one model. Ought to sell well to the "all purpose rifle" guys.

I propose a dedicated target variable scope with a 2:1 or even 1.5:1 power ratio. I might run my 8.5-25X F-class scope between, say, 18 and 24X depending on mirage, but that rig will never see the bottom 2/3 of its power range. I bet they could narrow the power range to what a target shooter really uses and gain something in other areas like eye relief and range of elevation adjustment. But would it pay them? They probably have their design programs set up for hunting scopes and it is easier and cheaper just to use the same lens choices.

 

[cliffy]

Hunting Scope?

Variable Power of 4.5-14 is designed for hunting under various conditions. Fixed Power scopes are generally single-purposed for a given task. I happen to have a 4.5-14x40mm Nikon Buckmaster. If ever a more versatile, high-quality optic, at a reasonable-price, becomes available for hunting, please enlighten me. cliffy

 

[alsaqr]

Recently up graded the scopes on several of my guns. Bought 2 Leupold FXIII 6X42 scopes and a FXII 4X33 scope. Both these are super good scopes in low light and elsewhere. The 4X33 scope is on an AR15 that is my night time hog hunting gun.

The fixed power Zeiss scopes are also excellent in every way: Have one of these in 6X. Some say they are better that Leupold but i cannot see any difference.

Weaver makes some excellent high magnification fixed power scopes for target and varmint shooting.

 

[classcpl]

Monarch Vs Buckmaster

Thanks for the input....you all are making my choice harder.

Cliffy, have you had a chance to compare the optical quality of the Monarchs vs the Buckmasters? Some folks I know have been telling me that parallax adjustment is not really an issue at 300yds and under, but Im still thinking the side focus on the buckmasters scope may come in handy.

 

[classcpl]

Well I decided on the Nikon Buckmaster 4-12x50 Side Focus. I figured that one should cover me on all angles. Ill be posting a review after the first range trip. thanks for your help everyone!

 

[twofifty]

parallax adj. not side focus

You've made a good choice.

You may or may not know (my apologies if you do but some new shooters may not) that the "focus" feature on a scope is not intended so much to focus the image, but to eliminate angular error introduced when our eye is not perfectly centered through the eyepiece. This angular error is removed with the parallax adjustment.

Parallax error is removed when the scope is adjusted so that the crosshairs do not appear to move relative to the target as you move your eye up/down and side to side at the eyepiece. When parallax error is present, the crosshairs appear to shift slightly on the target. So then, the point of impact will not be where you see the reticle.

Parallax error that is not adjusted out will cause the point of impact to shift, according to how off-center your eye is relative to the eyepiece. In some hunting situations where things happen fast and our cheek weld is not textbook perfect due to terrain, obstacles, etc. our eye can easily be off-center relative to the eyepiece. This may or may not really matter depending on the animal's range.

When you adjust the scope to fully remove parallax error, it does not necessarily focus the image to its full crispness potential. Close, but not necessarily perfect. But you do get crosshairs that correspond to point of impact for the distance at which you adjusted the parallax. Change this yardage, and you have to re-adjust parallax.

At 200 or 300 yds, in some target shooting games, the difference really matters. For big game hunting out to say 300yds, I'd adjust for a crisp image and to heck with a perfect parallax correction. For long range Prairie Dogs, I'd dial out parallax error and to heck with a perfectly crisp image.

 

[jpwilly]

I'm pretty sure that the eyepiece is used to adjust focus and the "side focus" is for Parallax.

 

[classcpl]

Range results Nikon Buckmaster 4-12x50 SF

Whew, took awhile for me to get back to this one.

Well, the scope arrived as advertised from Bruno Shooter supply. I was pleased to note that the turrets are target style with marked gradations, but still low-profile with screw on caps.

The picture was plenty clear and sharp. The eye relief remained relatively constant throughout the full magnification range, and still remained bright and crisp at 300 yds on a cloudy overcast day.

The scope tracked perfectly, and completed a box drill with no problem. The turrets are finger adjustable and the 1/4 inch clicks are not very loud, but very easily felt. IMO, this is a good thing for a scope that will see some hunting use.

Point of impact does shift somewhat from a 4x zero when cranked up to 12x, but not enough to be off target at 200 yds. I have not yet tried it out to 300.

Interestingly enough, my first time at the range with this scope there was a guy shooting a Super Sniper ss10X42. This was the first time I had seen one of these scopes in person, and he was kind enough to let me check out the picture quality. It was on par with the buckmaster, but my scope seemed to be much less critical of cheek weld and eye relief on acquiring a good sight picture. All in all, a pretty darn good scope and well worth it!

 

[lipadj46]

He may not have had is parallax properly adjusted but yeah the buckmaster and SS probably have similar quality glass. Congrats on your new scope.

I'm pretty sure that the eyepiece is used to adjust focus and the "side focus" is for Parallax.

Rear Focus and side focus are both for adjusting Parallax. They serve the same purpose but the side focus are just more convenient for target shooters who fiddle with the adjustment a lot. I don't think may hunters adjust their focus before taking a shot as it is usually dialed to 100 yards anyways and is good enough for most shots. The side focus like target knobs are always nice to have though if you can afford the upgrade even if you don't use them now they may come in handy.

 

[jpwilly]

Rear Focus and side focus are both for adjusting Parallax. They serve the same purpose but the side focus are just more convenient for target shooters who fiddle with the adjustment a lot. I don't think may hunters adjust their focus before taking a shot as it is usually dialed to 100 yards anyways and is good enough for most shots.

No no, focus and parallax are 2 completely different things. The ocular focus is for those of us with less than perfect eye sight. It's usually set up for 20/20 out of the box. Setting ocular focus results in a sharper reticle, improved image, and helps avoids eye fatigue. AO (Adjustable Objective) or SF (Side Focus Parallax Adjustment) Parallax is used on variable power scopes only (usually higher power than say 12) to correct Parallax error. In many cases the SF will make the image sharper but its primary purpose is to correct for Parallax error.

The Nikon Buckmaster Scopes have good glass for the money!