A better title for this thread might be, "Are variable scopes really necessary on a hunting rifle?"
Agreed. I have several variables, mostly 2-7x and one VXIII 2.5-8x. Switched to straight 6, 10, and 12x on my groundhog rifles, straight 4 0r 6x on the game rifles. Haven't been even slightly handicapped. I like the looks, the clarity of view, and the light weight the small scopes provide.