Please help me choose a scope...variable vs. nonvariable...

[SilentStalker]

Ok, guys/gals I am looking for a new scope to go on my Sako TRG. The problem is whether or not to go variable or nonvariable. Most scopes these days are variable scopes but there are many that argue a fixed is better. I have no idea and honestly do not have enough experience between the two to be able to say one way or the other. I can say that I think the option of having the variable magnification is a nice perk. So, I am leaning towards something like that.

Currently, I am looking at a Nightforce NXS 3.5-15X56 or a 5.5-22X56 but I am not sure which would be better. I like the idea of the wider FOV with one over the other but being able to have that extra power to reach out is nice as well. However, I am thinking that the 5.5-22X56 might be a little overkill. What are your thoughts on this? I mean seriously I doubt I will shoot to distances of 1500-2000 yards very often. It would be nice to try but I do not even think I have anywhere around here where I could even practice shots at that distance so in my mind that is probably not very practical is it? What are your thoughts on this? I am also open to other suggestions as both of these scopes are pretty expensive and even though this is a nice rifle I really did not want to break the bank buying a decent scope for it either even though it deserves a nice piece of glass. Anyways any help one can give would be most appreciated.

 

[G27RR]

If it's purely for target shooting, I would go with the 5.5-22. If you will be doing any hunting, the wider FOV of the 3.5-15 is nice and you would still have a good top end.

Nightforce has very good glass, so I would go variable for the versatility. If you were on a tighter budget, you could possibly get better glass in a fixed than a variable at a given price point. Fixed could potentially be more durable in the field, but again, Nightforce is very good quality and I wouldn't worry about that either.

 

[Robert]

Zak Smith has an outstanding website:
http://demigodllc.com/
There is tons of great scope information on there.

 

[SilentStalker]

Thanks...

Thanks for the help guys. I will give that site a quick look over and see what I find. If I remember correctly Zak Smith was like the TRG go to guy as far as info was concerned...

 

[taliv]

the only thing "better" about fixed mag, is that it's cheaper to manufacture, and theoretically stronger since it has fewer moving parts. You can buy reliability in a variable though, for high-recoil guns, via USO, S&B or NF. Heck, most of the decent mid-range scopes handle high recoil as well too. but that's not terribly relevant.

i'd definitely get a variable

 

[Zak Smith]

Only other thing I'll add is that most people get too much magnification on the top end.

 

[Sav .250]

The correct variable gives the shooter many more advantages. J s/n.

 

[jpwilly]

Variable for sure. I've not had any of my variable scopes fail from recoil what I think is much more important is the quality of the glass first then the features of the scope for the intended purpose.

Most people really only need 3x9x40mm scope with really good glass. I'm guilty of wanting more but not really needing it.

For Tactical shooters I think Zak has covered the scope topic very well here: http://demigodllc.com/articles/optics-for-long-range-rifle-shooting-2009-update/

 

[BrocLuno]

If shooting long range on hot days, you will be stymied by mirage, color fringing and all sorts of gremlins. Most modern scopes in the 3x9 or 4x12 range work fine for hunting and target work out to 500m. Beyond that, you are asking for the last 1% in performance.

I used to be a surveyor and I looked through a LOT of high end optics. Zeiss, Wilde, Nikon, etc. When you are looking at a mile, things get fuzzy and lost in the background really quick. Being able to maintain sharp focus and keep the colors from smearing into one another is where the big dollar scopes shine - in surveying and in shooting. To do this well will just not be cheap - period.

My first choice in glass and coatings would be Zeiss. Second would be top of the line Nikon. But, for that kind of money, I'd be at someplace like Cabella's and I'd be lookin through a lot of scopes across a parking lot (mirage) and off into the brush to a known target with mixed browns, blacks and dark reds. Your eyes will tell you which will do the job. Everyone sees colors slightly differently. You need what works for you.

 

[WNTFW]

One down side to fixed power is when you dry fire - you need to have a long enough place. It is easier with a variable if you have to dry fire in a short area.

 

[joed]

I've owned more fixed power scopes then variable and depending on use prefer a fixed power. I do have low power 3x9 variables on deer hunting rifles but that's about it.

I do a lot of ground hog hunting. For this sport most of my rifles carry fixed 24x scopes. Few years ago I purchased a Leupold VXII 6x18 and it has worked well for ground hog and coyote hunting but I prefer the x24.

 

[Win73]

I have a 3x9-40 Nikon Buckmasters on my .30-06. I have killed seven deer with it over the last four years. The range has varied from 25 to 125 yards. I zero it set on 6 power. The power I set it on to hunt varies with the terrain I am hunting in. Two years ago in one of the places I hunted I kept it on 3 power because due to thick brush, the longest shot I was going to get was about 50 yards. Where I hunt this year I have two shooting houses set up. Out of one I might have a 185 yard shot. Out of the other it could be up to a 215 yard shot. In both of these I set it 6 power. If necessary for the longest shots I can crank up the power.

Another thing I like about the variable is that for very early morning or very late afternoon, I can crank back to 3 power and extend my shooting time by being able to see in lower light.