Rifle Scopes Fixed or variable scope and why

[Iowa-John]

I am in the market for a new scope and after doing some research I am confused on what is best and what is being offered by the general manufacturers.

Feel free to correct me if I am wrong and feel free to shed insight. It seems that fixed power scopes are clearer, more rugged, and more reliable. With variable power scopes 3.5-10 x42 or 4-12x42 when the power increases the objects size and the crosshair size stays the same won't your point of impact change?

I am trying to decide which is better to get a 6x42, 10x42, or 3.5-10x42. Which will hold POI best in rugged hunting situations and be brightest and most trouble free?

 

[Iowa-John]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

With that said does anyone here hunt with a 10x42 fixed or 6x42 fixed scope. And are fixed scopes generally brighter?

 

[learjet]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

i use the time tested fixed 10 super snipers for everything...paper, steel groundhogs, and whitetails(ive got 3 ofem and a 10x HD). ive been using them long enough i dont care if a deer pops outta the brush close etc...ive tryed a bunch of variables in the same price range, or slightly higher, and all have failed. now that the kids r gone im eyein up a NF f1, or possibly an IOR FFP i do see the advantages to a high quality variable. ive done a few clarity and brightness tests vs friends low end to mid grade hunting scopes, and i believe the 10x ss is as good in the glass category. im familiar w the 10xs, i know what im gonna get when i pull them up.

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

Personally I like fixed power scopes. The power really depends on the type hunting you do. But I have no problems shooting at 400 yards or 40 yards with a fixed 6X scope.

I definitely believe fixed power scopes are more durable. And with comparable glass they tend to be a bit "clearer" as far as imaging is concerned(just my opinion).

Now the best part of a fixed power scope is it allows a person on a fixed budget to get better glass for the same price as a lesser grade variable power.

For example a nice Leupold 2.5X8 will run you $400-$500. But I just bought a new West German Zeiss straight 6X for $500. So which would you rather have?? I know which one I would rather have, and for approx. the same money.

If money is no issue then by all means buy the fanciest new fangled thing on the market. But for most people money is an issue(like me). So I try to get the most bang for my buck. Tom.

 

[Alderleet]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

Unless your shelling out big bucks for a FFP optic, typically the etched mill dots dont mean squat once you adjust the zoom.


so instead of wasting more money on optics that zoom, i just got a solid 10x fixed to fill the needs. So far, there hasnt been anything i'd change.

 

[Iowa-John]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

how many guys hunt with a fixed power scope? If so what power 10x or 6x, etc.?

 

[brand692]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

What are you hunting? Ground hogs or Rhinos? At what distance? Target size and distance will make a difference.

 

[JBW3]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now, if you have a FFP (First Focal Plane) scope, as the power increases your crosshair size increases as well, which assist you in being able to range and do holdovers. Most scopes are SFP (Second Focal Plane) and the reticle size doesn't change. </div></div>

I think everyone knows what you were trying to say, but this is opposite of how it really works.

FFP the reticle stays the same compared to the target you are viewing. SFP the size of the reticle changes in relation to your target.

Sorry, pet peeve from too many years doing this.
John III

 

[Iowa-John]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

I am looking to get an all around scope for anything from coyotes, antelope, and elk from 100 yards to 650 yards shooting. 10X, 6X, or variabe scope, I was leaning towards fixed power due to simplicity, POI repeatability, etc, but wanted to see input of others.

 

[mouse07410]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

Different targets at different distances - can benefit from a variable scope. Reticle ranging - can benefit from FFP (applicable to variable scopes only).

Soviet Dragunov rifles come with a fixed scope, and it works fine.

 

[McLarenross]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

I went with fixed 12x cause it got me a good(in my opinion) piece of glass with MIL knobs that track well and a good reticle for a price that I could afford. If I were made of money I would have spec'd out a USO variable, but Im not. I will also use the gun for hunting but havent yet so I dont know how it will do in that respect.

 

[KE5MUJ]

Re: Fixed or variable scope and why

I got the SS 3-9 FFP because I plan to hunt with it and variable power scopes were all I have used. I love mine so far..