Fixed power scope magnification for hunting

[Hammer]

Among my varmint rifles... I had several with fixed power scopes.

Used everything from fixed power 6x to 8X to 10X to 12X to 16X to 24X.

Most common target was prairie dogs at less than 350 yards.

If I was going to choose only one for varmints... would probably be a 12X.


If someone like Nightforce were to build a fixed-power varmint scope, e.g., 12X, wonder how much cheaper it would be than a similar variable power ?

A fixed power Nightforce Benchrest scope like their 8X to 32X... ?

 

[andym686]

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.

My first good scope was a KT-10 Weaver mounted on a Ruger 77 Varmint in .243. It was the only centerfire rifle I had at the time, and I took a lot of groundhogs and a few deer with it.

 

[LiveFire]

I have a 3-9x40 on my deer rifle. 150yd shots max for me. It rarely comes off of 3x.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I have a 12x swfa on a tricked out 1022. Took it prairie dog hunting once and jack rabbit hunting. It sucks for both. If you were PD hunting where all shots are a couple hundred yards or more that would be ok maybe. 4x or 6x is what I would pick, but variables are so good these days there is no need.

 

[Ackman]

Don't mess with fixed power. Get a variable and you'll have one of everything and the right power when you want it.