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mirage and the fixed power scope

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rdsii64 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rdsii64 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: mirage and the fixed power scope
    Posted: January/27/2009 at 22:00
Those of us who use variable powered scopes have the ability to dial down the magnificaion when mirage is becoming a problem. What can you do when mirage is a problem and you are using a fixed power scope?
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rifle looney View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/27/2009 at 22:06
Try a sun shade?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/27/2009 at 22:56
I don't think a sun shade will help.  You should see the mirage regardless.  At least I still see it with sun shades on.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wolfee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2009 at 07:25
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2009 at 07:49
I do not have a fixed scope to give advice. I do not however think that anything can be done other then learn to shoot through it.
The only advice I have seen on mirage is to dial down the power, which leads me to believe that nothing can be done about it. Turning down the power simply lessens your ability to see it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2009 at 08:12
It all depends on what power fixed scope you chose.  If you are using a lower magnification fixed power like, say, 4X, there's nothing that needs to be done.  If you're using a fixed 10X and above, you'll obviously have to deal with more of a mirage problem, but I don't think it becomes a huge issue until you get beyond about 12X, or at least that's my experience.
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Dale Clifford View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2009 at 08:22
two kinds of mirages, barrel heat mirage and rapid ambient atmospheric differential, first can be solved with a strap similiar to the one sako uses on the trgs, or pd hunters use, extended 12 and 18 inch sunshades that screw into the scope. the second is more difficult and only partially solved by stopping down the scope, in other words, use a scope end cover that has a much smaller hole cut in the end.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2009 at 08:33
Nothing can be done about mirage, if it is there, it is there regardless of what power your scope is set on.  However, as you "tone down" the mirage, you also lose the ability to "read" it...  One of the reasons, originally for choosing 10x for military scopes was that the mirage was still visible at a high degree, but, in general, did not completely distort the target, still allowing long range shots.  Mirage is a moderate factor at 500-700yd, much more pronounced beyond 800.  As range increases, mirage becomes a bigger factor.  Of course, there are conditions where that can occur at 10x as well.  Military chooses "lesser of evils" most of the time.  Reading mirage is a "key" to long range shooting, as it can significantly improve the ability to call the wind.  One of the numerous aids/impediments to long range shooting.  Don't fear it, learn to use it. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2009 at 10:08
Very true, but it all depends on the size of and distance to your target as to whether or not mirage is your friend.  At some distance, depending on conditions, you simply cannot see anything clearly beyond the "swimming pool."  If you're shooting at really small targets in heavy mirage, you may not be able to see your target at all.   I've had times shooting pd's where the mirage was so bad, you couldn't see the little critters at all beyond 500.

Edited by RifleDude - January/28/2009 at 10:44
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/28/2009 at 11:47
another help -- is to get the shooting platform as high as possible off the ground or same plane as the target. -- even using the top of the pick-up cab helps sometimes.
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