Rifle Scopes Have Fixed Power Scopes Fallen Out of Favor?

[LeadSlinger585]

It seems like the fixed power scope has fallen to the wayside and been replaced with monster variable-power scopes (particularly the 20+ power Nightforce scopes).

Is the fixed power scope becoming a thing of the past?

I am a newcomer to the LRP game, and am deciding on what type of scope to get beginning with fixed vs variable. That said, I have a unfounded preference for the 10 power mil-dot scope (perhaps due to my attraction to the original USMC M40A1).

So... are the newer, more powerful, variable scopes a better choice? Or is the original 10 power just fine?

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

In short......yes. Because of advances in science and manufacturing variable is most often the way to go.

 

[Drifter™]

... is the original 10 power just fine?

Yep, fixed 10x is just fine. I have variables too, but enjoy fixed power as well. I get surprisingly good results on 10" steel at 600 yards using a fixed 6x.

That being said, even with fixed power, I still favor reticle and turrets in agreement (such as mil/mil).

 

[42769vette]

Is the fixed power scope becoming a thing of the past?

God I hope so. At one point fixed powers served a purpose, that point has come and gone. There is nothing a fixed power scope does that can not be done with a modern variable better. Now if we can just get rid of scout scopes.

 

[kmose73]

Fixed power scopes tend to be very rugged due to the fact that there are less moving internal parts. Also a fixed power can be had at a lower price point, which might get some people out there making shots faster instead of settling for a sub-standard variable scope that will only bring frustration. If money is no object, go variable, but I still believe fixed powers have their place.

 

[Crosshair]

The theoretical advantage of a fixed has always been more ruggedness due to no erector or power ring mechanicals, better light transmission due to less lenses and less internal reflections, easier to optimise an optic for a single magnification, and of course, cost of manfufacturing.

Nowadays however, the coatings and indexed matched lenses have gotten so good, aswell as the mechanicals, that the theoretical benifits don't really exist in the real world. The only leftover advantage is cost; their slightly cheaper to make compared to variables. Case in point, the SS 10x HD; it competes well against variables costing $500 more...

 

[George Az]

I used to love fixed power. My buddy got an import Steiner as I recall in the early 90's before all this L/R became so popular. That was one bad ass fixed 8x, the glass was sooo much better than anything that was out there. Now everyone is shooting so much further. 500-600 used to be the norm, but the envelope has been extended. Now 800 yards is being shot by many people including kids. It used to be 800 yards was a heck of a shot. There are 14 year olds banging the gong at 1K!

The development of powders, rounds, scopes and everything else has extended the ranges. Good glass is good glass, 10 x can be a fine scope, but when the ranges get out there and the mirage is bouncing, the variable power scopes gives you some options and do the job really well. If 10 X floats you boat use it, but there are times you might wish for a little bit more magnification especially on smaller targets.

 

[elfster1234]

Why wouldnt it when you have the option of a variable scope

 

[LeadSlinger585]

Why wouldnt it when you have the option of a variable scope

That's what I'm trying to find out.

 

[Rob01]

Years ago fixed power were more sturdy due to construction compared to variables but that is no more. Unless you are planning on trying to save a little money I see no reason to get a fixed 10x scope when there are many variables out there that are much more versitile under many shooting conditions. All you need to do is look at what scopes military rifles are wearing now. Lots of variables which were tested extensively.

 

[Former0302]

Less moving pieces to keep on top of and learn how to use (unless you have a FFP) and cheaper scopes. I think they still have their place.

You can also get decent variable power scopes for around $1K or so (SWFA SS 5x20HD for example).

 

[sib1948]

I agree that fixed power scopes with matching reticle and turrets still have a place in my arsenal. They serve a useful function in many situations.

 

[Rob01]

What situations where a good variable couldn't do the same thing?

 

[kraigWY]

Have Fixed Power Scopes Fallen Out of Favor?

Not for me they haven't. My Weaver T-10 has been working great for me in target shooting for nearly 35 years. Still works great.

My primary hunting scopes have been and still are fixed 4X's.

When I chose a LE Sniper Rifle for setting up a program for my Dept. I took the advise of the staff at the AMU Sniper School, went with a straight 6X, never looked back. Perfect for LE Counter Sniper Work in an urban environment.

I have several variable scopes but seldom use them I set them on a certain power and leave them there. The exception is my ART Leatherwood MPC, it changed powder automatically as you range your target.

No sir, fixed power's haven't fell from favor to me.

 

[tylerw02]

Fixed power scopes were great.......

...in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. Hell, I'll give you the 80s. But its old and outdated technology and should be avoided by all but those on the tightest of budgets.

 

[42769vette]

I have several variable scopes but seldom use them I set them on a certain power and leave them there.

Thats the point we are all trying to make. A variable power scope can do everything a fixed power can by leaving it at a certain power setting, but it also has the option of dialing down and dialing up. No one is saying fixed powers don't work, we are saying they dont work as well as a modern variable.

 

[g3ninfinite]

Not for me they haven't. My Weaver T-10 has been working great for me in target shooting for nearly 35 years. Still works great.

My primary hunting scopes have been and still are fixed 4X's.

When I chose a LE Sniper Rifle for setting up a program for my Dept. I took the advise of the staff at the AMU Sniper School, went with a straight 6X, never looked back. Perfect for LE Counter Sniper Work in an urban environment.

I have several variable scopes but seldom use them I set them on a certain power and leave them there. The exception is my ART Leatherwood MPC, it changed powder automatically as you range your target.

No sir, fixed power's haven't fell from favor to me.

im kind of interested to know what fixed 6x scope is or was considered viable for taking LE type shots.

 

[kraigWY]

The 6x was at the top of the AMU's recommended list, reason being is LE officer snipping is short range. But they often don't have a lot of time. They recommended a 223 zeroed for 250 yards. That way you could make head shots to 300 yards w/out hold over/under. The fixed 6x was perfect for this.

 

[g3ninfinite]

The 6x was at the top of the AMU's recommended list, reason being is LE officer snipping is short range. But they often don't have a lot of time. They recommended a 223 zeroed for 250 yards. That way you could make head shots to 300 yards w/out hold over/under. The fixed 6x was perfect for this.

But which scope did you field?

 

[kraigWY]

The Redfield Widefield w/the 6X duplex crosshairs.