Looking at SWFA scopes as an entry level for me. Im a beginner once its past say 150 yds. Anyway what power would you take? Id also like the Ability to still shoot down to 100yds as well. Will the 16x be too much for 100|?
Rifle Scopes What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
- Thread starter Smith97z71
- Start date
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
12x..... Given your options.
Field of view, exit pupil, and acquiring your target will be easier/better.
I shoot at 600 with a 3-9 and 10x regularly. 12x should be just fine.
12x..... Given your options.
Field of view, exit pupil, and acquiring your target will be easier/better.
I shoot at 600 with a 3-9 and 10x regularly. 12x should be just fine.
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
Yeah I was leaning to the 12x due to the Field of View mainly.
Yeah I was leaning to the 12x due to the Field of View mainly.
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
12 should be plenty.
12 should be plenty.
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
I wouldn't overdo it on magnification, in my opinion, its the most common error people make when buying optics. The military used fixed 6X scopes on the M24 for a long time and 1000 yard hits are very doable with it.
I like to treat myself to a sniper course every year, and last year i did in Las Vegas with my fixed 10x IOR.
Though the longer distance stuff wasn't an issue, alot of the stages and drills were within 100 yards, and some 50 and closer.
The close range drills were a big problem with the 10x fixed.
I shot the wrong target a couple times on some of the 100yd and 50yd stages due to such a limited field of view. Rather than replace a 1000.00 scope with a variable, I mounted a Burris fastfire II on the sope at a 45 degree angle and solved all the closer range, timed non precision problems.
If you're like me and trust the durability of fixed scopes over variables, I think you should go with less megnification, definitely 10x or under, and get a backup sight for close range like and RMR, Fastfire, Deltapoint or something.
A good clear 6x or 10x will beat a mediocre 12 or 16 all week and most of friday too!
Targets out to 1000 yards aren't pushing the limits of 10x magnification at all, not even close. The limiting factor is the shooter, wind, shooter knowledge, sun, etc etc.
I'd worry about having too muchmagnification rather than too little.
I wouldn't overdo it on magnification, in my opinion, its the most common error people make when buying optics. The military used fixed 6X scopes on the M24 for a long time and 1000 yard hits are very doable with it.
I like to treat myself to a sniper course every year, and last year i did in Las Vegas with my fixed 10x IOR.
Though the longer distance stuff wasn't an issue, alot of the stages and drills were within 100 yards, and some 50 and closer.
The close range drills were a big problem with the 10x fixed.
I shot the wrong target a couple times on some of the 100yd and 50yd stages due to such a limited field of view. Rather than replace a 1000.00 scope with a variable, I mounted a Burris fastfire II on the sope at a 45 degree angle and solved all the closer range, timed non precision problems.
If you're like me and trust the durability of fixed scopes over variables, I think you should go with less megnification, definitely 10x or under, and get a backup sight for close range like and RMR, Fastfire, Deltapoint or something.
A good clear 6x or 10x will beat a mediocre 12 or 16 all week and most of friday too!
Targets out to 1000 yards aren't pushing the limits of 10x magnification at all, not even close. The limiting factor is the shooter, wind, shooter knowledge, sun, etc etc.
I'd worry about having too muchmagnification rather than too little.
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
I'd tell you to go with a 10X, unless you have some vision deficiency. Allot used and continue to use 10X to engage targets easily in the 600-800 meter range. Plus with a 10X you can find many in the top line if scopes. And in the lower price range the Sightron 10X42 SIII is excellent. Or if you can spend a bit more the ST10 is one of the best 10X made. (I'm talking this one that US has discontinued;
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/158506/...1-reticle-matte)
I'd tell you to go with a 10X, unless you have some vision deficiency. Allot used and continue to use 10X to engage targets easily in the 600-800 meter range. Plus with a 10X you can find many in the top line if scopes. And in the lower price range the Sightron 10X42 SIII is excellent. Or if you can spend a bit more the ST10 is one of the best 10X made. (I'm talking this one that US has discontinued;
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/158506/...1-reticle-matte)
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
If your on a budget, consider the SWFA 10x42 Milquad @ 300.00 or the 10x42HD Milquad for 800.00:
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-MRAD-Scopes-C4225.aspx
The 800.00 scope has glass comparable to some of the more choice brands.
The 300.00 version isn't as clear and sharp but is a durable scope if its what your budget allows. Either way, you'll be happy.
If your on a budget, consider the SWFA 10x42 Milquad @ 300.00 or the 10x42HD Milquad for 800.00:
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-MRAD-Scopes-C4225.aspx
The 800.00 scope has glass comparable to some of the more choice brands.
The 300.00 version isn't as clear and sharp but is a durable scope if its what your budget allows. Either way, you'll be happy.
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
Would you consider the SS 3-9 as an option? Just a thought and would be more versitle for someone just getting started.
Would you consider the SS 3-9 as an option? Just a thought and would be more versitle for someone just getting started.
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
Ideally I like a 3-15ish power scope but a straight 10x is a nice compromise. Get the one with mil click knobs for 300$. Would only go with the 16x if you plan on using it for F class paper.
Ideally I like a 3-15ish power scope but a straight 10x is a nice compromise. Get the one with mil click knobs for 300$. Would only go with the 16x if you plan on using it for F class paper.
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 10X on my CZ 455 Varmint 22LR and was making hits on 18 inch gong at 400 yards just today,,I need about 10-12 more Minutes of taper to zero at 400 but with 56 Minutes elevation from 100 zero plus 3 Mils on the reticle and while I couldnt hear the ting that far with muffs on I could see the hits on the fresh white paint,
with 30 Minutes dialed up I was making hits at 200 and 300 with the reticle.
it seems to track well and is decent glass for the money,,
I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 10X on my CZ 455 Varmint 22LR and was making hits on 18 inch gong at 400 yards just today,,I need about 10-12 more Minutes of taper to zero at 400 but with 56 Minutes elevation from 100 zero plus 3 Mils on the reticle and while I couldnt hear the ting that far with muffs on I could see the hits on the fresh white paint,
with 30 Minutes dialed up I was making hits at 200 and 300 with the reticle.
it seems to track well and is decent glass for the money,,
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ken226</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't overdo it on magnification, in my opinion, its the most common error people make when buying optics. The military used fixed 6X scopes on the M24 for a long time and 1000 yard hits are very doable with it.
I like to treat myself to a sniper course every year, and last year i did in Las Vegas with my fixed 10x IOR.
Though the longer distance stuff wasn't an issue, alot of the stages and drills were within 100 yards, and some 50 and closer.
The close range drills were a big problem with the 10x fixed.
I shot the wrong target a couple times on some of the 100yd and 50yd stages due to such a limited field of view. Rather than replace a 1000.00 scope with a variable, I mounted a Burris fastfire II on the sope at a 45 degree angle and solved all the closer range, timed non precision problems.
If you're like me and trust the durability of fixed scopes over variables, I think you should go with less megnification, definitely 10x or under, and get a backup sight for close range like and RMR, Fastfire, Deltapoint or something.
A good clear 6x or 10x will beat a mediocre 12 or 16 all week and most of friday too!
Targets out to 1000 yards aren't pushing the limits of 10x magnification at all, not even close. The limiting factor is the shooter, wind, shooter knowledge, sun, etc etc.
I'd worry about having too muchmagnification rather than too little.</div></div>
Yeah I will be honest I was looking mainly at the 10x fitst and then started leaning to the 12x but seen a 16x for sale for a good price. I have a Bushnell Elite 10x on my .22 and like it but wanted to try the SWFA for my next scope on my .308. I like the fixed power more than a variable as it seems more reliable and its just an easier concept. For close range I considered an option similiar to this
Or a red dot mounted off a side rail as ive seen some guys do but I like the pictured option better
Also thanks to all you guys for the good responses. I appreciate it
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ken226</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't overdo it on magnification, in my opinion, its the most common error people make when buying optics. The military used fixed 6X scopes on the M24 for a long time and 1000 yard hits are very doable with it.
I like to treat myself to a sniper course every year, and last year i did in Las Vegas with my fixed 10x IOR.
Though the longer distance stuff wasn't an issue, alot of the stages and drills were within 100 yards, and some 50 and closer.
The close range drills were a big problem with the 10x fixed.
I shot the wrong target a couple times on some of the 100yd and 50yd stages due to such a limited field of view. Rather than replace a 1000.00 scope with a variable, I mounted a Burris fastfire II on the sope at a 45 degree angle and solved all the closer range, timed non precision problems.
If you're like me and trust the durability of fixed scopes over variables, I think you should go with less megnification, definitely 10x or under, and get a backup sight for close range like and RMR, Fastfire, Deltapoint or something.
A good clear 6x or 10x will beat a mediocre 12 or 16 all week and most of friday too!
Targets out to 1000 yards aren't pushing the limits of 10x magnification at all, not even close. The limiting factor is the shooter, wind, shooter knowledge, sun, etc etc.
I'd worry about having too muchmagnification rather than too little.</div></div>
Yeah I will be honest I was looking mainly at the 10x fitst and then started leaning to the 12x but seen a 16x for sale for a good price. I have a Bushnell Elite 10x on my .22 and like it but wanted to try the SWFA for my next scope on my .308. I like the fixed power more than a variable as it seems more reliable and its just an easier concept. For close range I considered an option similiar to this
Or a red dot mounted off a side rail as ive seen some guys do but I like the pictured option better
Also thanks to all you guys for the good responses. I appreciate it
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
Fixed 10x, prolly start with a super sniper to learn on and go from there
Fixed 10x, prolly start with a super sniper to learn on and go from there
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
I have the SS 12x42 mil mil. I've used it just to 200 and it is very good to me for just shooting paper from 100. I'm really looking forward to the chance beyond 300 and as far as my 16" .308 is good for.
I have the SS 12x42 mil mil. I've used it just to 200 and it is very good to me for just shooting paper from 100. I'm really looking forward to the chance beyond 300 and as far as my 16" .308 is good for.
Re: What Fixed power for 3-500 Yds? 12 or 16
Another vote for the new 12x42 SS Mil-Mil.
Also don't forget about our http://www.samplelist.com/ site for used, demo, trade ins, etc. Lots of deals to be had on there.
Another vote for the new 12x42 SS Mil-Mil.
Also don't forget about our http://www.samplelist.com/ site for used, demo, trade ins, etc. Lots of deals to be had on there.
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