Rifle Scopes Do I need an adjustable Power scope?

Smith97z71

Sergeant
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Minuteman
Dec 8, 2012
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NW Ohio
Have a SS 12x on my .308 that I like and am looking for something to put on my Grendel AR. Want something that is quick to acquire a Target but don't want an ACOG or Red Dot as I would still like to work my way up to 3-500 yard shots. Was considering a Vortex PST 2.5-10x44 but now thinking about going back to another fixed power SWFA style scope. I'll never be a 1000yard target shooter but still want to practice the aforementioned 500 yd shots and possibly use it as a hunting gun. Doubt I will ever master a reticule either and If i do I will be more likely to if I have two scope of the same style. So should I stick with a fixed SS again or what?
 
For the usage you are talking about, I'd definitely go with a variable. In the $599 price range of the 2.5-10x44mm PST you are looking at, I'd hands down go with the
SS 3-9x42 Graham mentioned above. You can find the demo SS 3-15x42 for that price as swell, and that would be my favorite pick at that price. The Leupy 3-9x40 VXR Patrol is a lighter weight (sfp) alternative worth looking at, too.
 

What makes the SS better than the PST? I was under the impression that Vortex was usually better than SWFA. ALso was considering a SS HD if I can get one for a good price but is it worth it and what makes an HD and HD lol
 
The SS 10x HD is a great scope and easily competes with scopes costing twice as much. I don't think you'd like it though, or any fixed scope over 4x for the fast target acquisition and hunting you mentioned it would be used for. Most guys say the HD glass was worth the hefty price increase, but the reg 10x's are pretty good for the price.
The Vortex 2.5-10x44 is a plenty usable scope, it is just not as good optically as the variable SS, but you do get some nice features (zero stop, illum and rockin warranty). By all accounts, the newer PST FFP 32mm version is dramatically better. If you are spending $600-$750 there are some nice scopes for that price. Sightron SIII 3.5-10x44 is another great scope. Weaver 2-10x36 is worth looking at too.
 

It is always pretty subjective when it comes to ranking glass. The fixed 10x HD is going to have the most crisp image to most peoples eye. The Sightron SIII isn't too far off. The SS variable is going to be pretty close to the Sightron. The main determining factor between the SS variable and the SIII would come down to; do you want FFP or SFP and, the SIII has parallax adjustment, the SS doesn't (on purpose). The SS has a better reticle, IMO. Little more elev on the SS. All are great scopes.