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Fixed or variable for target shooting?

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Racer9 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Fixed or variable for target shooting?
    Posted: June/28/2015 at 10:55
Currently have a Nikon 4-16 Buckmaster on an ar15. It is adequate at 100yds, not so great at 200.
Wanting to shoot a little better at 200yds, and considering several options.
Looked at a few 6-24 and 8-32 scopes (Konus, Mueller & Leatherwood) but in doing days of research, I'm now considering a fixed power alternative.
Pro would be better glass, for the money.
There is a SWFA SS 10x42 on samplelist in my price range (under $300), but I'm wondering if I should go for a 12 or 16 power. Just not sure a 10x scope will allow me to see .223 holes at 200yds.
 I'm getting up towards 60, and the eyes ain't what they used to be.
Target shooting at 200yds is main planned use.
I've read the high dollar advice, just can't spend over $300. I'm just looking for a decent scope, not the greatest thing ever made.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JLud Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2015 at 15:45
Some of those mentioned would be a step down from buckmaster in my opinion. What about spending that 300 on a spotting scope or shoot and see targets? I think would be hard to find what will do what you want for under 300.
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Racer9 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/28/2015 at 17:32
I will use "shoot N see" targets, that'll help. 
Many of those scopes retail for more, I just look for discounts.
I'm also looking at a NikkoSterling targetmaster, which retails at upper $400, but with discount, in my ballpark.
I don't need a Maserati, I'm happy with a Corvette.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/30/2015 at 08:15
My humble apologies to the "high dollar" advice crowd!
I now know the difference.  CLARITY!!
I spent the morning at a sporting goods store looking through scopes, from a relatively cheap $199, up to a $2200 one , which cost more than my last p/u truck. I am NOT taking out a loan to buy a scope!!
I picked out an orange box on the other side of the store, estimated 75yds, and used that to compare. With the lower cost scopes I could see it but it was real hard to make out what it was. With the higher cost scopes I could actually read the writing on the box.
I am going to have to up my price range a bit. They did have a couple that MSRP'd around $800, priced around $500, with a 25% discount from there, clearance sale at Field $ Stream.
The ones I liked best were a Vortex Diamondback, Nikon ProStaff, and a Leupold.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/30/2015 at 08:33
????
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/30/2015 at 09:58
So what is your new budget?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/30/2015 at 10:02
This is a pretty nice scope, with decent glass.  I think you will be able to see bullet holes at 200 yards with it.  I owned one on a 223 wssm for a while and IIRC I could see 22 holes at 200 yards without much issue. 


For a little less, the Diamondback HP has pretty nice glass.  It does not have target turrets though, if that matters to you.


For fixed mag the SWFA SS 12x or 16x should do what you are asking ok.  The optics in those are very comparable to the Viper line IMO.  
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Racer9 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/30/2015 at 11:01
I'm really liking the Vortex line. That diamondback might be just the ticket.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/02/2015 at 10:51
I think I'm going with the Vortex Viper 6.5-20. I found a couple for right around $400.
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Racer9 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/02/2015 at 10:53
Originally posted by Racer9 Racer9 wrote:

I think I'm going with the Vortex Viper 6.5-20. I found a couple for right around $400.
Make that between $300 and $400.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/02/2015 at 12:23
For DEDICATED target shooting, I'd go with fixed power. BUT, it all depends on what type of "target shooting" (size and type of target) whether said "target shooting" is formal or informal (plinking vs sanctioned comp and if the latter, what rules govern it?), what your realistic budget is, and how serious you are about precision.

A fixed power scope has a better chance of maintaining zero than a variable, when comparing scopes of similar quality, as the variable has more moving parts, and it's possible to get POI shifts as magnification is changed.

You will also usually get better optics for the same and sometimes less $ outlay with a fixed power, but that applies to low- to mid-priced scopes.

If you're shooting steel or other larger targets, I'd get the aforementioned SS10X42.

If you're shooting Benchrest or other style where tiny groups is the goal, I'd go with a fixed 36X or higher mag competition scope. The only one I'm aware of that comes close to your budget is a used Weaver 36X40 T-Series.


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Racer9 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/03/2015 at 20:22
Thank you rifledude, that scope looks real good.
Just so I'm not assuming incorrectly, a target sited through a 36x fixed will show larger than through a 6-24x variable?
Other question, what about closer targets, say 100yds? Can it be focused there?
Not competition shooting, just for enjoyment.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/03/2015 at 21:00
Also, I'm not certain I really need a 36x. The 4-14X I have is not really bad, I just want to see the target a bit better. I may be able to get by with a 24x fixed, so that SWFA SS would probably do me OK.
The longest range near me is 300yds, my normal range is 200. I just shoot for fun/relaxation.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/04/2015 at 12:05
What is your opinion on the Weaver Super Slam? I've come across a 4-20x50 for about $400, MSRP $864.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JLud Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/05/2015 at 09:22
I'll flame you first....as swfa sells scopes here they don't allow posting competitors, and you could have had them price match here and beat the difference by 10%.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/05/2015 at 09:24
Please don't reference other optics vendors, Racer. ROE #3.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Racer9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/05/2015 at 09:35
Sorry about that.
Didn't know about the price match thing.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote realAmericanMan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2016 at 20:52
Hey Old Man !  Meet real American Man !  ( I'm a 50's baby too ! LOL .. you're older by !!!! ) 

Why not look at the AWESOME  S W F A fixed 20X 42MM  Mil Mil  scope ?  You WILL be able see the M16
rounds at 100M Y if you use a splatter target of some sort . (308 is great ansd shows easy at 100 ) 

This scope is new and is one of the best values on the market . I have their 5X20 X50 HD top of the line and it's awesome but I'm always at 20X at 100 or better ! i don't need anything less than 20:)x BECAUSE .
 We LIKE 20x AT 50 YARDS let alone 500 ! Personally my next scope will be MUCH STRONGER like a 30 or 40 . Are YOU listening to me SWFA ?  I'm your target customer ! Well to do Lawyer (who never loses ) 
W/ high tastes but don't like to waste money 'to be cool' (got too many other hobbies !) 

Go to www.SWFA.com and look around . Talk to Skylar  and if you EVER get busted on a 2nd amendment issue (like not locking your bags or some other crap . Contact Case Dismissed Guaranteed .com 
We'll take your OPTICSTALK case for FREE ! (as long as you tell everybody We kicked butt for you . ) 

O.K. hope that helps you . Contact SWFA and tell Skylar you want a 20X40X55 HD scope for 2K 

Yep that's where it's gonna go ! Mark the LawYers words !


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote realAmericanMan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2016 at 21:06
Dude I'm new to this but .  No new budget for this mission . $300 gets you a fixed 20X42 MM MIL MIL 
military grade scope that kicks butt .  see S.W.F.A. dot com. Talk to skylar . Tell him you know about Case Dismissed Guaranteed . (We DEMOLISH 2nd amendment gun cases using the constitution .

Forgot to lock your guns "properly ?" Wrong clip ? Illegal ammo >?  W.D.F.C. !) 

We'll get that case dismissed as long as you brag about Us . Of course that's only if you're basically a good guy .We don't help A Bags .....just saying .
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote realAmericanMan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2016 at 16:44
I agree 100% and I'm sure SWFA is working on a fixed 30 power MIL/MIL/  or a scope with X40 zoom 
If not they should be because I'm in the same boat as you . Low funds ( I'm A LAWYER not a 'ripoff attorney')  and too many other hobbies and lots of wonderful kids who would never disrespect their elders like you .  I'll get by with with my 5X20 for now because that's all I could save for (2 yrs ) and afford so I'm saving again for when that day comes . I only hope, I don't need to purchase a different brand because this SWFA is wonderful and for now I just use their Bubro (sp?) mount and swap it around . 

Are you listening SWFA ?  I think they are but we'll see . We want a  10X40x50  and fixed 30X 
You have to see it to shoot it,and, like in most cases other than Crimianal Law, .... bigger is mo' better !
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