why no fixed power?

R

ratherbefishin

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years ago, a 4x scope was considered ideal for general hunting,then variables became in vogue.I have both-but generally my 2-7 variable stays on 4 x.I carry binos for checking-not my scope.I agree for certain situations-ie varmint hunting ,or long shots over clear cuts,a higher power would be useful-but for general hunting purposes,a low fixed power scope is all anyone really needs-or uses.My question is-is it not true that the more moving parts ,the higher the cost is and the more chance for failure there is?

Who,if anybody , makes a good quality,reasonably priced fixed power scope anymore?
 
http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/scopes/fx-ii-riflescopes/fx-ii-4x33mm/

leupold still makes fixed low powers
 
ratherbefishin said:
...My question is-is it not true that the more moving parts ,the higher the cost is and the more chance for failure there is? ...

Yes, all else being equal, but design and the technology of manufacture have brought us to a point where variables can be made so reliable at a reasonable price that the advantage of the fixed power in this respect is very rarely significant.
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I use three of them myself, all modern production Weavers. I've got a 36X on a Savage 12FV just for shooting itty bitty groups, a 15x on a Ruger #1V .22-250 for groundhogs and a T-6 on a Remington 541T .22lr for plinking. I personally like fixed power scope and for me, I still think there is more value for your money.
 
Most of my hunting rifles wear Leupold's excellent 6x42 fixed power scopes. Never felt handicapped by them, either, even on a looonnnnggg shot. Regards, Eagleye.
 
It's interesting that you mention a loooonnnggg shot with a fixed power scope. Last year I shot a doe at 381 yards with a 3.5-10x40 Leupold. However, in my enthusiasm I forgot to dial it up from 3.5x. It seems to me that a man who knows how to shoot could get a lot of work done with a fixed 4x or 6x scope.
 
I've got a new 4x Weaver on my BLR and I prefer it to the Variable Bushnell I used to have: I always seemed to have it on the wrong power. Plus the Fixed is a little smaller. The Variable is now on my coyote rifle until I figure out what fixed power I need.
 
Chuck said:
It's interesting that you mention a loooonnnggg shot with a fixed power scope. Last year I shot a doe at 381 yards with a 3.5-10x40 Leupold. However, in my enthusiasm I forgot to dial it up from 3.5x. It seems to me that a man who knows how to shoot could get a lot of work done with a fixed 4x or 6x scope.
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The nice part of my long shot [Remington 700 CDL, in 270 Winchester, loaded with the 140 Accubond at just over 3000 fps] was that I had three witnesses, two of which were on rangefinders, calling the distance. Muley went 30 feet in a tight circle after the shot and down, Double lung shot, 602 yards. Conditions, however, were perfect. Had they not been, I would have passed. The 6x42 was very adequate for this shot. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Bushnell still makes at least one, I think an Elite 3200, which is 10x. I remember reading somewhere too that this (10x) is still the standard scope that the US armed forces use - probably as a good an argument for its utility as one would find.
 
Falcon makes both 10x and 7.5x fixed power with adjustable objective. I haven't seen the 7.5x but it has a 56mm objective - it must be very bright.
 
I'd like a Leupold FX-III 6X42 with LR reticle.

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There are still a number of companies that make fixed power scopes and most have already been mentioned although I don't think Nikon was included in that...some decent well priced units. Now for the reason that you don't see many for sale or on many guns in the field...because the vast majority of shooters and hunters today want variable power scopes! It's not a matter of what works better or is easiest to use but what the current fashion is and what your buddy uses, I sell less than 2% of my scopes in fixed power. Some older mature hunters and those from Europe will still ask for fixed power but rarely due younger hunters (less than 50 yrs) ask for these. The reponses to this thread obviously show there is some interest in these but it is still relatively small in the big picture. Phil.
 
I'm a big fan of the fixed power Leupolds on hunting rifles. Keep your eyes open for a used M8 4x in good shape and you'll take it away for a great price.
 
I have a fixed 6x Bausch & Lomb on my 7.62x51,it shoots well under an inch and I never have to dial it up or down in a hunting situation.
The variables I have stay on 4x most of the time except for range work.
 
No you don't need a variable. If you leave it on one power all the time, you might as well have one. I have a B&L 2.5-10x40 on my hunting rifle, and for me it's the perfect scope. The magnification dial is easy to turn, and I nearly always ajust it for the shot. Walking/pushing bush it's always on 2.5 for running shots, and when the target is still a dial it up to what I like. If I bought a fixed, it would likely be a 4X, and would not be as nice for running and close shots. Different strokes for different folks!:D
 
I guess some of you use different rifles for different situations and game. Although, I use 3X most of the time for deer hunting up close in the eastern hardwoods, I really appreciate a variable when going for moose and especially caribou with the same rifle. I would feel limited with a 6x for close range shooting. It might be adequate for longer shots, but a poor choice for for woods hunting IMHO.

I guess it depends on your personal technique and situation.
 
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