I just picked up a Forbes Model 20B in 7-08. Now I have to choose a scope.

I must admit I am wavering. Don't know whether I should get a variable or fixed 6x. The problem is this gun has a 90 degree bolt lift and tends hit or have minimal clearance with the big eye pieces that come on most variable scopes nowadays. This has got me seriously thinking about a fixed 6x. What would be your thoughts? I live in Alberta, Canada and most of my hunting is on mixed farmland. My shots never exceed 400 yards. I'm old-school and think its unethical, and that if I can't get closer, I'm not that great of a hunter. My concern with a fixed 6x is having too much scope for when an animal comes running across a cutline quickly at close range, and I don't want a 4x.

Help me decide, friends.

Currently, I am leaning toward a FX3 6x42, but am wide open to suggestions.

I've killed a running buck at 25 yards and a running pig at 10 yards with 6x.

A FX3 6x42 should clear .
I recently changed out my Leupold Variables to
FX3 6x42 Heavy Duplex they really help "OLD EYES"
AMRA

I have "suffered" through a similar dilemma.. I have noticed in recent years that I don't see as well with a 4X as I used to (a friend says I have gotten used to other stuff).But anyway shared the same concerns about the close range stuff.

My experiences with fixed 6X scopes has been long but thin,so I have not been challenged with them at close range.I decided to mount some up and just start shooting to see how I like them and so far, so good.

If there is a concern,practice bringing the rifle up quickly and swing on pigeons and chippie birds as they fly past at close range....get out and do some varmint hunting too and pretty soon you will know if you like a 6X or not.

Leupold ultralights are a fine scope in 3-9 power.....but seriously.....you'll wind up setting it on 6x or 7X and leaving it there all the time....

I hunted with a Weaver K-6 for many years as the only scope I had in the early sixties.....I still have it and still use it and can honestly say that I don't miss any advantages of the variables.

Some of the reticule options might be a lot more of interest than the variable power option.....but it seems the reticule options are mostly found on variable power scopes.....

Today I have several Leupold 3-9 X 32 scopes and love them all......and yes....usually they are set to 6X and stay there all the time.

It is really too bad the fixed power scope choices are so limited. My first choice would be the 6x36. I am quite satisfied with 3 and 4 power scopes, as a rule, and I think the Leupold 3x20 is a very practical hunting sight. If I wanted more, the 6x36 would the way to go. GD

I've got Weaver Classic "K"s and Leupolds (FX-II and FX-3)...I like the FX-3 best, but honestly, I prefer the Weavers to the FX-IIs. Classic K-6 is a whole lot of scope, the FX-3 is better, but not by as much as you'd think.

Look through a 6X at something small at just 10 yards, and keep both eyes open and you'll be surprised how quickly you can pick up the target. Then try the same thing at a moving target. I think you will be impressed.

You can check this out on a variable set at 6X, so you do not have to buy the fixed scope first.

I keep putting more and more fixed 6's on my rifles, and like them very much. Also, fixed power scopes are far more reliable than variable power scopes, and they are generally less expensive.

I do a fair amount of hunting in Wyoming for deer, antelope and elk and I've never thought I needed more than 6 power.

And if you buy a fixed 6 and don't like it, there are a lotta guys here at the Fire who will buy it from you. I'm one of them.

Steve

I don't understand this statement. You have concerns that a 6x is too much scope, don't want a 4x (no stated reason given), but am leaning towards a 6x.

The FXII 4x is a very good all-purpose scope. It's light, bright, reliable and very useful for most hunting here in Canada. Try one out before discounting it. I just put one on my 358Win. It will work fine for your needs. Also have a Weaver Classic 4x on my 22/250.




Another scope to consider would be a Leupold 2x7. Perfect sized variable for small rifles. I added one of those to my Model Seven 7-08.

Concerned 6x may be too much in tight quarters where quick sight acquisition is paramount. This is where a variable such as a VX6 2-12 may be the best of both worlds, except for the big eyepiece that provides scant bolt clearance with this particular rifle.

I don't want a 4x as my eyes just ain't getting any younger.

Hope that is more clear:)

Well its a not issue, I had a 7mm-08 some years back when that cartridge was first introduced as a factory standard round. I put a fixed 3x Steel Tube Weaver on that 700 Remington. And proceeded to shoot and kill game with no problem out to dam near 500 yards. Most of my current rifle either have a fixed 6 x or a variable set on 6x. It has never been a problem for me to shoot game real close, like 15 yards or as far as I was willing to take a shot. The little 1.75 - 6 x leupold would work well on that 20 B Forbes in 7mm- 08. And the bolt will clear and any of the other nonsense you are working yourself up to. I'm 59 years old, and to be frank, I could do all my hunting with a fixed 2.5 x or an Aimpoint and not feel any limitation at all when hunting big game.

Always remember Finn's immortal quote:

"Big game too far away to be shot with a 3X scope is ........ too far away.

As I recall he used an El Paso K 2.5.

Buy the best 3 or 4X you can afford, you'll be all set. (also a lot less to go wrong)

I'm not this good.

While I can appreciate the simplicity a 4X or 6X scope, they have more magnification than I want 95% of the time, and not enough the other 5%. I see no real downside to a quality 2-7X or 3-9X scope. A Leupold of either type is pretty small and compact weighing no more than 12 oz. Years ago variables could be less reliable, but I don't see this as an issue any longer.

I find than I do 95% of my shooting at 2X or 3X, and wouldn't want any more most of the time. On the occasions when I feel the need for more I go straight to the highest magnification and never mess with anything in the middle.

I would get a variable. Go with the Leupold VX2 2-7, VX3 2.5-8 or the VX3 1.75-6. Really no reason not to.

I just scoped my Montana with a 2-7X36 kahles. If I didn't own the Kahles, I would have chosen one of the above.

While I like the idea of the 6X36, I lack confidence in it as a choice for quick close shots. While this is likely only my imagination, I would rather stick with what I know works because it has worked for me for 30 years.

I've got a couple Leupold 2-7' and a pair of 2.5-8's that I've always been happy with, but thinking I'm going to sample the 6x36 koolaid on a recently acquired Kimber Classic Select Bob

Real shame there are less fixed scopes available these days, and they aren't necessarily any cheaper than a variable anyway. One of my all time favourites was the Swarovski PF 6x42. Only 12oz, and optically superb - but they don't make them anymore.

I too have gone back to 6x for all big game rifles. Leupie FXIII 6x36 and a few Weaver K6's. Simplicity and rugged dependability. I always left the variable near the top of their power anyway.

I have been all over the map with my choice of scopes. My first was a 4x Weaver that cost me $35 or so in 1959. It was mounted on a Rem.M721. 30.06. I was 15 at the time. In the years since I've owned other fixed powder scopes, small variables, big variables, cheap ones, vary expensive ones, I've spun dials, added dots and had one that had something like a Christmas tree for aiming points. My last several have all been Leupold 6XLR and I love them for BG hunting. I have one on a very accurate .270Win that will consistently group five shoot into 3-4" at 300yds. Sometimes I sit in my back yard in the evening when dove are flying by and I have no problem picking them up(if they are 30ydrs out or so) in the 6X. NO, I DO NOT SHOOT AT THEM. But I thought about it.

I highly agree that 6X is often times too much magnification. I'd rather a 4x than a 6X for all of hunting, if forced.

That said, I would go with something like a Leupold 2-7X or 2.5-8X on that rifle. Great all around, light, and smaller ocular than the Euro scopes....

I have a Weaver Grand Slam 4.75 on my 708... can't think of a better set-up

I am slowly switching all my variables over to fixed power scopes. Mainly Leupold but would pick up zeiss and a few others if the price is right.

Leupy 6X36 and 6X42s are what I am buying, with a few 2.5X20s thrown in on my carbines. The fixed 4X scopes I already have on various rifles are staying though.

I have rarely felt the 6X was too much. In those few cases I am not sure 4X wouldn't have been too much either. Think coyotes charging in at pretty much bayonet range.

One thing is for sure: I am absolutely convinced variables change their POI at different power settings. FFP or not has not mattered. I may hold the rifle different or the reticle may shift...I don't know but I am done with variables.

Take a 6x and mount the rifle at something across the room; something like a door knob. Then do it again and again and again, etc. Repeat: again, again and again and�.

Eventually you will come to realize there is no problem in quickly getting on anything as big as a Deer at close range.

Just look at all the parts in a variable. Then a fixed. Not too hard to determine which is more durable.

Variables, AOs, fancy reticles and knobs to turn are just more things to go wrong or be forgotten/misused when that 6x6 walks out at 200 yards.

If I had to get down to 4 scopes:

2&3/4X Kollmorgen PCH (375 H&H)
4X Unertl Hawk 2" dot & CH (30-06, 9.3x62, ARs)
6X Leupold FX II with the simple dot hold over reticle (any of 5 30 Supers or 270 WCF)
4-16X50 Schmidt and Bender with the No. 8 Varmint reticle (FFP and POI never changes) (222, 22-06, 25-06, 338 RUM bench gun)

They are all bullet proof and the S&B cost as much as two nice rifles.

Probably 40 odd scopes on the shelf but if forced .......

Sounds familiar.

Larry Root!

Get a variable. That's what just about everyone does and wants.

I put a Leupold 2-7 on a light 7-08. It's just fine.

A 2.5-8 might be Leu's best all around scope however it costs
more.

I have several variables plus fixed in 4x, 6x, 10x, 12x and 24x. I like them all but, for game hunting, I could easily live with 4x32s on everything I own.

And your three longest shots on a big game animal are what?

He pretends to shoot the mounts at Cabelas. So a long shot there would be sixty yards. You should hear the stories he tells to the customers there. Between him and the skinny little nerd behind the gun counter they will have you in tears.

Hey, what's up!!??

Miss shooting with you. Going out tomorrow and get a little practice in.

I've never had a variable stay in zero long enough to cook a barrel;but a few fixed powers have done it.

That said, I'm also convinced that not all variables are created equal....mechanically that is.

1] Whitetail, 440 paces, Savage .243 with 6x Weaver. one shot, one kill.2] Whitetail, 355 paces. Savage .223, 3-9 Bausch & Lomb set @ 6X, one shot, one kill 3} Whitetail, 314 paces, Win 94 .30-30 with Williams receiver sight in back and 1/16" Lyman ivory bead up front, one shot one kill. # 4,5 &6 would be approx. 252, 240 and 225 yds. all with a Marlin 336 .30-30 and Weaver K-2.5. I'd way rather be looking through the K-2.5 when a deer scorches past at close range through the trees than anything 6x. It's one thing to get on and make a good shot on a running target in the open and another entirely to do it when there are lots of intervening trees. The picket fence effect is a bitch and the more magnification, the worse it gets.

Bob,

You have more experience shooting rifles than I, but a good fixed out to as far as most take BG-and with few exceptions especially most of us in the East-is they way I lean. 3's, 4's, and 6's have proven themselves.

They work well and distract almost nothing from a rifles balance and handling. About the only variable I use for actual hunting these days is the Leupold 1.5-5 which some with a lot of experience consider to be extremely reliable.

If I was in the wide open and had the ability eat up yardage, I would definitely look at other options.

I've taken game from 25 - 420 yards with a fixed 6x Leupold on my .25-06 Remington. No problem.

I use the 42mm version on my rifle. My son uses the 6x Leupold with the 36mm obj lens on his .30-06 rifle. Took a bear last fall at 320 yards... The kid is a good shot. He's also used that same rifle & scope on a whitetail buck at about 20 yards. No problem.

Guy

Doe I shot this year in Pa with the 1.5-5 on 3x, was jumped out of its bed and took off on the run thru slashings. I tried to get on it running right to left but couldn't. At around 80 yards it stopped and I found a hole.

With mature tress I don't have the picket fence issue, in that again I look for holes. How fast the Deer is running makes a big difference wither I can find one. Running full tilt they will probably win. Easy lope ups my odds.

Nice to see somebody else who knows what I mean by the "picket fence effect". I'd bet money you could've gotton on that doe running through the slash if your scope were on 1.5 instead of 3. Sometimes a little bit makes a big difference. Realizing of course that in your particular case it didn't matter because she stopped at 80 yds. and gave you a shot. But many times they don't stop and quite often because of cover/terrain you know immediately that the ONLY chance you've got is to get on that deer and take it NOW or not at all.

Nope, I was looking for holes but it was passing threw them too fast, and in an instant there was brush between it and me. I doubt that a lower power would have made any difference. The mistake it made was stopping in the wrong place on the other side of the gut for a look back.

battue: I was not trying to contradict anything you said in the post above....was commenting generally and you were the nearest "reply".

I agree with you.

I was commenting more to what Dog Hunter said about variables vs fixed in his post above....and my general observations of variables and fixed powers over the years,where I have seen some variables do some very subtle shifting of zero from session to session and over the longer haul....not a lot, but it's noticeable.

Yet many more fixed powers have stayed very precisely where I have left them, and this extends over a time period of "years",so long as loads remain the same,and the rifle itself was "good".

Like the poster above said, there are fewer moving parts in a fixed power....less to go wonky and I am suspicious that some erector assemblies do some subtle "shifting" here and there.It just does not take much "slop" to cause a shift in POI.

Despite carrying and using both variables and fixed powers,I am relative chump change when it comes to long distance killing......maybe a handful of BG animals in excess of 400 yards,and those were all killed with a fixed 4X; but I like a hair more power in open country these days.

Should say I don't own any Nighforce, SWFA,or scopes of that type...I suspect they are different animals and in another class of variables entirely.

Been to the range 4 times in the last 6 days sorting out a new 7 Rem Mag and a fixed 6X, shooting to 500 yards....think I got it.

I keep "checking" zero with my 7mm Mashburn,162 Amax, and fixed 6X, to 600 yards,but don't know why I bother anymore...it hasn't shifted at all in 4 years.

Bob, I didn't think you were. Damn internet gets it wrong so many times.

I pretty much have a handle on how you think about this stuff, know how much you work at it, and was agreeing with you.

Going to do my best to make it to one or both in OH this year to shoot with you.

Let me know what you have going up your way.

I have used or currently use a Leupold 4x33 with duplex reticle, FX-II 6x36 with LRD reticle, and 6x42 FX3 with M1 elevation turret and a post and duplex reticle. I like them all, but for different reasons. All are lightweight, rugged, and sufficiently bright for shooting in legal light. The 4x33 is great for stalking whitetails in the midwest woods. The 6x36 has a bit more magnification but is a slim, compact scope. The 6x42 is very bright, and it just has great eye relief.

I don't know that it means it's my favorite, but my next scope will be a 6x42 with LRD.