fixed power scope question

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BLS700

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After posting about scopes previously I've been swayed to go fixed power. Since I'm hunting most likely 200 yards and in it seems 4x is the way to go. So my question to the scope gurus is this, why do they only offer 4x scope in the lower lines but have 6x in the higher grade lines? I'm assuming its that you can get away with cheaper optics for the lower magnification and presumed closer shots but I'd like some info if anyone has it.
 
The 4X has kind of gone by the wayside , there just isn't enough demand for them ! Leupold still makes one and there are quite a few M-8s on the used market and even an M-7 now and then . The 4X is as capable today as ever but the Manufacturers did such a good job of hyping the variables that no one wants a straight 4X anymore . Which is a shame because a quality 4X will gather light better than a variable ! IMHO
 
I'm with you. They're a useful scope and rugged. I actually bought into the hype myself until another poster brought it up and I started wondering why I was convinced I needed a variable.
 
Many of us used fixed power scopes for years with total satisfaction. The 4X provides a relatively large field of view for close range and enough power for 400 yard shots on deer size game. I have taken a couple of antelope at 500 yards with a 4X. On antelope I like more power to keep track of the herd buck.

The variable craze is fairly recent. The variable is useful if kept small like the Leupold VX III that I have mounted on my .270, but when you go to the variables with even 40 MM objectives and worse with 50MM objectives you must mount the scope higher than a smaller scope. I do not put anything on my rifles that requires mounting the scope so high that when my cheek hits the stock I am not looking through the tube at the game.

For the vast majority of hunting the 4X will do everything needed, and at a lower cost, less weight, and faster sighting than the big variables. Not too many years ago the variables had more trouble with fogging in cold weather. Around the mid to late 7-s I had a couple of Weaver variables fog and become unusable.

Jerry
 
why do they only offer 4x scope in the lower lines but have 6x in the higher grade lines?
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I don't think that is an accurate statement. There are several companies that offer both fixed 4X as well as 6X scopes in their top of the line models. I can't say I've seen a 6X in a budget scope, but you can get a very good fixed 4X if you want one.

The only problem I have with using a fixed 4X scope is that I find they have TOO MUCH magnification for most of the shots I take. A good quality 2-7X scope doesn't cost any more and offers the lower 2X power with a wider field of view for close in shooting and the option of 7X for longer range work. Nothing wrong with a 3-9X for the same reasons.
 
I've got a 4X Nikon on a .30-30 and I really like that scope. My .30-06 Savage wears a fixed 6X Weaver and I really like that scope also.
 
Variables became reliable enough to replace fixed powers. Happened about 40 years ago.
I have a few fixed 4X and 6X Leupolds. They are very reliable scopes, that can be had for a bargain if you shop around.
 
jmr40 I'm not saying its across the board but in general that's what I'm finding. I know IOR is one exception but Leupold offers 4x in fxII but not fxIII, Sightron sII not sII or sIII. I realize those are only two examples but it seems to be fairly common. I could be wrong and it may just be the brands I've been looking at.
 
Honestly I can see no reason for a fixed power when you can purchase a 2x7 or 3x9 that hold setting through the entire range, much more versatile scope, at one time I would have agreed on fixed power but the improvements in variables have been excellent.
 
It's all about marketing. In year's past making a variable scope with good quality was a VERY expensive proposition. The mass market demanded scopes of acceptable quality so they got lots of fixed power scopes. Now, it is relatively easy to get decent quality with a variable power scope. The mass market wants variable so there is no incentive to produce a large selection of fixed powered scope.
 
My father killed deer in way-over-yonder country with an old Bear Cub 4X on his '06. One of my longer kills was at 350 yards with the 3x9 set on 3X; I hit within an inch or so of my intent.

I'm happy enough with a Weaver K4 on my sub-MOA AR. Good truck and varmint rig.

Walking hunting, I keep a variable dialled down to the lowest setting. Never been a problem.
 
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Walking hunting, I keep a variable dialled down to the lowest setting. Never been a problem.

Same here but I love having that 7 or 9 on upper end just in case....
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Remember that in a hunting situation, you will almost NEVER have time to dial a scope down but you will usually get a chance to crank one up.
 
a Weaver 4.75 Grand Slam on a Savage model 99 in .300 Savage and a Pentax 6x Gameseeker on my 8x57 Yugo sporter and for a variable I use a 1.75 x 5 x 20mm on my .375 winchester(marlin 375)
 
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If you get that 4x Leupold,you won't go wrong.I agree with the path you are taking.I am not knocking good variables,but on a 200 yd hunting rifle,if a man chooses a fixed 4x,I will just smile and nod.I believe the Leu has a 12 MOA duplex.check,I could be wrong.That means if an 18 in deer fits between the posts its 150 yds.If it fits crosshair center to post,its 300 yds.Thats a handy thing to know.
A whole lot of our warriors are getting business done with 4x ACOGS
 
A whole lot of our warriors are getting business done with 4x ACOGS
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The US military solicited a 1-4 variable last year in December to replace the acogs and some red dots. It hasn't happened yet but I believe they're still looking for the right variable optic.
 
I really hate to say this, but I buy foreign fixed power scopes. I had problems with variable scopes as recently as 15 years ago. I know what you mean about needing 6x because of the stupid count the points and know the length of the points law in this state. A 4x is not enough because they always seem to have their head right in the small branch area of the thicket and they keep moving it. I will not pay for high priced junk that was made off shore and " assembled in America ". I had good luck with a company called LEAPERS for short 4 and 6x scopes but I don't know if they make a long tube scope in fixed power. I mounted one right to the tube of my single shot 12 gauge for slug hunting over 20 years ago and it still works good. I have some Weaver k-Series scopes I bought used at shows and they are also good, but I don't know if they make them in 6x. Buy a Shotgun News and check the adds. I picked up some new out of production T.V. view Tasco fixed 4x scopes that way. A lot of the adds deal in obsolete scopes that are new.
 
yeah the counting the points issue is what had me wondering. I'm not worried about dialing up or down because if I needed more than 4x dialing up would be irrelevant since there'd be a mess of trees between me and that deer. Just to clarify I do have a Rem 700 with a 4.5-14 vx3 so if I was hunting somewhere with long shot potential that would be the gun I'd take. This one is going to be my regular, go-to whitetail/blackbear gun. That IOR scope is sweet. I'd looked at it previously.
 
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