Fixed or variable magnification for F-class?

[223Rem]

Currently using a Leupold V3 6.5-20x40 LR and while its good for 600 yards, definitely need more magnification for my F-class rifle since I will be shooting 1k very soon.

Narrowed it down to (2) choices:

Leupold Custom Comp 45x45
Sightron SIII 10-50x56

Not sure if having a variable magnification at this distance will benefit me with mirage effect.

Need some insight/advice.

 

[Travelor]

I shoot both fixed and variable powder scopes on F-Class out to 1000 yards and am a High Master.

I have found with the 40+ power scopes (I have 2 NightForce 12-42X NXS Scopes), variable is needed due to mirage. Shooting 36X (I have BUNCH of T-36 Weavers) or below I have no problems with a fixed powder scope.

Hope that helps,
George

 

[223Rem]

Thought about the Weaver T36 or the Sightron 36x but not sure if that would be enough power for me out to 1k.

 

[fdshuster]

223rem: In addition to the mirage issue, another reason I prefer variable power: When trying to find a very tiny target downrange at 500+ yards/meters, and get everything lined up, for me is very difficult at the high magnification settings. It's so much easier, and quicker to adjust the magnification down (12x on the NF), find my target, line up the equipment, then increase to 35x to 42x. Same reason I prefer the 25x to 75x eyepiece on my Nikon Fieldscope 82mm spotting scope.

 

[280man]

A variable let's you dial down in power during your string of fire to A look at other targets to see what's going on and B double check your number board if your rest or bipod shifts a little

 

[223Rem]

Guess, I will start searching for the Sightron.

Anyone interested in a Gloss VX-3 6.5-20x40 with tall turrets and FCH reticle?

 

[TX65]

I have a S&B 12-50x and had a Sightron SIII 10-50x-60mm.

Sightron was nice optically, only criticism of it was the very light detents on the elevation and windage adjustments. I have heard (not directly from Sightron) that they are going to correct this.

Even though my Schmidt and the Sightron were both variable. I never turn them down from 50x. I have a Kowa spotting scope for a big picture view.

I love my S&B,,, but would not hesitate to get another Sightron once they get the more defined detents (I sold the Sightron I had with a rifle otherwise I would still have it). You can't beat the Sightron for the money.

As far the Leupold 45x, will probably be getting one for a rifle I am converting from F-Open to FTR and the need to shed weight to make the 18.18 max weight. At 20.3 ounces, it is hard to beat as a high magnification scope when you are working within weight limits.

 

[VaniB]

I have a S&B 12-50x and had a Sightron SIII 10-50x-60mm.

Sightron was nice optically, only criticism of it was the very light detents on the elevation and windage adjustments. I have heard (not directly from Sightron) that they are going to correct this.....

I just bought an 8x-32x Slll Sightron mil-dot scope on sale from Midway about a month ago. I was expecting to experience this same problem that you and others have reported. But, I'm happy to report IT'S FIXED! The detents on both knobs are now firm while still very defined.

Unfortunately, this 56MM belled scope tube is long and huge and the Mil-dot subtension center was a little bolder then what I was expecting for my carry varmint rifle. I returned it and decided to go with an Elite 4200 mil-dot 6x-24x which is perfect.....albeit lower magnification. Frankly, I was very satisfied with the Sightron optics but still thought my Burris 8x-32x scope (with the "Black Diamond" lenses) had clearer optics at 32X without the slight yellow halo that the Sightron exhibited. But, I'm splitting hairs in that comparison and was still very impressed with the Sightron's optics and controls. Had I needed a large and heavy scope to help weigh down a large bench or varmint type of rifle, I'd have happily kept it.

 

[223Rem]

Sure wish a company would step up and power boost Leupolds like Premier Reticles. No chance in hell they would offer that service again.....although I do like the direction the company is going.

 

[Taildrag15X]

Sure wish a company would step up and power boost Leupolds like Premier Reticles. No chance in hell they would offer that service again.....although I do like the direction the company is going.

Yup I second that, nothing much I like better than the 20-50X50 LRT Boosted Leupolds, other than being able to get my hands on a couple of more!

 

[fm1947]

I use leupold 45xcompetition great scope , as far as mirage i had a variable didnt do anything for mirage its still gonna be there