Rifle Scopes Why a fixed scope?

[icor1031]

It may be a myth, but I have often heard that most military and police use fixed scopes, usually 4x.

Why so? I know with cameras, the adjustable lenses are normally less sharp.

And I understand if you change the zoom, so does your use of the mil dots. However, you could just get a 4-12x scope and bring it back down to 4 any time you need the dots.

Is it because of the added weight on an adjustable zoom scope?

Is there a one-size-fits-all magnification? If you get too much, near shots are either out of focus, or they're hard to 'find.' But is 4x enough for the long shots, 600-800yd?

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Why a fixed scope?

You heard wrong.... the only fixed 4x that I the Military uses in any numbers if the ACOG, most LE that I've shot with are using a variable of some sort also.

 

[icor1031]

Re: Why a fixed scope?

What do most use, 3-9 3-12 4-16 6-24 etc?

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Why a fixed scope?

the majority of LE around here, are using a Leupold VX # 3.5-10x50... most tactical shooters tend to like a variable in the 3-12x...4-14x range.

 

[Northland]

Re: Why a fixed scope?

Out of the LEO Sniper schools I've been too I've never seen a fixed power scope on a rifle. Esp not a 4x.

MK4's are going to be mostly what LEO's have. 3.5-10's or 4.5-14's 9 out of 10 times.

 

[icor1031]

Re: Why a fixed scope?

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[fast_dave]

Re: Why a fixed scope?

Back in the late 40's and through the early 60's, lots of military scopes were 6X scopes made in Germany.

 

[JFComfort]

Re: Why a fixed scope?

I believe fixed power scopes were preferred back in the day because they were strong.

 

[kujo929]

Re: Why a fixed scope?

I've only seen variables in current use with LE snipers. Mostly 3.5-10x. Some 6-20x as well. My department does not use any type of ranging reticle either. Where as I doubt a military sniper would use a scope without one. Different scopes for different uses.

 

[Exemer]

Re: Why a fixed scope?

I actaully have a SS 16x scope on my 308 and it has some of the best features that a scope could have (less the zero stop). The fixed power for me is fine and i dont really find a dire need to zoom in and out when the furthest i ever shoot with it is 300 yards (cant really find a range that goes over 300 where im at). But since i got an lmt a while ago i need to find a good range to stretch its legs.