Fixed magnification optics?

erwos · Jul 27, 2017

Anyone else here a big fan of fixed-magnification optics? I've been using them more and more on my rifle builds, usually 3x, 4x, 6x, or 10x depending on what platform they're going on. I like not having to worry about what level of magnification I'm at and always having the same eyebox when shouldering the rifle. I've also found that they tend to be much more compact and often weigh less than variable-power optics.

I guess you give up some flexibility vs a variable-power optic, but I feel like the simplicity outweighs that for me.

Doco Overboard · Jul 27, 2017

Fixed low power optics (scopes)are good for hunting in low to no light. Both eyes open stalking rifles too. That's what I prefer. Sometimes high magnification can decrease consistency on an unsupported rifle and for making long distance hits irons can have advantage for those with marksmanship skills as long as your eyes are still good. These are just my observations and may not work well for others.

GoGoGadget · Jul 27, 2017

I've become a big fan of the SWFA SS 10x scope. I agree that sometimes simplicity just works!

5.56blaster · Jul 27, 2017

I use a 10X on my tacticool long gun.

Biggfoot44 · Jul 27, 2017

Fixed power all the way !

Doco Overboard · Jul 27, 2017

Just look at the cost associated with optics, there's a reason lower power scopes are so expensive. Its a rookie mistake to crank up the big dog rig at twilight time.

HordesOfKailas · Jul 27, 2017

My irons don't have any option for adjusting magnification. Super low magnification too.

tmd99 · Jul 27, 2017

GoGoGadget said:
I've become a big fan of the SWFA SS 10x scope. I agree that sometimes simplicity just works!

+1

sailskidrive · Jul 29, 2017

The SWFA 10x is excellent for the $$$. I had one on my Rem700PSS for a while and really liked it.

mopar92 · Jul 29, 2017

HordesOfKailas said:
My irons don't have any option for adjusting magnification. Super low magnification too.

Says the dude with a scoped rifle as his avatar pic lol.

I like my fixed 3x for my trunk gun and red dot (1x) for HD. If I had to have 1 gun pull double duty it would be with a 1-6 variable though.

Uncle Duke · Jul 29, 2017

While not typically my preference, lots to be said for fixed power.

You can pay for glass, and you can pay for mechanics. But nothing is free. You don't get the best of each at the same price.

outrider58 · Jul 29, 2017

If I was to re-scope all my hunting rifles, over half would be switched over to fixed magnification, mostly in the 5x-6x power range.

j_h_smith · Jul 29, 2017

GoGoGadget said:
I've become a big fan of the SWFA SS 10x scope. I agree that sometimes simplicity just works!

+1

I've got this one my 50 bmg and it's good for the distances I'm shooting. I'm thinking about getting another for one more project.

Chris · Jul 30, 2017

I hunted for years with 4x scope on a bolt rifle-lot's of dead deer. No long range shots nothing over 200 yards 4x worked fine. Chris

Minuteman · Jul 30, 2017

Didn't the Marine snipers for many years use 10x fixed scopes?

Less complicated, more rugged, cheaper. What's not to like?

ohen cepel · Jul 30, 2017

Pretty sure the 10x sniper scope was common across all branches for many, many years. They have rather recently gone to adjustables.

I like a Leupold fixed 4 or 6 for a hunting rifle.

Have seen articles from professional guides where they get concerned when a hunter shows up with a 3x9. Since so often, they don't have it set on the right power to make the shot when the time comes.

Trying to find something close at 9 power is not going to happen fast, if ever.

MattTheGunslinger · Jul 30, 2017

My wife and I built matching ARs(that's true love right there) and we choose the Nikon P223 3x32 scope. We liked the compact size and simplicity. It's not too much magnification for close shots but just enough to make longer shots easier. Now I want to ditch my 3-9 scope and go with a fixed Leupold for my hunting rifle.

Doco Overboard · Jul 30, 2017

Minuteman said:
Didn't the Marine snipers for many years use 10x fixed scopes?

Less complicated, more rugged, cheaper. What's not to like?

I think the early fixed Unertal and Fecker scopes were 8x to 10x and were effective to 600 yds. and had a small field of view. I think the last one I seen was or still is on the CMP auction and is 10+ Schmidt and Bender if I remember correctly.

5cary · Jul 30, 2017

Doco Overboard said:
I think the early fixed Unertal and Fecker scopes were 8x to 10x and were effective to 600 yds. and had a small field of view. I think the last one I seen was or still is on the CMP auction and is 10+ Schmidt and Bender if I remember correctly.

I went to Scout Sniper School in 1985, and we were using Unertl 10x scopes. We also qualified out to 1000yds on a KD range. We had one Ranger in our class using an M21 with an ART 3x9. He had to switch to using his partner's (a Marine) M40 halfway through the class when it was clear he would not make the shots at 1000 with the M21.

I far prefer fixed power myself...probably because of the above experience. I used two scopes as a sniper. One was the Unertl and the other was a Nimrod fixed 6x. I *loved* the fixed 6x.

DZ · Jul 30, 2017

The only fixed magnification optics I use are non-magnifed. I greatly prefer being able to adjust FOV and magnification. I can use my precision bolt gun for hunting and long range target shooting as well as in shorter range practical matches. I like being able to shoot short range with my 1-6 and then crank up to 6 to go long.

Fixed magnification optics?

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