I have read a LOT of posts here about what power scope someone should have. 10X is a very popular choice.
I shoot for group size and a 10X scope is pretty low power for pure target shooting. I can see the advantage if shooting at a silouette style target- paper or steel.
How hard is it to get small groups at 200+ yards with a 10X scope?
I understand that higher power means less light, but is a 16X scope that much dimmer that it isn't useable in almost every situation? I know that when hunting you need all the light gathering you can get when shooting near dawn and dusk, and real life snipers need that- their lives and other's lives depend on it.
But most of us shoot matches and for fun. Is the 16X and 20X that bad in the matches? I have a couple of scopes that are variable, both are 6.5-20x40. I haven't found a situation yet where having it cranked up to 20X is a problem. In fact I usually don't turn it down.
I will freely admit that I just may have not found myself in a situation where it does become a problem.
My question is in exactly what situation(s) does it become a problem having a fixed power scope with too much magnification?
Can a larger objective make up for the loss of brightness when using a higher powered scope?
I like my variables but can see the advantage of a fixed power scope and was thinking about getting a SS 16X for my .308.
No flames please. I would really like to hear sifferent opinions and see if this discussion can help me and others understand more about optics.
Jim
I shoot for group size and a 10X scope is pretty low power for pure target shooting. I can see the advantage if shooting at a silouette style target- paper or steel.
How hard is it to get small groups at 200+ yards with a 10X scope?
I understand that higher power means less light, but is a 16X scope that much dimmer that it isn't useable in almost every situation? I know that when hunting you need all the light gathering you can get when shooting near dawn and dusk, and real life snipers need that- their lives and other's lives depend on it.
But most of us shoot matches and for fun. Is the 16X and 20X that bad in the matches? I have a couple of scopes that are variable, both are 6.5-20x40. I haven't found a situation yet where having it cranked up to 20X is a problem. In fact I usually don't turn it down.
I will freely admit that I just may have not found myself in a situation where it does become a problem.
My question is in exactly what situation(s) does it become a problem having a fixed power scope with too much magnification?
Can a larger objective make up for the loss of brightness when using a higher powered scope?
I like my variables but can see the advantage of a fixed power scope and was thinking about getting a SS 16X for my .308.
No flames please. I would really like to hear sifferent opinions and see if this discussion can help me and others understand more about optics.
Jim
