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