Re: 6x or 10x
Hi Philip-
I have owned the 10x for a long time. It is an excellent scope, which delivers very good value for the money as a fixed 10x scope. I bought it when I was not really able to judge what I truly needed, due to lack of knowledge and skill. I am still not very skilled, but today I would not buy it, for the following reasons:
- it has a very narrow field of view
- it is large and heavy
- I like to buy multipurpose items, and this cannot be used either hunting or in tactical situations due to the characteristics above - it is solely for the range I think.
I do not own the 6x, but, based on the specs, it is the same weight and bulk, and the field of view is also limited, although less so (20 ft @ 100 yards). Between the 2, I would definitely choose the 10x if it is to be used for the range only, because the 10x is quite good and there is nothing to be gained by going to 6x.
However, I would not pick the SS overall. Like skatz11, I believe that Mueller scopes provide better scopes for the money. Their 3-9x44mm TACII goes for the same $$ ($300 or less), and provides a excellent variable scope that can also be used for hunting or in tactical situations, with a lower weight and bulk (about 15 oz), excellent warranty, and the same drawbacks (mildot vs MOA adjustments, no lighted reticle, no FFP). Chuck Hawks reviewed it very well, and Mueller has excellent user reviews. The size of this scope makes it more usable in the field. If you are ready to sacrifice size for larger magnification, you can look at their 4-16x50 illuminated reticle tactical scope, which weighs 20 oz, reviewed by
snipercentral, for about $250. For me, I cannot really use 16x in the field... I would rather have the low weight and bulk.
If, rather than looking for versatility in the field, you are more interested in versatility on the range, I would look at their 8.5-25x50 Eraticator, with an illuminated reticle, selling for about $250, also in your price range. The physical characteristics of it are very similar to the 10x SS, with a weight of about 20 oz. I don't own it but from the reviews I have read it is quite usable all the way through 25x, with good clarity. Chuck Hawks had a good review of it too. I have a hard time dealing with a variable scope which starts at 8.5x due to the limited field of view, but it is no worse than the 10x SS
That said, the SS scopes are good scopes, and, were you to select one of them, I don't think you would regret it. Every person's needs are slightly different
Good luck on your purchase!
Btw - I am not in any way associated with Mueller. I simply think they provide very good value for the money, with good quality products. Whenever I can when I look for multipurpose scopes, I use Leupold - in fact almost all my scopes are Leupold - but they cost 2x the price or more
