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Fixed power or varible

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KY Hick View Drop Down
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    Posted: August/21/2008 at 21:35
Well if yall saw my last post im new to the scoped shooting world
 
Gunna get a scope soon, my question is should i get a fixed power or varible.
 
Seems to me the fixed would be better because you would know your mildot math.
 
What would happen if you dont get your power right and your math ends up wrong, uh missed shot maybe? (yes)
 
Im no sniper just want a nice tack driving rifle, so help me more guys and gals.
 
have a funny feeling this post might get me trouble (chevy vs ford type thing).
 
Just need help getting this thing right, been shotting since 5,  there are quite a few animals, and Iraqis that would tell you (if they could) I can shoot.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2008 at 21:37
Are you going to be hunting with this scope, or just punching paper?  If you are hunting, you are going to want a variable to shoot to the ranges you want.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2008 at 21:50
If you want a variable and are worried about ranging on the wrong power, then get a first focal point reticle scope.  That means the reticle changes sizes with the magnification.  So what ever power you are on it is always correct so you can range with it.  IOR, Nightforce, Leupold, Zeiss, US optics, Schmidt and Bender all make them, and probably many others.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2008 at 23:27
Then there is the Mildot master which can be bought here at SWFA which will take some of the guess work out for you.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/22/2008 at 13:30
Mildot reticules look cool, they are all the rage right now; few know how to use them, fewer still can use them well.  I'd recommend a good rangefinder, target turrets, and forget the mildot reticule.

Ranging with a reticule is a VERY PERISHABLE skill; infrequent practice will lead to far more misses than hits.

Knowing nothing of your use or circumstance (other than you are new to optics) I cannot recommend FFP - it is a solution to a problem you don't have.

Tell us what you plan to shoot, what you want, what you need, how much you want to spend, what it is going on (caliber, weapon type), and how much you plan to shoot: with that, we can make good recommendations.  Without it, most here will recommend what they own and like.  And that may or may not fit the bill.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/22/2008 at 23:18
First off if you have been engaging Iraqis - Thanks for your service.  We will proceed from a point of view that you are not a novice with firearms and interested in bettering your skills. If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive way to work with mildot the place to start is a Super Sniper 10x 42 which will cost $299. plus shipping.  I will note that the favorite hunting scopes are typically 3-9x40 Bushnell 4200, Nikon Monarch, Zeiss conquest.
 
If you have a true tactical need and plan to take the scope with you on a deployment the Super Sniper will serve you well. If you just have plenty of money and want to make a one time  buy of a great tactical scope the best is U.S.Optics or S&B and not far behind them is Nightforce with IOR being very good glass and Leupold having almost as good of customer service as U.S. Optics and all of these being capeable deadly optics with proven track records.
The laser range finder and mildot master were great suggestions. If you give us more info especially price we can lead you further astray.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/23/2008 at 13:56
Of what branch are you a veteran?  And which war?

If you plan to put an optic on a poodle-shooter, that would be helpful info too.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KY Hick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/23/2008 at 17:12
rifle is a savage 10fp hs precision .308
distance would like to be 100-1000 yds
and it would be a target gun.
also would be used to see whos buying the beer for the night with my buddy!!!!!!!!
it will be shot prolly daily or every other day(i live and work on a farm).
price wise i would like to stay $800 or less (i got a wife).
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/23/2008 at 21:10
Originally posted by KY Hick KY Hick wrote:

rifle is a savage 10fp hs precision .308
distance would like to be 100-1000 yds

and it would be a target gun.

also would be used to see whos buying the beer for the night with my buddy!!!!!!!!

it will be shot prolly daily or every other day(i live and work on a farm).

price wise i would like to stay $800 or less (i got a wife).

 

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and the only thing a plane is good for is jumping out of! AIRBORNE FOR LIFE

Jumping out is OK, but obviously you've never flown one... or you would CERTAINLY know better. And welcome to OT.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/23/2008 at 21:18
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

Mildot reticules look cool, they are all the rage right now; few know how to use them, fewer still can use them well.  I'd recommend a good rangefinder, target turrets, and forget the mildot reticule.Ranging with a reticule is a VERY PERISHABLE skill; infrequent practice will lead to far more misses than hits.Knowing nothing of your use or circumstance (other than you are new to optics) I cannot recommend FFP - it is a solution to a problem you don't have.Tell us what you plan to shoot, what you want, what you need, how much you want to spend, what it is going on (caliber, weapon type), and how much you plan to shoot: with that, we can make good recommendations.  Without it, most here will recommend what they own and like.  And that may or may not fit the bill.

+++ the mildot is NOT an overnight mastery usage item. It takes time. Every day 4 hours/day 90-120 days for those who have an aptitude to be competent/consistent. That's without "combat" pressure. Unfortunately, many are pressed into service without the time and training to be proficient with a mildot. It is NOT an 'everyman's' reticule. Listen to RC.
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Jon A View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jon A Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/23/2008 at 22:02
Just because the dots are there doesn't mean he has to use them.  He loses absolutely nothing with a mildot reticle and gains a ton when/if he ever decides to use it.

For the shooting he's describing a large percentage of people prefer to hold for windage and doing that is a hell of a lot more accurate when you aren't guessing.  If he decides to use it for hold over/unders, he can.  If he doesn't, he doesn't have to.  The central intersection of the crosshairs does not stop working when you put dots on the reticle.

Those who think mildot reticles are only useful for ranging things should count themselves among those who don't know how to use them.

Of course the bigger reason right now he shouldn't be scared into thinking if the scope he buys has a mildot he won't be able to figure out how to use it, is a large percentage of tactical style scopes (he does need one with repeatable, reliable turrets and lots of travel) will have one or something similar.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/23/2008 at 22:19
No one is trying to "scare" the man out of purchasing a mildot scope, just informing him that it takes practice to be able to use proficiently. I think the mildot is the best reticule around, but it takes some getting used to. There are other reticules more convenient for average, everyday, all around use. If one wishes to invest the time and effort to become skillful with a mildot, there is nothing better. However, it is NOT magic.
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Jon A View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jon A Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/24/2008 at 00:09
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

No one is trying to "scare" the man out of purchasing a mildot scope, just informing him that it takes practice to be able to use proficiently.

And I just wanted to make sure he was informed it takes exactly zero extra practice to use a mildot scope vs. a duplex when used in the same manor.   Tell a guy it takes 4 hours a day of practice to proficiently use a scope, and that might scare some off.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/24/2008 at 00:14
Originally posted by Jon A Jon A wrote:


Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:


   No one is trying to "scare" the man out of purchasing a mildot scope, just informing him that it takes practice to be able to use proficiently.
And I just wanted to make sure he was informed it takes exactly zero extra practice to use a mildot scope vs. a duplex when used in the same manor.   Tell a guy it takes 4 hours a day of practice to proficiently use a scope, and that might scare some off.

Qualified with your "in the same manner", absolutely correct. And, provided research and training (self or otherwise) ability to exercise the "features" of mildot will improve over time. Looking back, you are correct that I may not have emphasized the mildot peculiarities enough.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote KY Hick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/24/2008 at 13:08
Looks like my Chevy vs. Ford thing might be right, LOL!!!!!
 
I dont fly planes but i have all my time in and just need to take the test to fly hot air ballon's
 
On a serious note i enjoy learning new things and the mildot has been calling my name. I have a little over 2000 acres to play on daily, and i shoot something i own daily. This a shooting realm i have never experienced and want to learn.
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