Educate me please. What is the intended use of say a 10x fixed power? Why would you want/need this over say 3-15x

To save money.

Less weight, fewer moving parts.

Because I couldn't find a 8X Unertl and the cost of mounting was also out of sight.

Fixed power scopes have less moving parts and tend to be more durable, too.

At one point, when fixed power scopes were in the majority, the theory (and practice) was that they were more durable. Now that variables are in the majority, it's likely that they are just as durable as fixed power scopes. Some still think that in the cheaper scopes, a fixed power unit is likely to be more durable.

FWIW, the 6x Leupolds have a rep of being bulletproof.

I was speaking about current scopes. The main reason to buy a fixed is to save money. I've got (and had other) variable powered that got, and get, worked harder in a year than most folks will put them through in a lifetime. They've held up fine, and provided clarity at every magnification setting.

Durability, and cost savings...I like mine for simplicity too...I have a fixed 10x US Optics and a 16x super sniper...good simple optics...

For hunting in the woods or in a blind looking at a feeder
a fixed 6X or even 4X works just fine.

Given the same optical quality, build quality, tracking accuracy, etc., a fixed power scope will be considerably cheaper than a zoom one. SWFA fixed power SS scopes are $299 (can be had for $250), while the 3-15 starts out at $499 or $599 IIRC (can be had for less on sale). My experience with my 16x SWFA versus the 3-15 SWFA scope was that my 3-15 didn't hold POI well as expected when I changed magnification. If I went from 8x to 15x, I would see a slight POI shift. Obviously I don't have that issue with my 16x. Less moving parts in a lower-end scope just tends to be more reliable. If I was going to upgrade in the SWFA lineup, it would probably be the 5-20 HD model.

Fixed that for you. The second focal plane model has been discontinued. However we will continue to make the FFP version.

Seems like someone told someone, on the phone 18 months ago the world needs an HD model of the SS 3-15X. I can't quite recall who those two guys were...

I'm old enough to remember when the old seasoned hunters said that a good fixed 4 power is all you need. They also said one of those new fangled variables will just get you in trouble because you'll have it set too high or you'll be fumbling with it when that big buck steps out.

Nothing to mess with point and shoot.

Thanks Skylar. Good to know.

If you're open to other suggestions, the reticle from the 3-15 was my favorite part. It had the center dot, which I really liked in comparison to the normal crosshairs on my 16x. Just my $.02. I'll probably upgrade to the 5-20 HD eventually anyway, but figured it was worth mentioning since you're here. Not sure which reticle the 5-20 HD has? Love my 16x though. Good optics, construction, and tracking. Even better considering the price.

One more note: my daughter loved when you guys had Santa out front last year (was it on black Friday?). Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know that we appreciate stuff like that and you always have good, helpful employees running the shop as well. One of my favorite places to go visit even though it isn't close by.

A fixed 10x just won't work well for me on medium game that walks out of cover under 50y. If all my shots are going to be longer range than that it's are safer, but I may be a slower to get on target. I like a good low range of 2x or 3x and 4x at a maximum for hunting. If I'm shooting off hand the issues are even more pronounced. Just my 2c ymmv.

I am not afraid of spending some money on optics, and certainly have. But I LOVE having a SWFA SS fixed power scope sitting around for range use. They are cheap, and lightweight. And the elevation adjustments track true. Been using a 16x, wanting to try out the 10x with HD glass.