Magnification size aside, as I see it, there are only a few reasons to choose a fixed power scope over a variable: there are less parts and adjustments to go wrong ("in a fixed magnification scope the erector lenses are held inside a stationary tube. In variable scopes this tube slides back and forth, cammed by the turning of a ring on the outside of the scope"); they are generally lighter, less bulky and cheaper than their equivalent variable counterparts and fixed scopes tend to be a little brighter at their magnification level when compared to an equivalent variable scope. Only a few reasons to opt for a fixed power scope over a variable to be sure (and there are a few disadvantages), but they are very good reasons to consider buying a fixed scope (if the power size fits your requirements) over a variable model.
10X Fixed Power Rifle Scope, still relevant?
- Thread starter breakingcontact
- Start date
breakingcontact
Moderator
What do you all find the upper limits of a 10x scope to be?
I would say it depends a lot on which cartridge you're using and the size of the target. The absolute range of a 10x (or any other magnification) is predicated on so many variables that a definitive answer to your question is well near impossible without knowing all of the factors in play for a given proposition or application.
When much younger, I'd have killed for a 10x scope on my varmint rifle, but with the prevalence of variables and much better optics, find more flexibility in 4-14x variables.
It's amazing how well I can define objects with my Leopold Vari-X II and 2 scopes at 8x. At nearly 300 yards, i can clearly see strings across the blueberry field laid by the harvester crew. Most lower quality scopes can't do that for me. Surely, there are more expensive scopes and higher-powered ones that will do better than that at the same power setting, but why bother use one in Maine, where wind, water vapor, mirage, and trees/hills prevent high-probability varmint/game shots beyond 400 yards?
Under ideal conditions, from a bench, my rifles will shoot 1/2 min or better, but field shot length on deer is "self-limited" to 400 yards, even with a rest.
It's amazing how well I can define objects with my Leopold Vari-X II and 2 scopes at 8x. At nearly 300 yards, i can clearly see strings across the blueberry field laid by the harvester crew. Most lower quality scopes can't do that for me. Surely, there are more expensive scopes and higher-powered ones that will do better than that at the same power setting, but why bother use one in Maine, where wind, water vapor, mirage, and trees/hills prevent high-probability varmint/game shots beyond 400 yards?
Under ideal conditions, from a bench, my rifles will shoot 1/2 min or better, but field shot length on deer is "self-limited" to 400 yards, even with a rest.