Hunting & Fishing Fixed power for hunting?

[TheBigCountry]

Is having a fixed power scope a handicap for hunting?

Reason I ask is would a fixed 6x Leupold (in this case an older m8 that’s been fitted with Target turrets and a German #4 reticle) or similar be able to handle most hunting situations?

 

[264win]

The short answer is yes, a good fixed 6x can handle most hunting situations.

 

[stello1001]

I personally would feel handicapped but that's only because I really really like FOV so I'd prefer to be able to dial down for more FOV.

 

[AHorn]

In my opinion it would be. I’m a firm believer in seeing good. I like higher variable power scopes, 3-18x50 leupold and 5-25x56 Swarovski are on my go too rifles. But I’m half blind lol

 

[ricard13]

For me personally it would be. I guess it also depends on your hunting terrain. In the West I certainly like my variable scopes.

 

[45.308]

Fixed power no but fixed 6x yes at least for me. Maybe if pure mtn hunting for sheep and shaggies but not all round meat.

I used a Leupold FX3 Alaskan fixed 3x on my 338 since 78 or so and never needed any more magnification out to 425 yards yet could still good to go down to 80 yards here in Alaska. Thick alders and brush to open tundra to wide open mountain.

Before that I had 3-9x on my 300. Also had a 4x somewhere but I went to 3x and never regretted.

 

[mongoosesnipe]

nothing wrong with a fixed power scope, put a point blank zero on rifle and get out in the woods

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

Depends. What type of terrain are you hunting?
If you're in the thick hardwoods and Max range is 100 yards, yes.
If you're on the edge of a corn field and can take shots at 600 yards, I would say no.

 

[mb121]

I’ve hunted with both fixed and variable powered, never felt handicapped with either. I tailor to the hunt itself, normally fixed for static positions and variable for walking. My preference is to variable though, the ability to dial down the magnification is an advantage that I don’t like giving up.

 

[roostercogburn98]

About to mount a USO ST10 to my 7mm-08 for a possible elk hunt. Thinking anything 300 and under for a shot and I’ll be fine. Scope came off my Barrett 50 so I know it can see further than that though.