fixed vs variable

[ratherbefishin]

Years ago 2 1/2 or 4x scopes were all most people used,until variables took over.However-it seems to me most hunting conditions really haven't changed all that much and deer are still shot at well under 100 yards and even though rifles are capable of longer 400 yard shots-I wonder if the people using them are?
If you use a variable-how often do you actually change the magnification?

 

[heavyBullet]

I use the variable option quite often when hunting. I hunt deer on a friends farm, so in the morning I can be in the bush requiring very little magnification, and in the late after noon I may be hunting an open field requiring much more magnification. My 308 and 30-06 wear a 3x9x40 variable scope.

 

[blargon]

If in the close bush, I may have it on 2.5. When in the open I only turn it up to 4x. Only time mine see the high end is target shooting...

 

[notenough]

Low

I always have my scopes set on the lowest setting just incase something pops up close. If it's far you always have time to change the magnification if the game is not spooked.

If I'm stand hunting I'll turn up the magnification a little if I have an open field to cover.

 

[ratherbefishin]

when I first got it-I was constantly changing it-now it just sits on 4x when I'm in the bush ,except for sighting in so I can see the hits

 

[Levi Garrett]

I always have my scopes set on the lowest setting just incase something pops up close. If it's far you always have time to change the magnification if the game is not spooked.

If I'm stand hunting I'll turn up the magnification a little if I have an open field to cover.

good advice above here!

fixed, save weight, tougher scope overall,less moving parts, smaller
Variable power , multi use, close or far away. OA a bonus, also available on some fixed pwr
A note, good to check changing setting of power from the bench , shoot at low , then high, see if POI changes...

 

[ratherbefishin]

I've got to admit I've never felt hampered by using a 4x leupold when deer hunting but agree that higher powered scopes are useful for smaller targets like gophers,but in terms of practical deer hunting,I can't see much real practical advantage to variables-plus I read somewhere that the field of view is broader in a fixed power than in a variable-plus variables cost considerably more money than plain fixed power.I also wonder how much influence gun writers have on choosing new gear...or discarding old gear[ya just gotta have the very latest wiz bang 500 yard short mag rifle with a $1000 scope.....]

 

[Panman]

I've got to admit I've never felt hampered by using a 4x leupold when deer hunting but agree that higher powered scopes are useful for smaller targets like gophers,but in terms of practical deer hunting,I can't see much real practical advantage to variables-plus I read somewhere that the field of view is broader in a fixed power than in a variable-plus variables cost considerably more money than plain fixed power.I also wonder how much influence gun writers have on choosing new gear...or discarding old gear[ya just gotta have the very latest wiz bang 500 yard short mag rifle with a $1000 scope.....]

I think Blargon hit it on the head...

If in the close bush, I may have it on 2.5. When in the open I only turn it up to 4x. Only time mine see the high end is target shooting...

Many folks like to play on the range as much or more often than they hunt. My 3x weaver is fine in the field, but marginal over 100 yards at the range.

I think the real market for these wide-range variables are the guy who hunt once or twice a year, but still want to go and plink on the weekends. And many of the new hunting rifles can shoot near MOA (or better), so a good long distance shoot at the range is realistic.

And you could buy two, but that is likely far more expensive than having one nice 3-9 that you don't have to constantly remount.

 

[ratherbefishin]

true-you make a good point about usinf a higher power when target shooting-as well as the modern rifles capable of MOA-but suspect the rifles are capable of far better accuracy than most people are capable of shooting.

I'd like if someone could clarify how a fixed power scope compares to a variable in terms of field of view at the same magnification-is there any diference?

 

[Onagoth]

I always adjust my power setting based on the expected distance I am to be hunting at.

 

[Merllin]

Aim small... miss small....

 

[blargon]

true-you make a good point about usinf a higher power when target shooting-as well as the modern rifles capable of MOA-but suspect the rifles are capable of far better accuracy than most people are capable of shooting.

I'd like if someone could clarify how a fixed power scope compares to a variable in terms of field of view at the same magnification-is there any diference?

FOV changes with variables, depending on where its set at. But when a variable is set on 4x, the FOV is the same as a fixed 4x scope.

I have a couple fixed 4x scopes, perfect for big game hunting. However if you want to shoot targets at 2-300yds with the same rifle, the 4x is a little weak. That's where the advantage lies with the variables. You can dial it up for paper, and set it on 4x when you go hunting.

 

[SuperCub]

I use low powered variables. 1.5x5, 1.5x4.5, 1.5x6, 2x7, 2.5x8, 3x9.

They don't go from the lowest setting in the field and only at the range do they go higher.


.

 

[SuperCub]

Aim small... miss small....

Scope type and the way you use it ultimately depends on where you live and the type of hunting you do. I've never shot at any game over 150yds here in NB.

While big, high powered scope have use out west, they would be pretty much useless here in NB and alot of other places in Canada.

.

 

[Eagleye]

Most of my hunting rifles wear fixed power [6x42] Leupolds, which are just right for my type of hunting. Clear, robust and good light gathering capabilities. I am not intimidated about taking a long shot with one, they have proven their capability well past 500 yards. A varmint or precision rifle can afford more power, particularly if small targets are the norm. I like the 3.5-10 Leupold or better yet, the 6.5-20EFR Leupold. That said, I have 24X and 36X on some CF LR and 22 BR rifles. If I am hunting with a variable, it generally sits at 6x and stays there. The statement that many cannot shoot to the potential of their equipment probably has some virtue. A practiced shot can do well with even lower powered optics. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[SandRoad]

I use low powered variables. 1.5x5, 1.5x4.5, 1.5x6, 2x7, 2.5x8, 3x9.

They don't go from the lowest setting in the field and only at the range do they go higher.

I am another advocate of low powered variables such as 1.5x5, or 1.75x6. I have no problem with a 1.75x6 out to around 400 yards for everything except varmints. Good optics make a huge difference when using a low powered optic at long range.

A high powered, but lower quality optic, gives the impression of a better sight picture and overall a better "image" at long range.

There is a huge difference between shooting off bags on a range and shooting in the field using an improvised rest, or heaven forbid, offhand.

 

[wonksy]

Scope type and the way you use it ultimately depends on where you live and the type of hunting you do. I've never shot at any game over 150yds here in NB.

While big, high powered scope have use out west, they would be pretty much useless here in NB and alot of other places in Canada.

.

C'mon Paul you musta let er fly at over 300 yards at that big 12 pter once upon a time.

 

[chappy]

i scope lever guns with 4x. all my others are 2x7 or 3x9. unless at the range there set around 5x and don't change in the field. i'm good to 300 yrds and i don't like to shoot that far. its nice to have a little more power at the range.

 

[Dogleg]

Nearly all my scopes bottom out at 3.5-4.5 power. Chances are that I'll be carrying it somewhere around there in the bush, and probably around 6 X in the open. We have more open space than you can point a stick at. Given any sort of longer shot and a bit of time I'm almost certain to crank it up to max. I sometimes think that I don't need a variable, just a scope with a toggle switch. Right up, or right down. Varmint shooting I'll use the max that mirage will allow.