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Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
#8691052
09/19/22 04:29 PM
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Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 909
DustyArmadillo
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Missed a deer recently, long story but part of the problem was I was fooling with the magnification.
Had it cranked way up and I couldn't even find the deer in the scope because the FOV was so small.
Rightly or wrongly, I'm considering selling all my variable power scopes with a few exceptions.
Has anyone used a fixed 6x42 or something like that?
Did you love it? Hate it? Meh?
Most of my shots are at low light, 200 yards and in.
All opinions are welcome.
-Nick
Last edited by DustyArmadillo; 09/19/22 04:30 PM.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691065
09/19/22 04:43 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,138
Creekrunner
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,138 |
I have one fixed 6X Leupold on a Ruger #1, 7X57, Mannlicher stock. Short little thing. I'm planning on using it this season. It certainly takes the fiddling around out of the equation. Once, on a hunt in Zimbabwe, we had a waterbuck at 70, then 200, then 50, then 300, wandering around, further and further back away from the river, with us following. Every time I got on the sticks, I was adjusting the variable scope. At one point, my PH, whom I was paying quite a bit a day, instructed me, rather firmly, to "quit #$%^&*( with your scope!" After getting over my anger, and having a "chat" with him, we came upon it again, I plopped down on my butt, and nailed him at about 100. 'Never thought about the scope.
Last edited by Creekrunner; 09/19/22 04:44 PM.
...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691366
09/19/22 10:03 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 923
BigDad
Tracker
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Tracker
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Most of my scopes are variable high power because I like semi-long range target shooting. I do have a couple of fixed 4X scopes on dedicated short range hunting rifles. I feel comfortable using the 4x out to 200 + yds on deer sized game. Theoretically, a fixed power scope will transmit more light than a comparable variable scope with similar glass quality and objective size so is a good fit for low light.
Joe
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691387
09/19/22 10:20 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
wp75169
THF Celebrity
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I love fixed power scopes. With a 3-15 I took two deer around 200 yards. With all the excitement I dialed it up. I dialed it up to 6x. That’s where I wanted to be based on what I saw.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691391
09/19/22 10:28 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
ChadTRG42
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Majority of hunters have WAY too much magnification on their hunting scopes. Unfortunately, we figure it afterwards when we have a problem. I hunt on about 3x to 4x. It's plenty of magnification and gives you a good field of view. If you want to take that precision shot and want to dial up, you can. You generally have time to dial up, but you rarely have time to dial down. I would recommend a scope with the low end around 3x or 4x, and hunt at that magnification. A 3x-12x or 4x-14x is plenty for hunting and even long range target shooting. My 308 Win wears a 1x-8x currently. I keep it on about 3x-4x almost all the time. When I want to make that precise shot at a 200 yard feeder, I'll dial up a little.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691396
09/19/22 10:38 PM
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Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 346
Big Sam
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2021
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I hunted in South Africa with a 2.5X10 scope. But I did the entire hunt on 4X. But to be fair the longest shot was 150 yards. If you have a guide with good binoculars or spotting scope all you need to do is put the bullet where the cross hairs are. But sometimes you need to see in shadows and need to identify critters at distance. Except for target identification there is very little you can't do with a 6X or less scope.
I think all have put a scope to the eye and found it was at high power when we wanted low power. To overcome that I paint the scope power ring with a big while blob where the power is lowest and 2 smaller white blobs about halfway up the power range. This has served me very well.
In the last few years I have hunted TX hogs with a 4X prism, 3X prism and a 1.5X6 30mm Burris. The all work well but my favorite is the 3X prism. I shoot long range but have never hunted long range.
"Group think" is not thinking. It is the lack of independent thought. It is a cancer of the mind.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691424
09/19/22 11:22 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,606
603Country
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I used a 6 power Leupold on a 270 for quite a few years. I never felt like I really needed more magnification. Longest shot, if I remember correctly, was 365 yards on a coyote. It’s really all a fellow needs unless he’s shooting at real distance.
These days I have all variables, and hunt at 8 power mostly, unless I’m hunting close in. Got to pay attention to the setting though. I was out after coyote, with my old 220 Swift, which had, and has, a Leupold 6.5-20 on it. I had been shooting it that day, and had it set on 20 power and forgot to set it back to 8 power. Here came a coyote and I put the crosshairs on him, or some part of him. I saw fur, but what part of the coyote I was seeing, I don’t know. Live and learn.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691431
09/19/22 11:29 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168 |
Fixed makes thinks uncomplicated but like others have said, just make sure your variable is on a lower setting. Most of the time mine stays on 4X. Went on an oryx hunt and it was more open and left it on 6X. Shot was about 200 yards and never even thought about more magnification.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691453
09/20/22 12:12 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,045
David Maas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,045 |
My next scope will be a Meopta Meostar 7 x 56mm, if I can find one in stock MeoStar R1 7x56
NRA Endowed Patriot Life Benefactor GOA Life Member TSRA Life Member NSCA Life Member
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: David Maas]
#8691495
09/20/22 01:05 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168 |
My next scope will be a Meopta Meostar 7 x 56mm, if I can find one in stock MeoStar R1 7x56I have a Meopro 6X42. The glass is pretty amazing.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691519
09/20/22 01:38 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083 |
Missed a deer recently, long story but part of the problem was I was fooling with the magnification.
Had it cranked way up and I couldn't even find the deer in the scope because the FOV was so small.
Rightly or wrongly, I'm considering selling all my variable power scopes with a few exceptions.
Has anyone used a fixed 6x42 or something like that?
Did you love it? Hate it? Meh?
Most of my shots are at low light, 200 yards and in.
All opinions are welcome.
-Nick I use variable scopes 99% of the year. And I carry them and look through them almost daily. Strong policy, when I'm done shooting, or just picking up a rifle to move it to my next location. 1. Magnification at the lowest setting. 2. Elevation and wind turrets on 0 3. Focus knob set for 100 yards. A shot at any distance, I know everything has to come up. Weather it is magnification, focus, dial or hold elevation. I can snap shoot a coyote at 50 yards the way it is set. If I need to hit a coyote or hog at 500 yards, it all has to come up.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691530
09/20/22 02:00 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,900
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,900 |
Whatever a guy is used to and can make it work is what I'd do. I use all variables nowadays, but did have a Leupy FX2 6x on a 30-06 for a number of years before I sold that rig.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691539
09/20/22 02:17 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 11,912
ntxtrapper
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Posts: 11,912 |
I shoot high power variable scopes and leave them on the highest setting. I've never not been able to find a deer, or any other animal, after looking through the scope. I guess I either shoot/hunt a lot, or I'm missing something that others are doing or not doing.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691556
09/20/22 02:44 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
All of my hunting scopes are variable, 3-15 or 3-18. Like mentioned above I always keep them at the bottom of the range. Once I get something in the crosshairs I'll dial up a little if I need to. I have a throw lever on my magnification ring so it is quick and easy to dial up.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691573
09/20/22 03:15 AM
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 473
RevolverFan
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 473 |
Nice to have the zoom if you want to check on something just keep that baby around 4/6 to start as others have said
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691595
09/20/22 04:15 AM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,883
Ol Thumper
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,883 |
Know your equipment and you can adjust on the fly, mine are set on 6 and 3 for dusk and dawn but I can adjust it while bringing the gun up to shoot. Never leave it turned all the way up and always check it’s setting when you get in the stand or before the hunt. In 40 years of hunting I’ve never once had a missed opportunity at an animal due to the scopes setting. The key, know your equipment and know what it’s set on at all times..
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691659
09/20/22 12:11 PM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,027
Hudbone
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Posts: 14,027 |
utilize a Leupold fixed 6 on my 22 250 and absolutely love it.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691674
09/20/22 12:25 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
redchevy
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I have nothing against fixed power scopes and similarly nothing against variables. Can’t count how many deer I e shot inside 50 yards with a 3-9 on 9 power and never had an issue finding my target in the scope.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8691804
09/20/22 03:14 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,782
txtrophy85
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,782 |
Don’t really have a use for a fixed power in todays time.
I’ll leave my variables on 4 and crank them up as needed but I’ve shot game with them cranked all the way up out of a blind.
Like Chevy mentioned I’ve shot alot of game under 100 yards with the scope on 9 power and never had any issues.
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8692115
09/20/22 11:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,226
QMC SW/EXW
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,226 |
My 308 wears a 4x Nikon. It has done all I need a scope to do but I keep shots at 250 yards or closer. If I think I'm going to be shooting farther than that I carry my 7mm Mag with a variable.
Retired Navy Chief NJROTC Instructor for Tascosa High School
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: Big Sam]
#8692207
09/21/22 02:31 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576
Sneaky
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576 |
I hunted in South Africa with a 2.5X10 scope. But I did the entire hunt on 4X. But to be fair the longest shot was 150 yards. If you have a guide with good binoculars or spotting scope all you need to do is put the bullet where the cross hairs are. But sometimes you need to see in shadows and need to identify critters at distance. Except for target identification there is very little you can't do with a 6X or less scope.
I think all have put a scope to the eye and found it was at high power when we wanted low power. To overcome that I paint the scope power ring with a big while blob where the power is lowest and 2 smaller white blobs about halfway up the power range. This has served me very well.
In the last few years I have hunted TX hogs with a 4X prism, 3X prism and a 1.5X6 30mm Burris. The all work well but my favorite is the 3X prism. I shoot long range but have never hunted long range. How does a person use a 2.5X10 scope on 4X?
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: Sneaky]
#8692240
09/21/22 03:58 AM
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Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 346
Big Sam
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 346 |
I hunted in South Africa with a 2.5X10 scope. But I did the entire hunt on 4X. But to be fair the longest shot was 150 yards. If you have a guide with good binoculars or spotting scope all you need to do is put the bullet where the cross hairs are. But sometimes you need to see in shadows and need to identify critters at distance. Except for target identification there is very little you can't do with a 6X or less scope.
I think all have put a scope to the eye and found it was at high power when we wanted low power. To overcome that I paint the scope power ring with a big while blob where the power is lowest and 2 smaller white blobs about halfway up the power range. This has served me very well.
In the last few years I have hunted TX hogs with a 4X prism, 3X prism and a 1.5X6 30mm Burris. The all work well but my favorite is the 3X prism. I shoot long range but have never hunted long range. How does a person use a 2.5X10 scope on 4X? I turned the scope to 4X and left it there for the hunt.
"Group think" is not thinking. It is the lack of independent thought. It is a cancer of the mind.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: Big Sam]
#8692254
09/21/22 04:34 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,835
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,835 |
I hunted in South Africa with a 2.5X10 scope. But I did the entire hunt on 4X. But to be fair the longest shot was 150 yards. If you have a guide with good binoculars or spotting scope all you need to do is put the bullet where the cross hairs are. But sometimes you need to see in shadows and need to identify critters at distance. Except for target identification there is very little you can't do with a 6X or less scope.
I think all have put a scope to the eye and found it was at high power when we wanted low power. To overcome that I paint the scope power ring with a big while blob where the power is lowest and 2 smaller white blobs about halfway up the power range. This has served me very well.
In the last few years I have hunted TX hogs with a 4X prism, 3X prism and a 1.5X6 30mm Burris. The all work well but my favorite is the 3X prism. I shoot long range but have never hunted long range. How does a person use a 2.5X10 scope on 4X? I turned the scope to 4X and left it there for the hunt. So, you had a 2.5-10 x whatever the objective of the scope is. Sneaky knew what you were saying, he was just pointing out your error. Kinda like calling a magazine a clip.
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: DustyArmadillo]
#8692551
09/21/22 06:09 PM
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 99
M1John
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 99 |
I use a FX 6x42 Luepold on my Marlin 336 chambered in .35 Rem. Works well for me for the ranges that cartridge will shoot.
John
Texas LTC Instructor NRA Patriot Life Benefactor Member NRA Instructor in Pistol, CCW, PPITH, PPOTH, Shotgun, Rifle, Reloading, and a NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
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Re: Opinions on Fixed Power Scopes?
[Re: M1John]
#8692615
09/21/22 08:01 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,544
thedoveshooter
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,544 |
I use a FX 6x42 Luepold on my Marlin 336 chambered in .35 Rem. Works well for me for the ranges that cartridge will shoot. I've got a Weaver K6-60 B1 on my Husqvarna 8x57mm. Figured 6x will cover any range I'll need to shoot a 200 gr. bullet @ 2600 fps.
Last edited by thedoveshooter; 09/21/22 08:01 PM.
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