Rifle Scopes Fixed vs. Variable Power

[Exo]

which do you prefer and why?
also
what power fixed and what power(s) variable?


Rifle: Rem700 .308, general purpose hunting/target, max distance would be 800 or so yards. prefer Mil/Mil adjustable turret. obviously price is a huge factor so please keep that in mind. To put myself into a price range, I have been looking at the SWFA SS line of scopes.

Thanks

 

[seanh]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

Personally, I like variable power scopes due to the versatility.

My rifle is an everything gun I like being able to go from fast target acquisition to grouping magnification with just a twist of a dial. Also, if I get short range shots for something like hog hunting, the higher power I like at long ranges doesn't work so well at ranges under 100 yards.

When I have had fixed power, 10x was a good power for me...on my variable power, 6-24 is what I've been using, though I did like 4-20 as well.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

All things equal, I would take a variable power, hands down. But for precision tactical scopes around the $300 price point, it's hard to beat the SWFA 10x/12x. I would much rather have a good fixed power than a crappy variable power. That said, going up to $500 really gives you a lot of good variable power optics to choose from.

 

[fireEMT5]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

$500 - $600 will get you into a SS 3-9.

$1000 will get you into a SS 1-6

$1000 - $1500 will get you into a used or new SS 5-20 with or without illumination.

I have the SS 3-9 and 5-20 non illuminated and both have sat atop my .308. Prefer the 5-20 when shooting targets and steel at distance. For the deer hunting I do, the 5 on the bottom end of the 5-20 is a little much, so the 3-9 is better suited for the hunting I do.

If budget is the paramount factor, a fixed SS will save you money, but if you can get buy spending a little more and don't need over 9x, the 3-9 is a heck of a scope.

I would certainly look at a variable. In my opinion they are just more versitile.

 

[SIG700]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

Vortex 5-15x44 (the Midway model)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/183567/...t-reticle-matte

$500 and in stock
Mil/Mil (SFP though)

 

[Exo]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SIG700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Vortex 5-15x44 (the Midway model)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/183567/...t-reticle-matte

$500 and in stock
Mil/Mil (SFP though) </div></div>

From what i understand about FFP and SFP scopes is that to accurately range targets with an SFP, you have to be set on a certain power (typically the highest), is that correct? That part doesnt really bother me.

Something in my gut was telling me to go variable as it is a general purpose gun, and thats really why i havent gotten out my credit card yet. The scope I have now is MIL/MOA 3x9 and while I like it, I do want MORE magnification.

 

[roggom]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

The Vortex HS is a nice scope, the one from midway has external elevation and windage turrets. The 4-16x44 and 4-16x50 Long Range come in FFP and SFP flavors. I like them because of the .5 Moa elevation turret. WIth a 308 shooting 178 Amax, I can dial to 800 in one turn. The 16 x is plenty to shoot out to 800, but I typically keep mine around 8 for a wider field of view. I use mine for hunting Antelope, and I can range with the scope at max, but honestly I just use an LRF.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/viper_hs_riflescopes

The XLR version is FFP moa/moa

 

[Hairball]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

I wanted to put a 17x or 22x fixed power on one of my rifles; however, USO no longer makes them so I went with a S&B variable. If the rifle is used for long range, the dial will most likely be cranked all the way up anyhow.

 

[roggom]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

Sure, but you can always crank down from mirage with a variable.

 

[JWEvans]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

I ran a fixed 10x mil/mil scope for tactical style matches with yardages ranging from 200-600 yeards before I had the funds to drop $1,000 on a variable power mil/mil FFP scope. I prefer the Variable power scope because of the versatility and it helps to be able to read your number target at 300 yards instead of asking the guy next to you which one has your number. haha Other than that I was not really at a disadvantage and I recommend not going over 12x fixed power or you will have trouble finding your target.

 

[z28kid]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

I have a 4-16 power ffp on my .308(my recommendation for tactical/hunting rig), I shoot mainly to 800 and the only time I ever have it on 16x is to mil a target for practice. 0-600 yards I prefer it on 8x, and past 600 I like it on 10-12x.

I could never use a 16x or higher fixed unless it was on a rig designated for ELR. A fixed 10x or 12x would be perfect for a tactical .308 rifle to its limits in my opinion.

TJ

 

[Exo]

Re: Fixed vs. Variable Power

alright guys, i THINK i have made my mind up and have decided to go variable power. i decided to save up the extra bit and do this right so i am going to buy a base, rings, and scope all at the same time. here is my planned future setup (please critique)

Vortex Viper 5-15x 44 Tactical MIL/MIL scope

Burris 30mm rings

20moa elevated base


what are your thoughts???

again, thanks TONS for the input!!