Thoughts on a Fixed Power Target Scope

[HTSmith]

I'm looking for a fixed power scope for shooting 300 yards and less. I see that some 100/200 yard benchrest shooters are using 50x. Are these power scopes usable at 300 yards with heavy mirage?

 

[HTSmith]

Let me rephrase. I'm looking for a high power (at least 35x) fixed scope to shoot out to 300 yards. Mirage is a problem around here. So I'm looking for something that will hold zero, give good image quality, and still be usable at 300 yards in bad mirage. Any suggestions or thoughts

 

[jimmymac]

IMHO, mirage is a problem regardless of dollars spent. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $500 Weaver T-36 or a $1400 fixed power NF comp.

A variable power where you can tweak magnification may help make things seem better when mirage is heavy.

 

[R.Morehouse]

There is a scope design by March that will give you the internals that stay rock solid but still gives you the ability to dial it back a bit for the mirage. It is their EPZ ( eyepiece zoom ) model. Mine is the 36x55 but the newer model is a bit more. There is a bit of a learning curve with them because the power adjustment is in the eyepiece. The eyepiece moves in & out. I found it was easily dealt with after some time behind it.

Regards
Rick

 

[Jimmy James]

IMHO, mirage is a problem regardless of dollars spent. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $500 Weaver T-36 or a $1400 fixed power NF comp.

A variable power where you can tweak magnification may help make things seem better when mirage is heavy.

I agree that mirage is a problem no matter $ spent but a $600 Weaver looks fogged compared to a $2200 NF scope. Zooms come in handy on mirage days. I usually have to zoom down to 25X to see 1000yd target on a heavy mirage day. Cannot remember having to zoom down at 300yds on hvy mirage day.

 

[Fred Bohl]

I have March 50x52 and 60x52 fixed and if I had it to do over I would have two 60x52. If mirage is extremely bad I use the modifier disk (that comes with these March target scopes) which reduces the effective objective clear aperture which in turn reduces resolution and apparent mirage but still retains magnification.

I also have a March EP-Zoom 36-55x52. As to mirage help, the reduction from 55x to 36x does reduce apparent mirage but at the expense of magnification. Based on my experience I would still recommend the fixed scope with modifier disk for bad mirage to retain magnification benefits ("aim small miss small"). I have found the EP-Zoom to be most useful at longer range (600 or more yards) using 36x for target acquisition and general mirage assessment and 55x for actual aiming.

 

[HTSmith]

So any opinions on the Leupold Competition models in 35, 40, or 45X? It seems like I see a lot of them for sale.

 

[Pete Roberson]

So any opinions on the Leupold Competition models in 35, 40, or 45X? It seems like I see a lot of them for sale.

I think if you check with Leupold they don't make them any more, to many problems!
Also if you check for the Nightforce fixed power 42x44 I think you'll find they are not made any longer either.
Good Luck with your search!
Pete

 

[jimmymac]

You can still buy a fixed power Leupold Competition in 45 power. The Nightforce fixed 42 power is indeed discontinued for the time being, but it's still available.

https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle-scopes/competition-series-45x45mm

https://www.eurooptic.com/C558-NF-Nightforce-COMPETITION-Lightweight-42x44mm.aspx

 

[X-Caveman]

IOR 36x42

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

Here is a post asking just about the same question.
I have the IOR 36, and I have no plans to use anything else. I am in the middle of another build, and when the time comes, it will wear an IOR 36 also.

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/best-scope-for-100-300-benchrest-on-a-6ppc.3964220/

 

[chkunz]

I think if you check with Leupold they don't make them any more, to many problems!
Also if you check for the Nightforce fixed power 42x44 I think you'll find they are not made any longer either.
Good Luck with your search!
Pete

My Son bought me a 45X Leopold fixed power for Christmas this past year so unless they have been discontinued more recently, you have been misinformed.

 

[JimPag]

My Son bought me a 45X Leopold fixed power for Christmas this past year so unless they have been discontinued more recently, you have been misinformed.

The 45X Comp has not been discontinued.

 

[Evan]

If you need to make weight for a competitive class, go fixed power. Otherwise, I'd always get a variable. When mirage was bad, I couldn't do anything to help it with my leupold 45x. I sold it. I've got a Vortex GE now and when mirage gets soupy, I turn down the magnification to get back to a workable view.

 

[centershot]

Two questions. Are you going to compete or this just informal matches? Also, how much do you want to spend? $325 for a used Weaver or >$2,500 for a top of the line?

 

[HTSmith]

Two questions. Are you going to compete or this just informal matches? Also, how much do you want to spend? $325 for a used Weaver or >$2,500 for a top of the line?

I'd like to spend less than $1000. I'd like to be able to see 6mm bullet holes in the white at 200 yards. The Weaver I had wouldn't do that--very reliable adjustments but not the clearest optics.

 

[nmjwolf]

I'd like to spend less than $1000. I'd like to be able to see 6mm bullet holes in the white at 200 yards. The Weaver I had wouldn't do that--very reliable adjustments but not the clearest optics.

Like others have said IOR Valdada

 

[perry42]

T36 WEAVER For the money the best scopes I have. Purchased 2 from this site for $325ea. I also have a NF bench rest scope for longer ranges.

perry42

 

[bichettereds]

I'd like to spend less than $1000. I'd like to be able to see 6mm bullet holes in the white at 200 yards. The Weaver I had wouldn't do that--very reliable adjustments but not the clearest optics.

You didn’t say whether or not you had plans on competing, and if so were wanting to stay within a certain weight. Many short range benchredt shooters are limited to 10.5lbs so in that price range you’ll mostly see Leupold Competition series scopes and some IOR 36Xs. I’ve only seen a couple of the Weaver 46XR scopes but I’ve never looked through one. Then there’s the new Sightron 45X45 that is pretty nice. Over $1000 and you’ll see NF competition scopes and March. A few still use the Sightron or Weaver 36X 1” scopes for much less $.

With $1000 to spend I’d recommend the IOR Valdada but I’m happy with my Leupold 40X as well.

 

[Tim s]

As an FWI, any quality side focus scope will allow a tecnique of moving to the edge of focus which helps with serious mirage .