common super sniper questions

Using a quality 10x scope is 100x better than using a P.O.S. 24x scope.  Its all about the resolution.  Since you have experience shooting 24x the 16x SS would be my suggestion should you go the SS route.  The inherit disadvantages caused by a small exit pupil (dark image and critical eye relief) can be overcome by using a variable power scope, a fixed power scope is just that.

It is tough using mil dots on small objects.  When I am shooting small objects at long range I forget about the mil dots for ranging and use a Leica 1200 (who am I kidding I use the Leica for big objects too), but still use the mil dots for hold overs.

I feel the Elite is better suited for your needs because of its variable magnification.  It has target knobs, just not big ones.  The mil dot is calibrated at 12x on this scope which is a lot better than having to use it on the highest power setting like a Leupold has to be done.

A fixed power scope will have a fixed exit pupil.  A variable power scope will have an exit pupil that varies in size with the changing of the power.  To determine exit pupil simply divide the scopes objective size by the scopes power.  IE: 16x42 SS would be 42/16=2.63mm exit pupil.  A 6.5-20x50 Leupold would be 50/6.5=7.69mm on the lowest power and 50/20=2.50mm on the highest power.

The target knobs on the 4200 are crisp and repeatable.  The only advantage to the SS knobs are the huge size which makes them easier to read and adjust in the field.  The disadvantage to the SS knobs is that they are always exposed, the Elite's knobs have covers.  The Elite does have the markings required to make moa adjustments in the field.

The Elite won't be blurry on 24x just harder to use than it is on 6x because of the tiny exit pupil, but thats the beauty of a variable....it can change along with your shooting position and conditions.

Don't worry about the questions....that's what we're here for.

Dale Clifford you are a better shot than I.  I would need to mount the Hubble on a howitzer to hit a prarie dog at a 1,000 yards (if you mean coyotes by desert dog, I still couldn't hit one at 1,000 yards).  500 yards is about the absolute max for me on prarie dogs and I feel better about it if they are inside of 300.  Big game max for me is about 350 yards and I like it just fine if it is closer to 100 yards.

ranburr

aardvark, i think i would go for the 20x, but this is kinda a hard one, if your eyes good the 16 i think would work. and on to the next subject, dale you da man, your a better shot than i am too. and you seem to know your stuff, your a great addition to the board, welcome.

cory

Chris, I'm mounting it on a Savage 12BVSS 22-250...So, it's a savage action.  Everybody recommends the Badger Ordnance rings, but I really can't pay that much for rings and bases.  Any other good alternatives?

The old Tasco mounts were made by a company name Lynx from Australia and they are now being sold under the B-Square name.  Very nice mounts, both rings mount to a stud and both rings are adjustable for windage.