What happened to fixed power scopes?

[Driftertank]

I've been looking into getting a scope for my PTR-91 lately. I considered the many tasks it will/may be asked to perform, as well as my own habits and training, and concluded that i wanted a rangefinding (mil-dot or similar) reticle, fixed power in the 4-6x range.
I then found that i use a ridiculously outdated method of determining range and compensating for bullet drop: mil and hold-over.
The shelves in stores in my area are stacked high with Second Focal Plane variables, and when a ranging reticle can be found, it's only accurate at max magnification. When I commented on this, the teenaged clerk's response was, "Why would you ever shoot something at less than max power?"
So after a frustrating search, I'm looking seriously at the IOR Valdada 6x42 Tactical with MP-8 reticle.
Anyone have experience with these scopes?
Can anyone suggest alternatives?

 

[Driftertank]

And why does it seem like nobody understands the virtue of a scope that you can look through, gauge range to a target of known size, adjust for bullet drop at range, and place said shot quickly, without fiddling with dials, making sure you're at the right magnification, or switching to an external rangefinding device?

Sorry. It's late and i'm in a ranting mood...

 

[Zak Smith]

I wouldn't expect to find many modern tactical scopes at local sporting goods stores.

 

[JohnBT]

"And why does it seem like nobody understands the virtue of a scope that you can look through, gauge range to a target of known size, adjust for bullet drop at range, and place said shot quickly, without fiddling with dials, making sure you're at the right magnification, or switching to an external rangefinding device?"

Doesn't understand or doesn't see the need for most uses? Because we learned to shoot rifles with iron sights at different distances and using an old-fashioned scope works about the same way?

John

 

[Haxby]

There's the SS 6X that SWFA sells.
A 4X or 6X Leupold can be ordered with a mildot reticle.

It seems that every year there are fewer fixed-power scopes available. Nikon, Weaver, Sightron, and Burris have all dropped some of their fixed models recently.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Plus, all things being equal, a fixed power will have higher-quality glass and coatings than a variable at the same price. The money isn't going to moving parts inside. I think a lot of shooters think they are limiting themselves with a fixed power.

Mark H.

 

[Zak Smith]

think a lot of shooters think they are limiting themselves with a fixed power.

All other things equal, a fixed power scope is more limited in application and utility.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

No argument from me. My comment was meant to illustrate that many of our customers will not even consider a fixed power scope. This likely leads to fewer fixed power scopes being offered, in answer to "It seems that every year there are fewer fixed-power scopes available." by Haxby.

In my unofficial anecdotal survey of customers, the overwhelming majority leave a variable scope at one specific magnification once they find the spot that works for them.

Mark H.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Leupold are on the only scopes I buy (I needed some way to keep me from going crazy with all of the options out there). For hunting rifles, I have a 2.5x scout scope on one rifle and a 4x on another rifle. It's all I need. If I ever get into long distance shooting, I'd likely go with a fixed 10x.

 

[eastbank]

i have 2x7 leupod scopes on meny of my deer rifles, but i find i use 3x on most of my deer kills. but most of my shooting is under 100yds. eastbank.

 

[Driftertank]

I originally was gonna go ACOG, but realised if I try to do any medium-long range shooting with any load other than GMM 168gr, I'd be better off making my own dope card with an old-fashioned mil-stadia reticle than the fancy BDC on the ACOG. And for half the price.