Rifle scopes: fixed vs. variable power

[wadeocu]

I posted this in the 'equipment' forum and got some good answers, but thought I would present it here since deer hunting is what I do with my rifle - whitetails in bottom land cover in the Mississppi/West Tennesee/Arkansas area. I rarely get a shot opportunity over 200 yards. Here's the question:

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.

[Shaun_300]

I've always liked the variable power scopes, even my .22 has a 3-9x32 on it. My deer/moose rifle has a 4-12x40 on it. I just like having that adjustment on my scopes. I rarely turn them all the way up, unless I'm checking a target at a far distance after shooting to save me walking up and checking it. In the bush I have them set down low, and if I'm in a field I'll turn them up to 6-7 depending where the most probable location of seeing the game I'm hunting is.

A lot of my uncles use 4x scopes on their rifles, and have had good luck with them! I guess it's just a matter of preferance.

[wtnhunt]

Really in all honesty, this thread and the other probably could be in the rifle room.

Again, my preference for hunting here in West Tennessee where there are thick swamps into rolling hills where shots are rarely over 200 yards is a 3-9 variable power scope.

[LifeNRA]

Would I ever buy a fixed scope for my deer rifle, NO! As far as moving parts, its not an engine! Todays scopes are far superior than yesterdays fixed scopes!

The deer I shot this past year with my 270 was about 70-80 yards away. I had a window through the fallen trees about 15-20 inches square. If I would have left that scope set at 4 power. The chances of putting that bullet in the boiler maker would have been slim. I cranked the power to nine, which allowed me to see nothing but the deer in that window. I fire one time, and dropped my buck in his tracks. Sure it could have been done with a fixed power scope! But zooming in made me even more confident in my shot!

Why would you want to limit yourself?

:confused:

[Dubie]

Depends. I like having my 3-9x on my 7mm Rem Mag. But I also shot my 303 british on a 4x fixed scope for many years. I bought a new scope for my NEF inline muzzle loader, and opted for a new 4x fixed, and recently accuired a 3-9x for said .303. For closer shots in thick cover and low light, I find fixed a little better. at about 200 yards and up, I like having the zoom ability, though I find I run out of shooting light before the legal stop time....

[Ethan Givan]

I prefer variable powered scopes. If you have fixed power scope and a deer comes in close, the view through the scope can be out of focus, and the crosshairs can be hard to see. With variable just turn it down or up where you need it.

[Guest bertman]

3x9x40 and 2.5x12x50