F-Class scope question

[dawgmaster]

I assume that the large majority of f-class shooters use variable power.

However, is there a range in which perhaps fixed power scopes do alright?

Perhaps out to 500 or 600?? Maybe only 300? And then variable powers take over?

I'm sure this has been over a few times...sorry!

 

[scout]

Comes down to personal preference and your eyes ... I shot 10x for a year to 1000 yards, then moved to 16x ... presentably using a 8-32x variable, but mostly fixed around the 27x mark due to mirage at longer ranges.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Magnification has also alot to do with the quality of glass.

Poor glass at high mag will not help as much as lower mag with high resolution glass.

But when high mag and quality glass meet, you can see, adjust precisely and put a bullet where you want.

Variables are really nice. I use one (Sightron SIII 10-50X60) but I also use a SII Big Sky 36X on my backup rifle and this works really well too.

I used to shoot an Elite 4200 6-24 but the lower mag and thicker reticle did obsure the target more then I wanted.

Now I use a FCH which is very very thin and at high mag, I can aim very precisely.

With the right coatings and glass, you can still use pretty high magnification even in heavy mirage conditions.

So if the budget allows, a high mag variable with a reticle to your liking is a wonderful investment.

But for a pretty low price, you can have a very competitive product in a fixed mag.

Also, make sure that the scope you choose has reliable tracking.

Jerry

 

[Bob Raymond]

Right forum gents.

 

[Ganderite]

If you have ever seen the internals of a zoom scope, you will be reminded more of a watch than a telescope.

High end zooms are fine. For mediocre scopes, a fixed power is far more reliable.

I use the latter and find fixed 20 to 24X scopes work well.

 

[5440fight]

If you using a mildot scope, easier range estimation with a fixed mag too.
10x seems about right to me for distance work. I'd love to play with a real high end scope at 1000m, but can't bring myself to spend thousands on a scope. yet.

 

[PeterPan]

I have been reading about what top shooters are using on their wining rigs and I see that NF in 12-42 is a king.
What about a guy who wants to get into the sport with Tikka HB Varmint rifle in 6.5x55. If I could pick just one scope to do all, if there is such a thing, which one I should go with.
Is it better to have less magnification but more MOA, like NF 5.5-22 and get away with base or use just 20MOA base, or go all the way and get 12-42?

Thanks

 

[Obtunded]

To the OP:

I have been competing in F-Class for a number of years now, and i can tell you that the ovewhelming majority of F-Class shooter use high-magnification variable power scopes. As PetePan mentioned the Nightforce 12-42X56 BR scope is the paradigm in F-Class. Scopes such as Sightron, Leupold and March also have followings. The reticle choice and the adjustments (1/8 MOA vs. 1/4) is what influences scope choice, and it is one reason why Bushnell and Zeiss are not popular choices in spite of having pretty good scopes otherwise.

Fixed power scopes will work, in fact I have a Weaver T-36, which is a fixed-power 36X scope. It is a gem with 1/8 moa adjustments and a 1/8 moa target dot. Unfortunately in sunny conditions at long range, when there is a great deal of mirage, having that much power is a problem. All you see is a wobbling fuzzy blob.

The ability to dial back on power is pretty much essential for best results. In Winnipeg last summer, I was shooting at 22X on my 42X scope in some relays. Chilliwack and Calgary were exactly the same.

One will never regret investing in good quality glass. It will last you a lifetime, and you can port them from gun to gun with the advent of quick release scope mounts such as the Leupold QRW's.

I often say it takes a wealthy man to buy cheap scopes, because in the end, those folks spend way more than if they just did it right in the beginning.

Don't take my word for it though... come out to an F-Class shoot and see what guys are using... LOOK through them.... COMPARE what is out there. They will explain graphically why so many free suggestions on the internet are out to lunch.


Ian