Fixed vs. Variable power on scope?

zpak · 08-11-2009, 09:14 PM

(Did a quick search here, didn't seem like it was addressed yet...)

Which is the preferred scope? One with a fixed magnification/power or one with varible power?

I've read many shooters forums regarding this debate and was just wondering what the gun community here at my350z thought.

I'm curious because I'm about to get a Leupold Mark 4 10x40mm LR/T M3, obviously fixed at 10x (like the M24 SWS...I understand the Marines' M40 uses an Unertl, but also fixed at 10x).

It's going to go on a National Match M1A.

gotime242 · 08-12-2009, 05:54 AM

Well...i went with a fixed power 10x bushnell 3200.

It seems that fixed power will be more durable and also allow the company to spend the money on quality/features elsewhere rather than on the zoom. But if you are into hunting or something you might like the adjustable zoom.

Spork · 08-12-2009, 06:31 AM

What use?

For deer hunting, I have a 3x-10x scope. The low settings are great for hunting in the woods or sitting in a stand while the 10x is awesome for long-distance field shooting.

Poison123 · 08-12-2009, 07:33 AM

Get a Variable. If you have to shoot closer targets, a fixed scope can really screw you.

token5gtd · 08-12-2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poison123

Get a Variable. If you have to shoot closer targets, a fixed scope can really screw you.

unless all you're going to be doing is long range hunting or bench shooting, get a variable power for sure.

it's a pain in the ass finding squirrels in trees at <100yds with the zoom turned way up.

Ahsmo · 08-12-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zpak

(Did a quick search here, didn't seem like it was addressed yet...)

Which is the preferred scope? One with a fixed magnification/power or one with varible power?

I've read many shooters forums regarding this debate and was just wondering what the gun community here at my350z thought.

I'm curious because I'm about to get a Leupold Mark 4 10x40mm LR/T M3, obviously fixed at 10x (like the M24 SWS...I understand the Marines' M40 uses an Unertl, but also fixed at 10x).

It's going to go on a National Match M1A.

I only have experience with hunting animals but I imagine the same would apply when trying to disable other targets. My experience was that when I got ready to shoot(meaning the deer/pig/whatever came out), I just threw the gun up and whatever the zoom was set at on my Zeiss Diavari 3-9x32 was what I used.

That said, the variable zoom is something I have always had so I don't know anything else other than the SWFA Super Sniper 16x40 that is mounted on my DPMS LR-308. I just got this set up and I haven't had a chance to shoot it much. I can say that 16x is too much. I should have gotten the 10x.

kalima275Z · 08-12-2009, 03:07 PM

Depends on what you're using it for. If you're just plinking, get whatever. If you're serious...what reticle are you using?

Either way, if you go with a variable power and regardless of reticle, make sure it's first focal plane. Going second focal plane on a variable magnification scope is worthless.

Bottomline: I suggest variable/FFP/Horus reticle for serious use. For fun, get whatever and have fun.

^JMHO

Poison123 · 08-12-2009, 04:47 PM

I looked at those Horus reticles and jesus christ its not cheap to get a good manfu to put it on their scope.

zpak · 08-12-2009, 07:05 PM

Thanks for everyone's input. Really appreciate the replies!

To answer some questions, I'll mainly be using the rifle for range shooting. I don't plan on hunting. I can see that if the scope is fixed at 10x, hunting closer range targets can/will be difficult.

Kalima, the model I was looking at was a fixed 10x scope Leupold Mk4, so I'm not sure plane of focus is an issue. The reticle is going to have mil-dot graduations, though.

I guess the deeper part of the question is what gotime242 was getting at: I've read that fixed power scopes are more durable, lighter weight, and more accurate than their variable power counterparts, and I was just wondering if anyone had any experience to back up those claims?

Some snipers swear by fixed power, but I'm also aware that as scope technology gets better, this isn't necessarily true anymore.

dundonrl · 08-30-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zpak

[size="1"]

I'm curious because I'm about to get a Leupold Mark 4 10x40mm LR/T M3, obviously fixed at 10x (like the M24 SWS...I understand the Marines' M40 uses an Unertl, but also fixed at 10x).

It's going to go on a National Match M1A.

well.. here's what one sniper was using in Iraq..

Nightforce 3.5-15x50 NXS

http://www.nightforceoptics.com/MILI...tary___le.html

the story behind the bullet hole is in the link...

zpak · 08-30-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dundonrl

well.. here's what one sniper was using in Iraq..

Nightforce 3.5-15x50 NXS

http://www.nightforceoptics.com/MILI...tary___le.html

the story behind the bullet hole is in the link...

Awesome story. A true testament to the durability of the Nightforce, but moreover, the ruggedness of a variable power scope. Interestingly, he carried out the remainder of his mission at a fixed power of 15x?

SmoothZ · 11-11-2009, 10:55 AM

I just picked this up for my .22 rifle (Remington 597). It's a 3x9x40. Got it for $25 at the pawn shop.

http://www.simmonsoptics.com/Riflescopes_MS_PS.htm

08-11-2009, 09:14 PM	#1
zpak Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: P.V. to the O.C. Posts: 4,263 iTrader: (0)	Fixed vs. Variable power on scope? (Did a quick search here, didn't seem like it was addressed yet...) Which is the preferred scope? One with a fixed magnification/power or one with varible power? I've read many shooters forums regarding this debate and was just wondering what the gun community here at my350z thought. I'm curious because I'm about to get a Leupold Mark 4 10x40mm LR/T M3, obviously fixed at 10x (like the M24 SWS...I understand the Marines' M40 uses an Unertl, but also fixed at 10x). It's going to go on a National Match M1A.

08-12-2009, 05:54 AM	#2
gotime242 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Everywhere Posts: 843 iTrader: (2)	Well...i went with a fixed power 10x bushnell 3200. It seems that fixed power will be more durable and also allow the company to spend the money on quality/features elsewhere rather than on the zoom. But if you are into hunting or something you might like the adjustable zoom. __________________ Fast - Cheap - Reliable. Pick two...thats all you get.

11-11-2009, 10:55 AM	#12
SmoothZ Registered User 2003 Nissan 350Z Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 3,790 iTrader: (9)	I just picked this up for my .22 rifle (Remington 597). It's a 3x9x40. Got it for $25 at the pawn shop. http://www.simmonsoptics.com/Riflescopes_MS_PS.htm __________________ "Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us." - Calvin

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

08-12-2009, 06:31 AM	#3
Spork Shmoopsie Poo 1998 Nissan Skyline My Garage Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kadena AB, Japan Posts: 24,234 iTrader: (6)	What use? For deer hunting, I have a 3x-10x scope. The low settings are great for hunting in the woods or sitting in a stand while the 10x is awesome for long-distance field shooting.

08-12-2009, 07:33 AM	#4
Poison123 Google Bot Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlanta Posts: 4,417 iTrader: (2)	Get a Variable. If you have to shoot closer targets, a fixed scope can really screw you.

08-12-2009, 04:47 PM	#8
Poison123 Google Bot Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlanta Posts: 4,417 iTrader: (2)	I looked at those Horus reticles and jesus christ its not cheap to get a good manfu to put it on their scope.

08-12-2009, 07:05 PM	#9
zpak Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: P.V. to the O.C. Posts: 4,263 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for everyone's input. Really appreciate the replies! To answer some questions, I'll mainly be using the rifle for range shooting. I don't plan on hunting. I can see that if the scope is fixed at 10x, hunting closer range targets can/will be difficult. Kalima, the model I was looking at was a fixed 10x scope Leupold Mk4, so I'm not sure plane of focus is an issue. The reticle is going to have mil-dot graduations, though. I guess the deeper part of the question is what gotime242 was getting at: I've read that fixed power scopes are more durable, lighter weight, and more accurate than their variable power counterparts, and I was just wondering if anyone had any experience to back up those claims? Some snipers swear by fixed power, but I'm also aware that as scope technology gets better, this isn't necessarily true anymore.