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Highflyer · Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 111 Location: Somewhere Up There

So I've been wondering as of late, why aren't fixed power scopes that popular anymore? I just bought a Leupold FXIII 6x that is fantastic. And it seems that if I have trouble with a scope, it will be a variable (maybe that's just my bad luck) or else I end up shooting the thing on the same power anyways and not using any of the variable powers. When I was growing up in Montana I had a fixed power and never had any problems at any range, and then I grew up (sort of) and could by anything I wanted and started buying big expensive variables, and now I'm going back to fixed scopes again. At my local gun shop you can't buy a fixed scope, and it just seems sort of strange to me. Does anybody else shoot fixed power scopes out there?

ChesterGolf · Joined: 17 Aug 2002 Posts: 1590 Location: Nova Scotia

I agree with you. A fixed scope will do in 95% of all situations and are going to be lighter and tougher. I also started with fixed power scopes (4x) and now have variable scopes that hardly move off 2.5-3x.

csumerall · Joined: 26 Aug 2007 Posts: 499 Location: Eatonville, Wa

Its the supply and demand thing, the same goes with most electronics smaller faster, better, ect. Not that many people want the fixed power with all the warranties out there who cares if the thing craps out send it back and get it fixed no charge. Its all the personal preference.

Highflyer · Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 111 Location: Somewhere Up There

But that's the problem, I've had variable scopes that have spent more time in the mail than on the gun. Don't get me wrong because I've had good ones too, but I have yet to have a fixed power cause any problems. It will also ruin your day if that fancy super high power sighting instrument with a reticle that looks like part of the space shuttle landing system goes haywire on the day that 30 inch mule deer finally comes loping in front of you and your backup rifle is 30 miles away. I agree it's a market demand issue and we live in a country where fancy and complicated is deemed to be "better", but I'm surprised to see the fixed powers get edged out so much.

WesternHunter · Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 680 Location: Western USA

I share your exact same experience HighFlyer. Fixed powered is my preferrence anymore. Either 4X or 6X is all you should ever need. No additional adjustments to have to worry about or reset. Simple reliable and durable.

Highflyer · Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 111 Location: Somewhere Up There

Yep, since I've put the Leupold 6x on my main gun I've been nothing but impressed. It's clear as a bell and no problems of any sort (on part of the operator or the scope). I'm definitely going back to all fixed power scopes.

Hammer1 · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 1517

I use variable power scopes for three reasons:

The much larger Objective lens diameters that are not available on fixed powers
3 X for the first light and dusk, 4 power for the rest of the day usually.
The higher powers just in case I need it, but rarely do :)

Highflyer · Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 111 Location: Somewhere Up There

If you look around there are several 6 power scopes with objectives in the 40 to 42mm range (no 4 powers that I'm aware of) unless you want something bigger than that. The 6x with 42mm objective that I have will go beyond legal shooting light without question. Whatever works for the individual - lots of choices.