Fixed Power Scope: To buy or not to buy

[AME]

Hello all,

Should I purchases a fixed power scope? I like the idea of simplicity, less moving parts. I don't like the idea of having no adjustment. I have only ever hunted with 3-9 power scopes, but have seen some fixed 6 power scopes that I am thinking about purchasing. Planning to buy a new rifle this winter (or whenever I get the cash) to supplement/replace my Winchester 88, and need to figure out what scope to put on it. 

Are my concerns about fixed power scopes ungrounded? Is the zoom adjustment really not all that helpful? Any thoughts appreciated,

AME

[thegunsmith2506]

I shot a 6x fixed burris on my hunting rifle for a couple of years when I was younger and it worked great. If you like simple I think its a great option.  

[Couzer]

If your only shooting a few hundred yards I would think a fix scope like 6x should be fine. If you have a higher fixed scope it might take longer to aquire the target. Just my 2 cents. 

[AzDiamondHeat]

I put a high quality 6x on my dad's 35whelan and hunted elk with it in NM.  Never felt under or over scoped but also everything was inside of 200 yds.  

[PRDATR]

6X Fixed is a very popular choice in Europe.

[Big or Bust]

Half of my rifles have fixed scopes, 6x and 10x. The rest NF variables and a March. Just realize the pros and cons.

The SWFA fixed 10 is a good bulletproof option....

[AME]

38 minutes ago, Big or Bust said:

Half of my rifles have fixed scopes, 6x and 10x. The rest NF variables and a March. Just realize the pros and cons.

The SWFA fixed 10 is a good bulletproof option....

Yeah, might have a chance at a used SWFA fixed 6X. Might be a pretty good option

[Big or Bust]

Bomb proof as well. I have that exact scope on all my rimfires...

[catclaw]

Unless you're shooting a real heavy kicker, there's not much up-side to fixed power.

The better quality variable zoom scopes are pretty awesome.  I like the zoom if for nothing else to use at the range when working up loads and sighting in.

Even my brown bear rifle has a 1-4x scope. Not much effort goes into new fixed power scopes.  All the technology goes into zooms

[dsotm]

I run the SWFA 6x on a few rifles, no complaints

[Big Tub]

"Unless you're shooting a real heavy kicker, there's not much up-side to fixed power."

 

COST!

[L Cazador]

I started my shooting career with fixed power scopes and still use them. Todays variable power scopes offer great reliability and performance at a great price. It's a sacrifice to go hunting with a fixed power scope in my opinion. You don't know the range or conditions you will be shooting in till the opportunity presents itself. A variable will give many more options!

[deercrazy]

fixed power scopes are somewhat hard to find.  I went through the same dilemma two years ago and really wanted a fixed power on a .308.  My

.243 has a 4X fixed and I love it.  I ended up going 3X9 and I am happy.

 

[catclaw]

I have a 4X on my mod 88 but it is 50 years old!

[Hoss50]

What are you planning to do with the rifle?

I prefer variable, but could understand wanting a fixed for certain things. For basic hunting scopes I prefer something that has a lower power than 6x for the ability to zoom out for thick short shots. Then if you are in an open area be able to zoom. 

My go to rifle for basic hunts is a 6.5x55 with a Leupold 2-12x42. My friend used it to kill a deer at 35yrds. Trying to aquire a deer quickly at 35 yards with 6x as the lowest power isn't going to be as easy as 2-3x. But when we hunt more open terrain, I set the zoom at 5x to start, and can always add more if needed.