Rifle Scopes A very basic question regarding mirage and backing off magnification

[RadioActivity]

Question. I understand a lot of guys back down magnification to "combat mirage". But what does this actually gain besides reducing the perception of mirage? IE, the image you are seeing is either larger or smaller based off mag setting, but is in fact the SAME image regardless? So at reduced magnification you just cant resolve the detail level to notice mirage/heat waves as well? What benefit does the lower magnification actually have to the shooter? The shift/shimmer of the target is present regardless is it not because of the atmospheric effects BETWEEN the scope lens and the target? Regardless of magnification level?

Hopefully I worded that well enough.

 

[1moaoff]

When zoom is high enough image CAN POTENTIALLY be non usable. If you cant see the target or you can see the target more clearly which would you rather shoot at.

 

[McCrazy]

Maybe the best way to put it is that zooming out when there is heavy mirage simply allows the shooter to ignore the mirage and take the shot with less distraction.

Using less magnification, you not only see less mirage but you see your target shifting around less due to distortion. This reduces your chances of inducing an aiming error as you chase the target around with your reticle.