Rifle Scopes variable vs fixed power for competition?

[dghboy315]

I've just started shooting tactical DMR competitions that have targets from 0-600 yards. I'm using a .223 AR15 with a Vortext PST 4-16. I find the glass good but not great. I recently got the opportunity to look through some HD glass and I was blown away. I can't afford a variable power HD scope. I'm wondering if I would be better served with a fixed power scope with better glass such as a SWFA SS 10x HD? or should I just stick with the variable Vortex PST?

thanks

 

[Rob01]

Stick with the variable for the ability to dial down to get a larger field of view to find targets.

Another option, would be to sell the 4-16 and go to a 2.5-10x scope like the Vortex 2.5-10x32. Best glass I have seen on any PSTs and a good power range for the DMR comps.

 

[DOA]

Sell it and get a Bushnell Tactical Elite 3.5-21x with GAP G2 reticle.

 

[TimK]

Stick with the variable for the ability to dial down to get a larger field of view to find targets.

That's excellent advice. I have some fixed power scopes on secondary rifles, and they're a pain in the ass for finding targets.

 

[gigamortis]

I've always been leery in the past about poi consistency with variable power scopes when changing magnification. I have been shooting F/TR for a while with a fixed 10x SS and have done pretty well with it at 600 and 800 yards. For the longest time, this fixed scope has tracked perfectly until the last couple of matches. After about 2k rounds with this scope, I suspect the errector tube springs have gotten weak.

After reading here on the hide about FFP variable scopes staying true to POI through magnification vs SFP scopes, I have decided myself to try a FFP variable at last. I have a Burris XTR II 3-15x50 on the way. Once I get a chance to put the scope though its paces, I'll post back with my findings.

 

[samnev]

Sell it and get a Bushnell Tactical Elite 3.5-21x with GAP G2 reticle.

+1 The Bushnell Tactical Elite FFP 3.5-21X50 scope with the G2DMR reticle is one terrific scope.

 

[steve123]

Variable scopes help when it comes to uh...various variables which vary, wink.

The new Bushnell LRHS is a lot of scope for the money! The glass in this scope is right up there with the most expensive scopes. I have one on my AR shorty which I use most often like the match you shoot.

 

[tylerw02]

Have you ever missed a shot because you couldn't see the target? If not, why worry about "glass quality"? I'd worry more about a scope that tracks and has a usable reticle.

 

[BCP]

The Bushnell DMR scopes are good, certainly better than what you've got. That's really the only thing I can recommend until you get up around 1700 bucks then a whole new world of choices opens up.

Stick with the variable for the ability to dial down to get a larger field of view to find targets.

Another option, would be to sell the 4-16 and go to a 2.5-10x scope like the Vortex 2.5-10x32. Best glass I have seen on any PSTs and a good power range for the DMR comps.

I have that scope on my AR and love it. Another one is the 3.5-10 sightron S3, the glass quality and tracking are spot on and it's very lightweight with good eye relief. Both of them are relatively affordable too.

 

[dghboy315]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will stick with the Vortex variable until I can afford something better.