Rifle scopes: fixed vs. variable power

[wadeocu]

Any thoughts on this issue? Some of my references (some of which are over 20 years old) indicate that fixed power scopes are better than variable citing, among other factors, the fact that they have fewer moving parts as making them more rugged and reliable. 4x is the recommended power according to these same sources. I am wondering, however, if variable power scopes have improved since these opinions were expressed. I'm in the market for a mid-grade scope such as a Zeiss Conquest, Khales or perhaps a Leupold. Variable power is definantly more prevalent among these lines, but I am curious about the preference for fixed power that I have seen some knowledgable folks express.

[wtnhunt]

Guess it boils down to preferences. I prefer a 3-9 for deer hunting, they work for me and I have no complaints. I would not want a fixed 4 power scope for deer hunting here.

[Leo]

When variable scopes first hit the market, parallax shift was a real serious problem.

Nowadays on most mid grade variables it's not so bad. But if you have a variable that has more than 9x at the top end, usually an adjustable objective is prescribed.

In addition to the ones you mentioned also check out the Meopta Meostars and Nikon Monarchs.

[Guest Colorado Bob]

wade---My rifles wear Leupolds in either 3x9 or 2.5x8. I like to crank up the power when the shot is out there @ 200 yards. But while on an elk stand I looked at my wife's scope & she had it cranked up to 9x. Not good if the elk comes in close. I changed her scope to a straight 6x Leupold. So, she never has to remember to down it down. If you ever talk to elk guides, they all have stories of dudes missing an elk because the scope was cranked up to max-----even though they were told to make sure it's downed down to 3x or 4x.

Today's variables are just as rugged as a straight power.

My rule of thumb is if you want a straight power----4x east of the Mississippi, 6x west of the Mississippi.

Personally, I like the Leupold VX-II 3-9 -- 40mm. It's what's on my new Tikka 30/06. My old standby Rem 700 in 30/06 wears a Leupold VarX-III 2.5x8------it has taken a lot elk, antelope, deer, a couple of black bears, a bighorn ram, mtn goat & this year a moose. Variables work IMO. CB

[stevebeilgard]

i'm like co.bob. my scopes are leupold 3x9. i keep them on 4 power for sighting in, and most of my hunting. when i need to crank it up, i do. then put it back

[aksheephuntress]

We have var 3-9 on our rifles....it can handle 300-400 yd shots,and yet be quickly scoped down to 3, for bear.

....does anyone have any opinions on the best scopes that maintain visibility with changing moisture/fog/and sleet conditions????

[oldreloader]

I still have an old Redfield widefield low profile 2x7 on an old Rem 700 that has NEVER given me any problems and it has taken some pretty good jolts. I also have a Simmons Atec on a Weatherby Vanguard that works well too. I wouldn't worry about the fixed power being any better and I like the ability to turn the power up and down as needed.

[dbHunterNY]

I've always use a 3-9x scope. I've never had any problems with any of them. I currently have a Bushnell Elite 3200 and it seems to work well. I usually keep it on 3, because I'm usually in woods. I always leave it lower to quickly get on target (learned the hard way in my earlier stages of hunting).

- Dan

[RangerClay]

All of my scopes are 3x9. But you have to decide if you want 32mm or 40mm. I would recommend a 40mm for an all purpose rifle scope.