OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Rifle Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - fixed power for novice
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

fixed power for novice

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
Greenhorn#1 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Greenhorn#1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: fixed power for novice
    Posted: June/16/2016 at 07:36
Ok my superiors bare with me . I was reading that a fixed power are significantly tougher , easier to use . Would a novice like myself be better to start with a fixed power and learn dialing in and then move to a variable . As my user name indicates I'm a green horn haha . Thank you oh wise ones !!
Back to Top
Canuck Bob View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: April/07/2010
Location: Alberta, Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 84
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Canuck Bob Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/16/2016 at 17:16
I am a greenhorn to scopes myself.  Preferring peep sights until vision changed.  I went through your choice and went with fixed scopes.  I bought good quality used scopes 2.5X, 4X, and a 6X.

What is your shooting plan?  It is hard for folks to advise you without understanding your mission.  As an example one factor I considered was top magnification required.  4X-6X was sufficient for me but if I needed more magnification a variable was my choice.  Moose hunting in a willow swamp makes a 2.5X an optical peep sight.

Also fixed power scopes to 6X have light friendly exit pupils without huge objectives. The sleek and simple construction and eye relief sold me..
Back to Top
cheaptrick View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/16/2016 at 17:31
Originally posted by Greenhorn#1 Greenhorn#1 wrote:

Ok my superiors bare with me . I was reading that a fixed power are significantly tougher , easier to use . Would a novice like myself be better to start with a fixed power and learn dialing in and then move to a variable . As my user name indicates I'm a green horn haha . Thank you oh wise ones !!

Fixed powers are "significantly" tougher?  
That may have been true years ago, but I'm not sure it's true now a days. 

Easier to use? 
Is it? I like my SS 10x for load development or just dicking around at the range. For most everything else I find myself doing, give me a variable. 

IMHO...If your wanting to get into "clicking", make sure the scope is mil/mil. I think that would help you versus having a mil dot and moa clicks. 
Also, get a FFP scope so you can range in every power setting. 

The SS 3-9x comes to mind.        
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/16/2016 at 20:20
In an absolute sense, fixed power scopes are a bit more durable since they are mechanically simpler, with fewer parts. "Significantly tougher?" I don't know. Today, a good quality variable scope is usually pretty dependable.

There is something to be said about the simplicity of a fixed power scope. Just shoulder the rifle and aim and don't worry about a power dial. If you're one who tends to keep your variable scopes set on a given magnification most of the time, then choosing a fixed power scope in that magnification does make sense. At one time, it meant you could get an optically superior scope for less $ due to its less complicated design. Fixed power scopes are less common today, and some manufacturers have discontinued them altogether. 

Regardless of which route you decide to go, I second Cheaptrick's recommendation to select a scope that has reticle and adjustment increments in the same angular units, whether MOA/MOA or MIL/MIL, whichever you prefer. The aforementioned SS 3-9X42 is a very tough, dependable scope with a great reticle, nice repeatable adjustments, and excellent optics to boot. It's an outstanding value!
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
rwa3006 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: March/03/2016
Location: Utah
Status: Offline
Points: 15
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rwa3006 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 00:12
I feel the lowly fixed scope is underrated by the average shooter.  I've had really good luck with the reliability of fixed Leupold 3, 4 and 6 power scopes.  The eye box and exit pupil is great, as is the brightness and weight.  

If you are going to be dialing then the first scopes that come to my mind are the 6 and 10 power SS scopes. I'm partial to the MQ reticle.  I really don't know how you can beat these scopes for the money.  Consider getting one and learning on it.  If you ever want to change, it will not be hard to sell the SS scope for a good price.  Nothing lost.  
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13181
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 01:50
Choose a scope based on your budget and application.  That will drive the configuration.  

Do not start with preconceived notions on configurations and features until you figure out what you want to do with it and how much you can spend.

As for the rest of it: "significantly tougher" is mostly not applicable to modern scopes, but it was true up until the 80s or thereabouts. Longer for some brands.

There are exceptions: if you are scoping a 458Lott, every little bit helps.  For sane applications, not really.  
If you want to tart with a fixed and then move onto a variable, get a variable, set it to a magnification of your choice and tape up the power adjustment to avoid temptation.  After a while, you will realize this is a silly notion and remove the tape.

ILya
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 04:40
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

Choose a scope based on your budget and application.  That will drive the configuration.  

Do not start with preconceived notions on configurations and features until you figure out what you want to do with it and how much you can spend.

As for the rest of it: "significantly tougher" is mostly not applicable to modern scopes, but it was true up until the 80s or thereabouts. Longer for some brands.

There are exceptions: if you are scoping a 458Lott, every little bit helps.  For sane applications, not really.  
If you want to tart with a fixed and then move onto a variable, get a variable, set it to a magnification of your choice and tape up the power adjustment to avoid temptation.  After a while, you will realize this is a silly notion and remove the tape.

ILya

Hey... I know what you meant by that...

Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
Peddler View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: July/04/2012
Location: Oswego,NY
Status: Offline
Points: 13526
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 04:46
A very subtle harpoon!
When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.
Back to Top
Greenhorn#1 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Greenhorn#1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 05:29
Wow thank you gentlemen , sound advice . This scope will mount on a MSR . Not stock at all free floated , trigger job and sweet barrel . Shots would be at most 400yards . Could go longer though . Anyways , I leave for Hershey park today and when we get back I was going to buy one . It seems the more I read the more I second guess myself . What we need is instinctive optics that have we set on top and dials itself in haha . You guys gave me some stuff to chew on . Im going be sure and share with y'all my path and results . Oh and I use 6x most of the time . It seems my preference on my bushnell .
Back to Top
Greenhorn#1 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Greenhorn#1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 05:48
Im going to look and research variable power scopes in FFP mil /mil Moa/Moa adjustments with adjustable parallax . In my price range . Can you say Visa 😜
Back to Top
Greenhorn#1 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Greenhorn#1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 06:06
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

Choose a scope based on your budget and application.  That will drive the configuration.  

Do not start with preconceived notions on configurations and features until you figure out what you want to do with it and how much you can spend.

As for the rest of it: "significantly tougher" is mostly not applicable to modern scopes, but it was true up until the 80s or thereabouts. Longer for some brands.

There are exceptions: if you are scoping a 458Lott, every little bit helps.  For sane applications, not really.  
If you want to tart with a fixed and then move onto a variable, get a variable, set it to a magnification of your choice and tape up the power adjustment to avoid temptation.  After a while, you will realize this is a silly notion and remove the tape.

ILya


Like the tape suggestion and your advice .
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 06:11
Still don't really know your price range, but IF IT WERE ME, based upon your stated requirements, I would get the SS 3-9.  I don't care much for 3-9 scopes... one bit me when I was a child, left a scar... but I have nothing but praise for SWFA's SS 3-9.  It will meet every requirement you stated and many more, for as long as you need it to.  Tough, reliable, great glass, excellent adjustment range and accuracy of adjustment.  I have some fixed power scopes... 4x Conquest on my .458 Lott, 4x Pentax on my 458 WinMag Ruger #1, 8x ZF84 Kahles on FNH FNAR (excellent scope for my purposes), SS 10xHD on my CZ700.  All have specific purposes for me and I sometimes "swap out" for variables on everything except the Lott and the FNH.  With the SS 3-9, you can pick a power and leave it there if you want, or use the flexibility it provides.  The XMR is a wonderful firearm... congratulations on that choice.
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
Greenhorn#1 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Greenhorn#1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 06:45
My price range would be the 1000 dollar mark at most with 600 being my target . Thanks
Back to Top
Greenhorn#1 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Greenhorn#1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 06:48
Looking into 3x9 SS . Right now .
Back to Top
Greenhorn#1 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Greenhorn#1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 07:10
Seems the SS3x9 is right where I need to be . I will dive into this weekend . Thanks again .
Back to Top
Sparky View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire


Joined: July/15/2007
Location: SD
Status: Offline
Points: 4569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 10:04
Good choice on the SS 3-9!
Back to Top
jonoMT View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: November/13/2008
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 4853
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 10:23
I still have a Leupy 4X sitting on a .22 target rifle that is a good application for it. In the past, I hunted for a couple years with a Swiss K-31 that had a 2.5X scout scope. It was really decent. But overall, I've found the versatility of variables in the 2.5-10, 3-9 and 3-15 range so much more usable...and interchangeable between different rifles/applications.

No problems chiming in on recommending the SS 3-9. I use the 3-15 currently and have never had issues with either.
Reaction time is a factor...
Back to Top
Snack_Attack View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: February/10/2016
Location: Mississippi
Status: Offline
Points: 73
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Snack_Attack Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 12:27
Variable power scopes are good for hunting, at least where I live. A deer may jump out in front of you at spitting distance. In that case a fixed high magnification scope would likely have you going home empty handed. If you want to long range steel slap, either will do. The durability issue isn't really an issue anymore as others have said. You might get a little more quality for your dollar or better clarity with fixed power. If I were in your shoes, I'd take a hard look at the 10x42 or 12x42 HD if a fixed power works for your shooting purposes.
We've become a nation of wolves ruled by sheep, owned by swine, over fed, and put to sleep.

-Otep
Back to Top
DCAMM94 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: April/19/2008
Location: Fort Worth
Status: Offline
Points: 3491
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DCAMM94 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 12:37
Great idea on the 3-9x SS.  It sits atop my 300WM, and the only reason it will ever be removed is for a 3-15x42 SS.
Although personally I am quite content with existing explosives, I feel we must not stand in the path of improvement. -Winston Churchill
Back to Top
Urimaginaryfrnd View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Resident Redneck

Joined: June/20/2005
Location: Iowa
Status: Offline
Points: 14964
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2016 at 15:01
MSR ---- ? ---- This rifle ? http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/firearms/sniper%20rifles/msr.aspx
(I haven't even seen one, pretty nice looking rifle.)
 

 Form follows function: so without clear information on the intended use it is terribly difficult to make any valid suggesion.  



"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.199 seconds.