Need help choosing scope, fixed or variable?

[Radjxf]

I'm looking for a scope for my M1A. It will be used for hunting, plinking, etc. Probably from 50-200 yds max. I've narrowed it down to 3: Nikon Monarch 6x42, Luepold FX-II 6x36, and Burris Fullfield II 3-9x49 Ballistic Plex. I already have the Burris on another gun, great scope.
Ques is, for my purposes, is there any advantage to a fixed power scope over a variable? Are they relatively the same if you kept the variable on 6 power? So far I see the fixed scopes as slightly smaller, less parts, and maybe larger FOV? Thanks for any input/experiences.

 

[Harold Mayo]

For the gun and the ranges, I'd go with the Burris like you've already done on another rifle. Great scope.

I like variables and fixed-power scopes but it's all a matter of preference. I've been going with variables more over the last few years simply because I like the FOV at lower magnification for scouting around. When shooting, I'm always dialed in to the highest magnification, anyway.

I know that's not a real answer, but that's my point of view. The ONLY thing "wrong" with a fixed-power scope is limited FOV. If you're using a relatively low-magnification fixed-power scope then there shouldn't be a significant difference.

 

[rbernie]

A fixed 6x scope is far too much magnification for close ranges, in my opinion. I'd recommend a 2x or 4x fixed or a 2-7 variable. Unless you intend to hunt and need dusk/dawn low light performance, I'd also suggest forgoing the 40+mm diameter objective lenses and getting a more compact 28mm-33mm. Leupold makes a number of 2x7s, as does a number of other good scope makers.

 

[LAK]

+1

Lower fixed power offers; less to go wrong, less weight, less bulk, and unless you go with something like a 2-7x variable, more field of view. Limited field of view can make target aquisition slow.

If I were you, I would scour the evilBay for a used fixed 2X, 3X or 4X Burris or Leupold. Seen them go for $100-$150 or so. Lifetime warranty on both so if they fail during normal use Burris or Leupold will repair or replace. Free of charge.

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[AStone]

I asked a similar question about fixed v. variable power scopes a while back when trying to make a decision about how to scope my CZ 452 (.22LR) for hunting small game.

I thought I wanted a fixed power.

I was fairly quickly dis abused of that notion.

Bought a top end Swift 3X-9X for it, like the last one I had as a kid. Set it and forget it. If you need to change the power to reach out and touch that game at 90 m, then you've got the power to do so. Otherwise, set it and forget it.

Still only $130 - which is probably cheaper than fixed power scopes because most want variable power, thus more are made - but very nice for my needs.

AND, it's a 40mm. On my little rifle, it leaves precious little room for working the bolt, but then I've got small hands, so it's ok.

Of course, those tree rats tend to be most active around dusk, so the extra light gathering capability is worth the extra size.

YMMV, but for me, it seems the right one.

Nem

 

[Radjxf]

Thanks guys. I was at first leaning toward a fixed power scope, but you can get a 3-9, etc for about the same money. It's going on an M1A, so it needs to be pretty rugged. Right now I'm leaning towards a Nikon Monarch 3-9x40 or maybe a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40. I've actually heard the Monarchs have better optics. Keep the opinions coming....

 

[AStone]

It's going on an M1A, so it needs to be pretty rugged. Right now I'm leaning towards a Nikon Monarch 3-9x40 or maybe a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40. I've actually heard the Monarchs have better optics. Keep the opinions coming....

Radjxf, good call on the rugged. I put a swift on my 452, but when I get my deer rifle in .308, I'll be putting something a little heftier on it.

I've been eying those Leopold's (including lusting for a VX-III), but that's the first I've heard of Nikons. Thanks MUCH for that heads up. I'm already familiar with Nikon from photography and microscopy (even though I don't own one of their products in either of those categories, I've used both), so it's exciting (and not at all surprising) to see they're into scopes, also.

I'll be googling "Nikon Monarch" later tonight when I've got time to read. If you run across any sites of interest about them (or the Leopolds for that matter), please post them up.

And keep us posted about your decision, even though I'm betting your going to get a lot more opinions here.

Nem
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<Edited shortly thereafter>

I'll be googling "Nikon Monarch" later tonight when I've got time to read.

Oh, I'm so bad. Couldn't resist one little peak.

http://www.scopesnmore.com/riflescopes4less/nikon_monarch_rifle_scopes.htm

My, my, those look interesting...