Fixed power scope magnification for hunting

[Wolfdog91]

So just curious for those hunting ( both regular and extended range) with fixed power scopes like the SWFA SS, what's generally your favorite magnification for YOUR hunting needs and why ?
Thanks

 

[muleystalker]

I know people that use the 6x and people that use the 10x. I would use the most common distances you will be hunting determine which one. If it was me I would wait and pay the difference and get the 3-15 model, I have several and they work great. I have 4 of the HD 5-20x50 and they are great scopes, really nice glass and built like a tank, you would have to spend at least $500 plus dollars or more to touch anything as good as the HD 5-20x50.

 

[wwbrown]

I would lean towards a lower power scope so you are not spending your time trying to get the game you see with the nakid eye in the scope. Looking down the soda straw is a great way to not get a chance at game.

 

[ebb]

Don't do it unless its low power, 4 or 6. I was with the guys in an area in South Florida. I got up on a berm from fill where a canal was dug and scanned for game, forgot to turn down power after through. Had a really close shot about 20 minutes latter and all I could see was brown and blurry. 3 to 9 and always remember to keep it at 3 till you need to see way off, then go up on power but immediately go back to 3 power after looking . I find myself constantly checking it see if power is low enough to make a close shot now that i have missed a nice one.

 

[K22]

I have never needed a variable power scope except for a dual-purpose rifle (i.e., deer and varmints). However, variables have been the scopes primarily available for the last 40 years or so in quality hunting scopes.

For eastern big game hunting, a 4x is all I need. For a dual-purpose rifle, i.e., like a 243 Win for deer and varmints, a 3 x 9 and / or 4 x12 makes a lot of sense. When I first started hunting in the late 60's my first rifle was a 243 Win with a 3 x 9 Redfield scope. It worked quite well set for both deer on 4x and varmints on 9x.

For varmints and predators, all my variable scopes on my varmint rifles are set on the max power, i.e., 12 to 16 depending on the scope) and never changed. For me, a 14 to 16 power scope is ideal for varmint and predator hunting. I never have any trouble picking up the critters on high power thus I've never needed to dial down the power.

It's a shame that gun writers and scope marketing people have created such a quagmire of scope complexity and associated high costs for hunting scopes.

 

[Gabe22BR]

Back in the Day
Leupold offered 12x & 16x fixed scopes

I had several 12x they was universal

 

[LAH]

I use 6X for deer & 12X for varmints. Both old school scopes.

 

[Bill K]

4x for general game hunting and 10x for varmints.

 

[nakneker]

I’ve used them both. It depends on your personal preference and the purpose. Using a low fixed power makes a lot of sense when you’re close, big game hunting in thick timber, close quarters varmint calling, range of the gun you’re using is limited etc. I have quite a few fixed powers, most are on my lever actions, two on Ruger #1s and a few on bolt actions. Todays variables make a lot of sense though, when your getting the zoom ranges we are offered today it’s kind of the best of both worlds, 2-10x, 1-10x, 3-18x.

I think the high magnification rage and popularity makes it easy to forget that lower powers have advantages too. Size, weight, clarity…..

Snipers have used fixed powers with great success over the years, that’s changing now and you see mostly variable but those guys who were familiar with a 10x and their cartridge were scary accurate out to a 1000, even more.

If you sitting over a prairie dog town high magnification fixed powers can be deadly.

One of the things I like about fixed powers is the vintage aspect of them. I have a fixed 4x Leupold that has that purple patina on my pre 64, it looks good and it works. I have a Lyman perma center 6x on another pre 64, makes for neat vintage set up.

It all boils down to personal preference. A lot of guys don’t give fixed powers much credit, it’s easy to do in todays competitive scope market where high mag variables are the rage but those fixed powers serve a purpose and in some scenarios offer an advantage imo. To each their own.

 

[AWS]

The only fixed scope I have left on a rifle is a Weaver K-1.5 on my drilling for still hunting. Everything else is 1-4, 1.5-5, 1.5-6 or 2-12 for all my predator and game hunting. I've pretty much dumped all my fixed scopes, still have a few left in boxes nevér know when you find someone that just has to have some of that antiquated old stuff

 

[Carl S]

8x56 swarovski 30mm tube.clarity is excellent and excellent in low light.

 

[K9TXS]

My binoculars are 8 power and my 5-20 SHV is set on 8 power. It makes it so much easier putting the bino's down and switching over to the scope.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I realize this is not fixed, but it is 1-4x if that would work for you. I have one of these mounted on my hog rifle and I feel out to 300 I'm safe with 4x. EuroOptic has these for $269/MOA and $279/MRAD. These are made in Philippines and have a slight downside of using CRS shims for the zero adjust, but the quality is XLNT and the illumination is also XLNT.

(MRAD)

Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 TMCQ Riflescope | Vortex Viper PST 1-4x Scope - EuroOptic

Buy Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 TMCQ Riflescope PST-14ST-M at Eurooptic.com. Vortex Viper PST riflescope boasts features associated with top-tier riflescopes, yet comes in at a street price under the $1,000 mark. Shop Vortex rifle Scope online. SHIPS FREE!

www.eurooptic.com

(MOA)

Vortex Ranger 1-4x24 Rifle Scope TMCQ RGR-1401 | Vortex Ranger Scope - EuroOptic

Buy Vortex Ranger 1-4x24 Rifle Scope TMCQ MOA RGR-1401 at Eurooptic.com. This Vortex Ranger Scope features exposed tactical-style elevation and windage turrets with .5 MOA per click adjustments and 220 MOA of travel. Shop Vortex Rifle Scope online.

www.eurooptic.com

I would be first to admit that 1-6x is more useful, and the Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24 would be better, but it's about twice the price. Euro Optics has free 2 day shipping for the 4th. They also have some other great scopes on sale as well...since I already have 1 of these, I'm trying to hold out for a LabRadar sale for the 4th, but $625 might be as good as it gets...so many things to buy on a budget...

Alan

EDIT: I just spotted this great deal on the new Arken 1-8x28 LVPO, glass is made in Japan, FFP. Just announced and they have a coupon, SAVE25%, only thing is there's a 4-6 week wait. Total price w/shipping is $299.99

EP8 1-8x28 LPVO FFP KL BOX

www.arkenopticsusa.com

EDIT: Response from Arken on weight.

> On Monday, July 3, 2023 at 10:00:28 AM PDT, Arken Optics USA LLC <info@arkenopticsusa.com> wrote:
> Weight of 21oz

The last thing I will say here on fixed power scopes. I wouldn't want to use a 10x fixed scope, because it would be damn near unusable at <200 yards, IMO. It would be good for 600-1000 yards, but 100 yards would suck to try and focus on a hog. I think 4x works well in that close range and what I feel comfortable taking game, I would say up to 300 yards is about my limit for hogs. If I can't get within 100 yards, shame on me. For me LPVO is the ticket.

 

[arlaunch]

I use this one. It is one of my favorites.

FX-3 6x42 Wide Duplex

There's no secret to the enduring popularity of Leupold's fixed power riflescopes. Their simplicity, rugged performance, and supreme accuracy speak volumes. The FX™-3 6x42mm is no exception. Its crystal-clear 6x magnification gives you enough power to get the job done in almost any situation.

www.leupold.com

 

[snert]

I am a fan of the old steel 10x T-10 Weaver. I use it for tree squirrels, groundhogs, rimfires, center fire up to 220 Swift. I have several new ones on TC Contenders, used for PDs. And I killed a 700 yard groundhog (one unlucky groundhog!) with the Swift. Ya, I was stretching it a lot! I liked it when it was new in 1979 and have bought several and had them reworked by Cheryl Ackerman.

I think a 12x Leupold target scope would be great for 3-400 yard PD.

I set most of my 6-18 and 6.5-20 scopes to 12 or 16 X for PD, but max them out for groundhogs at longer ranges.

 

[Old Navy]

Looks like we just came full circle from the Weaver K4 in the late 60s. The first variable was a 3 to 9. The variables back then were unreliable in many ways.

 

[whatsupdoc]

I did a lot of still hunting for deer in the NE woods. It would be a miracle to get a shot longer than 200 yards.

My favorite was a model 70 featherweight with a Redfield 4x on it. It was a pleasure to carry it and I never felt that more magnification would help me in any way in my particular hunting environment.

 

[SSL]

Though the vast majority of my scopes are variable power (4-16, 6-18, 6-24, 8-32 and etc.) I have to admit that for many years I shot a no-name (really...no markings at all. We figured it might have been a test piece that got out of the factory.) 6X that my buddy picked up as a joke from a a gun-meet for $5. I was impressed by the clarity and positive adjustments, so I gave it a try. At one time or another that scope was on a .280, a .30-06, a .45-70, a 12-gauge shotgun for slugs and a .50-caliber muzzleloader. It now rests on my nephews .308 and still holding zero.

 

[snert]

My last 19 deer were taken with a 2x pistol scope..80 feet to 165 yards.

 

[Just Say Moe]

Big game I have 3.5x10's that I usually keep on 6 but up to 10 when I need to look closer. Varmints 6.5x20, spot on 12 or so, shoot on 20.