Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Fixed or Variable

After many years of purchasing variable scopes I noticed I never took advantage of my variable option so the scope I purchased is a 6 power Leupold FX 111. Here in British Columbia one can go from relatively open country to thick bush in a matter of minutes and I never adjusted my scope to compensate for timber type. Time will tell whether I made a wize decision.

Nothing wrong with your decision. Many of us who always opt for variables do so for a specific magnification. I set mine on 5X and they never get moved!

If a 5X were available I'd go fixed. 4x is not quite enough for me and 6X is just a little too much.

Weaver came close with the 4.5X but I just can't stand a 40mm bell for a 4X and Weaver's eye relief is always less than it could be.

I too would have preferred a 5 power but I will give this 6 power a try. Not as many parts internally so maybe this may make a difference in the clarity.

I hope it works out for you!

I have tried to like a fixed power scope but I just can't. I use 2.5-8x36 3.5-10x40 and 3-9x40. I turn them all the way down and I also turn them all the way up. I would just feel to limited on 1 power setting.6x doesn't work for me at close range quick shots like 20-60yds and I like more magnification at 300-400yds than 6x. I see that the fixed 6 is pretty popular though.

Just make sure you mount the thing in the middle of it's eye box. That's means you should feel like you have plenty of leeway in seeing the image. When you do that, any problems with acquiring a moving target quickly, even at 20 yds., just doesn't happen.
The other big advantages of fixed magnification scopes are their greater reliability and wider range of mounting positions. E

I've gone to 4x and 6x scopes for all of my hunting rifles, for the same reason you mentioned. I don't think I'm handicapped with a 4x under any conditions here in Michigan. If I had to choose between a 4x and 6x, it would be the 4x. My Coyote rifles all have 4x scopes on them.

Don

I was kind of nervous about going with a fixed power scope so I hunted an entire year with whatever scope I used, set on 6x. Soon after that I ordered an FX-III 6 x 42 from Rick and I like it a lot. I still have variables but I don't feel handicapped a bit with this super clear 6x.

All of the good things I read about this scope here on the 'Fire proved to be true. I think you'll find the simplicity and ruggedness of your new glass to be a big plus too. However, if you don't like the POS, I'll take it off your hands for a nice discount!!

Come on, Don, admit it. You guys bounce from fixed 4X scopes to fixed 6X scopes because no one makes a 5X!

I actually like the Weaver Grand Slam 4.75x fixed that I mounted on a hunting rifle. I like it a lot.

goalie,

My only objection is that damned 40mm objective bell. Why so large? A 35 or 36mm bell would have had me replacing several of my scopes!

Nice try, but no cigar. Now don't get me wrong. I must still purchase a scope for my new 338-06 and I might just give it a try! But my goodness, the engineers of just about every other brand give us 3.75 to 4" of eye relief. Weaver = 3.25!??

280don,

I agree with the size of the bell. It would be nice to have it 33-36. The eye relief really isn't an issue with my scope though. It was easy to mount in a manner that shouldering the rifle allows my eyes to be in great position with plenty of relief.

Although all my serious hunting rifles wear varibles, a fixed 5x would be intriguing.....

Casey

Truly, a 5x would be a great compromise, with no objective bell.
COOL!!
Just bought one of the M-7 Leupolds in 3x, and love the configuration.

Don