Fixed or variable for F class

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moeben

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I am looking to buy a new scope for F class shooting, goingz\ to spend a maximum of $1000. What are your thoughts on the pros and cons of fixed power vs. variable power. I am new to this game and wouldlike to hear your thoughts and experiances.
 
The short answer is, variable allows you to back off the magnification when heat mirage becomes a problem. I'm new to all this too by the way, but have seen how mirage can be a problem in some conditions, like at the KTSA ranges on a hot day.
Get a sunshade too. In early morning or late afternoon light, glare can be a problem.
 
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Was shooting at Connaught Fri & Sat in the 223 class on new 1/2min targets V bull at 300m is 1.5" app. using a 8 to 32x power variable scope I noticed after completing 15 rounds + 2 sighters, I got best visabilty on 18 power, but yestreday I was closer to max power for best visabilty. one shooter told me some good shooters watch the flow of mirage as much as wind flags,you do sure see the mirage at 32x Iam sure if a person was using a fixed 40x power he would be in trouble see target
 
Thanks guys I didn't think of the mirage problem and was leaning towards a fixed power. That definatly would be a problem, after all "you can't shoot any better than you can see".
 
Variable. Modern scopes don't shift POI when mag is changed and optics can be excellent throughout the entire mag range.

More options to dial into the ambient conditions.

Let me know if I can help you with product from Sightron, Bushnell Elite, Nikon.

Jerry
 
Modern scopes don't shift POI when mag is changed
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I understand that front focal plane reticles can maintain POI ...but I had understood that rear focal plane variables would always have some POI shift due to the requirement for sufficient tolerances necessary to allow the power changes over a range of temperatures....
 
AP, the position of the reticle has little to do with the stability as you change mag.

The mag change ring is in the same location for both 1st and 2nd focal place scopes. The only difference between these reticle locations is the 'size' of the reticle and its subtension as you change mag.

Better quality scopes don't shift POI through the mag range.

Jerry
 
AP, the position of the reticle has little to do with the stability as you change mag.
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That is incorrect Jerry .. but would take a long explanation as to why.

Briefly when the reticle is in the rear focal plane it is being moved in the same cell as the lens elements that increase the power. As any mechanical shift is subject to variation (however minute) as the power is changed so also will the position of the reticle against the target.

Front focal plane reticles do not move as the rear lens elements, controlling power, change position. Thus the reticle does not move against the image -- the downside is that the reticle gets magnified along with the image.

It is my assumption that you will disagree with me - that is fine - however I suggest you contact the technical department of the scope maker of your choice and ask them to explain this. If they disagree with what I have outlined above - please let me know which manufacturer you speak with - they are either using a very novel optical design - or they are not entirely candid.

(edit to add - incidentally avoiding reticle shift with power change is also one of the reasons that Premier Reticle has opted for a first focal plane reticle -- plus the added advantage that the MilDots can be used for relative ranging at all powers)
 
AP, thanks for the explanation. I will bring it up next time I am chatting with a scope tech.

I am sure there are many answers to this based on the how the scope is actually put together.

but at least we now have second fp scopes that seem to hold POI. I have done tests with a variety of Elite 4200 target scopes with no issues and I am sure we would hear complaints from NF users if this were the case. Pretty sure March is 2nd FP and users seems to think this is the best thing since sliced bread.

Jerry
 
Jerry - I am a big fan of the Elite scopes- they are excellent value I think. You are selling barrels, dies, bullets etc etc (and scopes) that have all benefited from CAD/CAM technology that did not exist a decade ago. The capability of the equipment you carry is so far advanced over what it used to be that scores in F class are climbing and we are seeing the "V" Bull being reduced in size to the point where it is becoming a little funny - and guys are still hitting it. No argument from me. And I would not argue with an assertion that our scopes - and the lines you carry - are pretty remarkable regardless of where they put the reticle.
 
I am very impressed with the new Sightron SII and SIII side focus scopes. You can read many positive reviews in the US. I have tested several and can say I am amazed at the clarity and resolution of the glass.

If you thought the Elite 4200 AO's and NF had good glass, you will be thrilled with these scopes.

As a new product, the mechanical dependability and durability is still unproven although no cries of horror yet. I am going to give a new SII side focus a very good work out and see if the guts work as well as the glass. I think the SIII have survived their first competition season and no obvious issues. Starting to feel confident saying these will work and stand up to useage.

Yes, the ability to produce superb products is getting almost common place and reasonably priced and the scores are reflecting that.

However, the winds and other nasty ambient conditions will likely never be tamed and no matter how good the gear, the shooter still has to know how to steer.

That is a very good thing.....

Jerry
 
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