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Fixed power. Crap or......?

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=19193
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Topic: Fixed power. Crap or......?
Posted By: shooter4
Subject: Fixed power. Crap or......?
Date Posted: September/11/2009 at 17:35
Gentlemen
 
I bought a very nice Sako 308. Now it needs a scope. The question is if you think a powerful (maybe 18x) fixed power scope fits this rifle? Or if I must get a variable power?
 
I will mostly be using it on 200-400 yds on small prey (varmint) and plan to spend up to 500$.  Any ideas?
 
 
 
Thanks



Replies:
Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: September/11/2009 at 17:46
4200 elite 2.5x10


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: shooter4
Date Posted: September/11/2009 at 17:53
OK, any cons if using fixed power scope for hunting? 


Posted By: jonoMT
Date Posted: September/11/2009 at 18:11
Well, if you're going to hunt anything antelope to elk sized, a 4 or 6X would be a more useful complement to that rifle under most conditions.

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Reaction time is a factor...


Posted By: boliodogs
Date Posted: September/11/2009 at 18:12
$500 should get a great scope. I would get a Zeiss Conquest in 2.5-8x32 or 3-9x40 or a Leupold vx3 in 2.5-8x36 or 3.5-10x40 or a Bushnell 6500 2.5-16x42. With variables like these I think you should pass on a fixed power scope. However a good Leupold or Zeiss in a fixed 6 power or even a 4 power will do a good job. But these variables are so good and versatile I see no reason to get a fixed power scope and I do not own a fixed power scope.


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: September/11/2009 at 18:13
if you get an animal in close and you have a fixed 12x scope it could be an issue. if you are only planning on using it for pdogs then i guess i would buy a super sniper 10x i wouldnt advise it for coyote hunting or deer hunting.

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: shooter4
Date Posted: September/11/2009 at 18:14

Thanks

With a small varmint sized pray on 300 maybe 400 yds I dont believe I can see much with a scope that has less than 14x magnification. Thats just my opinion. Im just wondering if a fixed power scope is mostly used for target competitions (never owned one).


Posted By: silver
Date Posted: September/11/2009 at 18:41
It's as much about resolution as it its magnfication.  It's a lot harder to undo too much magnification than too little.  You are not going to get as much resolution as you may think with a 500$ high power variable.  You can crank it up, but it will be a dark blurr. Think 750 and up for that.  
 
6x works well for coyotes around here.  10x makes anything at a trot hard to keep track of.  My shots are ~ 150 to 250 yards.  If you are shooting crows or ground hogs then I can understand some extra magification.  What you may want for the range often winds up being too much for the field.  10x SS and a good range finder will serve you better than a varaible at this stage in the game.


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"If we weren't all crazy we, We would go insane."   Jimmie Buffet

WWW.formitch.com



Posted By: boliodogs
Date Posted: September/11/2009 at 19:12
I read your post in a hurry and did not notice that you are using it as a varmit scope. I would still go with a variable scope but in a higher power range than I said before. The Bushnll 2.5-16x42 would still be a great choice and can be had for $500 with some hard shopping. The Zeiss and Leupold top line high power variables go out of the $500 limit. The Weaver Grand Slam 4.5-14x40 or Bushnell 4200 4-16x40 or x50 can be had for less than $500. Any of these scopes could be used on big game at the lowest power and be great for long range varmits at the highest power. A fixed 18 power would hurt your chances on moving targets. A fixed 4 or 6  power would be to low for a long range varmit scope. A good variable that is no less than 5 power on the low end and at least 12 power on the top end would be my choice. The Bushnell 6500 2.5-16x42 is my favorite and I am shopping for one myself. I have researched it and it sounds very good.                     


Posted By: bugsNbows
Date Posted: September/12/2009 at 09:09
How about a Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16 X 40? Wink

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If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
               Anomymous


Posted By: tahqua
Date Posted: September/12/2009 at 09:50
There is nothing wrong with a good fixed. The higher the magnification the more the limitations for closer shots, though.
Both the SS10x and the Leupold 12x40 would fit the bill for varmint hunting.
http://swfa.com/Leupold-Fixed-Power-Riflescopes-C111.aspx?s=Name%20ASC&p=0 - http://swfa.com/Leupold-Fixed-Power-Riflescopes-C111.aspx?s=Name%20ASC&p=0


Posted By: big boar
Date Posted: September/12/2009 at 09:59
I've been using a Leu fixed 12x scope for over 10 years and it's one of the best for the use you've described. Mine has a cross hair with small dot and I've found that for daytime use the dot (I think it's 1/8) is unbeatable for target/varmint. The eye picks up the small dot readily and for some reason it's more comfortable than a crosshair, for sustained viewing. For what you've mentioned I'd get the Leu 12x, dot ret with target turrets. By the way I also use several variables,(1.75-6, 2-7,3-9, 3.5-10 4-12, 4.5-14) but IMO the fixed 12 with dot and turrets for 200+ for varmint/target is THE best. To much magnification in the field will only make it more difficult to hold on the target. It can be done with a lot of practice but from a field position the 12x is perfect. I've done out to 600yds and target aquisition and holding ability is great. No need for a variable.  


Posted By: shooter4
Date Posted: September/12/2009 at 10:32

Thanks, been waiting to hear from someone with hands on experience. You think a 12x will work from 200-400 for varmint hunting?



Posted By: boliodogs
Date Posted: September/12/2009 at 10:50
Sorry, I should have said that a variable should be no higher than 5 power on the low end so as to give you a good fov. if you need it. The Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16 or 6500 2.5-16 would be my choice.             


Posted By: tahqua
Date Posted: September/12/2009 at 11:35
Originally posted by shooter4 shooter4 wrote:

 You think a 12x will work from 200-400 for varmint hunting?



Yes, I use my varmint rigs set on 6-8x most of the time. Sometimes I a crank them up higher. I only use 24x when I'm at the range.


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: September/12/2009 at 11:40
ive shot a lot of varmints with my dads .218 bee with a leupold m8-12x and also with his .219AI zipper with a m8-24x, and while it was nice when they were out there a ways one thing i always noticed was the terrible miraging i encountered. i still prefer a plain ole 3x9 for everything i do.

-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: September/13/2009 at 20:23
Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

ive shot a lot of varmints with my dads .218 bee with a leupold m8-12x and also with his .219AI zipper with a m8-24x, and while it was nice when they were out there a ways one thing i always noticed was the terrible miraging i encountered. i still prefer a plain ole 3x9 for everything i do.
 
I was going to add .02, but decided any more on this question is superfluous.  However, .218 Bee and .219AI Zipper?... those have got to be great fun to shoot varmints with.  Unusual...


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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: September/13/2009 at 20:35
Get a 6X.  

-------------
Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: September/13/2009 at 20:40
I'm not sure where you are finding a fixed 18 power.
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-16x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P501.aspx">SWFA SS 16x42 Tactical Riflescope http://swfa.com/images/ss_mildot.jpg">Mil-Dot http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-16x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P501.aspx - SWFA SS 16x42 Tactical Riflescope
Stock # - SS16X42
  • Matte
  • Mil-Dot
  • 30mm
  • Rear Focus
  • OK for .50 cal
  • 1/4 MOA
$319.95 
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl04$Add2Wishlist$AW,%29 - Add to Wishlist
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl04$Add2Cart$AC,%29">Add SWFA SS 16x42 Tactical Riflescope to Cart  
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-20x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P502.aspx">SWFA SS 20x42 Tactical Riflescope http://swfa.com/images/ss_mildot.jpg">Mil-Dot http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-20x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P502.aspx - SWFA SS 20x42 Tactical Riflescope
Stock # - SS20X42
  • Matte
  • Mil-Dot
  • 30mm
  • Rear Focus
  • OK for .50 cal
  • 1/4 MOA
$279.95 
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl05$Add2Wishlist$AW,%29 - Add to Wishlist
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl05$Add2Cart$AC,%29">Add SWFA SS 20x42 Tactical Riflescope to Cart  
http://swfa.com/Leupold-12x40-FX-3-Riflescope-P12759.aspx">Leupold 12x40 FX-3 Riflescope http://swfa.com/images/leupold_fineduplex.jpg">Fine Duplex http://swfa.com/Leupold-12x40-FX-3-Riflescope-P12759.aspx - Leupold 12x40 FX-3 Riflescope
Stock # - LEU66830
  • Matte
  • Fine Duplex
  • 1"
  • Target Knobs
  • Adjustable Objective
  • Xtended Twilight Lens System
$529.95 
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl01$Add2Wishlist$AW,%29 - Add to Wishlist
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl01$Add2Cart$AC,%29">Add Leupold 12x40 FX-3 Riflescope to Cart  
http://swfa.com/Leupold-12x40-FX-3-Riflescope-P12760.aspx">Leupold 12x40 FX-3 Riflescope http://swfa.com/images/leupold_lrd412.jpg">Long Range Duplex http://swfa.com/Leupold-12x40-FX-3-Riflescope-P12760.aspx - Leupold 12x40 FX-3 Riflescope
Stock # - LEU66835
  • Matte
  • Long Range Duplex
  • 1"
  • Target Knobs
  • Adjustable Objective
  • Xtended Twilight Lens System
$559.95 
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl02$Add2Wishlist$AW,%29 - Add to Wishlist
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl02$Add2Cart$AC,%29">Add Leupold 12x40 FX-3 Riflescope to Cart  
http://swfa.com/Leupold-12x40-FX-3-Riflescope-P12761.aspx">Leupold 12x40 FX-3 Riflescope http://swfa.com/images/leupold_leupolddot.jpg">Leupold Dot http://swfa.com/Leupold-12x40-FX-3-Riflescope-P12761.aspx - Leupold 12x40 FX-3 Riflescope
Stock # - LEU66840
  • Matte
  • Leupold Dot
  • 1"
  • Target Knobs
  • Adjustable Objective
  • Xtended Twilight Lens System
$579.95 
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl03$Add2Wishlist$AW,%29 - Add to Wishlist
javascript:__doPostBack%28ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl05$ProductList$ctl03$Add2Cart$AC,%29">Add Leupold 12x40 FX-3 Riflescope to Cart
I have used the 20x Super Sniper for hunting and like all other high power fixed power scopes it suffers most in low light conditions.   A fixed 6x42 is really bright as it gets with a 7mm exit eye pupil.  A 10x42 will have a 4.2mm exit eye pupil A 20x42 will have a 2.1mm exit eye pupil.  In bright light a high power can be nice but if the temperature is really hot you can have issues with mirage that make a scope in the 10x range a better choice.
A 10x scope at 1000 yds is like open sights at 100 yds and a 20x at 1000 yds is like open sights at 50 yds so you may not be gaining as  much as you think.  A really high quality glass like the new  Super Sniper 10x HD would be my choice in a fixed mainly due to the mil mil clicks which make correction really easy.
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P42527.aspx">SWFA SS 10x42 Tactical Riflescope Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: September/14/2009 at 08:48
Originally posted by shooter4 shooter4 wrote:

Thanks, been waiting to hear from someone with hands on experience. You think a 12x will work from 200-400 for varmint hunting?

 
Nothing wrong with a good fixed power scope.  12X (or 10X) will work great for 200-400 yard varmint hunting, but won't work so well for hunting shots at 50 yards and under.  If you know you will always be taking shots at medium to long distances, you will be well served with a fixed 8X, 10X, 12X, etc. scope.  But, if you will occasionally be hunting in the thick stuff where you can't see beyond 50 yards, you are far better off with either a variable or a lower magnification 4X or 6X fixed power.


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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: September/14/2009 at 20:30
 
 
 
                                                                       Light It Up


-------------
Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: September/14/2009 at 21:36
I'm waiting on a good variable, fixed power...

-------------
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: September/15/2009 at 19:01
" Me, too....." 
 


-------------
Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: Trays 7940
Date Posted: September/16/2009 at 08:43
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

Originally posted by shooter4 shooter4 wrote:

Thanks, been waiting to hear from someone with hands on experience. You think a 12x will work from 200-400 for varmint hunting?

 
Nothing wrong with a good fixed power scope.  12X (or 10X) will work great for 200-400 yard varmint hunting, but won't work so well for hunting shots at 50 yards and under.  If you know you will always be taking shots at medium to long distances, you will be well served with a fixed 8X, 10X, 12X, etc. scope.  But, if you will occasionally be hunting in the thick stuff where you can't see beyond 50 yards, you are far better off with either a variable or a lower magnification 4X or 6X fixed power.
 
Are you talking about the narrow field of view, rifle dude, cause I can focus my SS 10X as close as 8 yds... 


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http://militarysignatures.com" rel="nofollow">

I don't shoot innocent animals, just the one's who look guilty.


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: September/16/2009 at 17:11
Originally posted by Trays 7940 Trays 7940 wrote:

Are you talking about the narrow field of view, rifle dude, cause I can focus my SS 10X as close as 8 yds... 
 
Yes, exactly.  As magnification increases, the field of view unavoidably decreases, and with a high magnification fixed power scope, you cannot change the field of view.  That's not a problem for applications where you predominantly take longer shots or for target shooting, but it makes target acquisition more difficult in up close and personal hunting in the thick stuff. 


-------------
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.



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