Fixed power scope
- Thread starter J0RD4N
- Start date
scrumbag
Well-Known Member
Which scope sir? Meopta, Docter and Karl Kaps are all excellent makers of fixed scopes.
Whatever you choose, enjoy your shooting!
J0RD4N
Well-Known Member
i was looking at s&b, docter and meopta ones. I'll keep an eye out for One of them.
scrumbag
Well-Known Member
All excellent scopes sir! egun.de can also a be a good source
J0RD4N
Sounds like you’ve already made up your mind, which is all good, a quality 8x fixed mag scope would work well.
However...
I’ve been there with .243 Win, had a lovely old Zeiss 8x52 for many years as a youngster, but eventually I changed to variable scopes, first a 3-12x50, then a 4-14x44, and was very glad I did. I totally get why the 8x56 would be a popular recommendation in UK conditions, but my view is that the .243 Win requires precision shooting to be a bankable killer, and that is best achieved with a maximum magnification of 14 or 16.
There’s nothing as confidence boosting as being able to watch and confirm your target on a lower power, and wind up the magnification to max whilst keeping the target dead centre. A practiced hand and a quality scope with slick mechanicals makes this a fast and smooth operation. I always go to maximum with the second focal plane scope just before I settle to take the shot, I find the increased detail and ability to enhance placement makes for more bang-flops. Once the shot is taken the reflex action is to wind the magnification back to minimum or thereabouts again to watch the aftermath. It’s just habit. I far prefer to place the reticle precisely at 14x power at longer ranges than at 8x, its makes a helluva difference. If as you say you are shooting open hill country I would want that extra magnification.
Like I said, I get the fixed power support. Just to entice some unfavourable responses my experience is that these days a lot of the fixed power recommendations come from older blokes who have always used them, not all, but most. I’ll probably get a serve for saying that. Sales of quality fixed powers have really dropped off in recent years because mid-range variable brands have really caught up on glass quality, and the old adage that variable scope is poor image quality doesn’t hold true now. The market wants variables for a reason!
Anyway, food for thought, if I was going woods shooting I’d want a ~165gr pill at ~2800fps with a fixed power scope, probably 6x. For open country shooting I want an accurate .243 100gr and variable power to 14-16x, not negotiable on that! Best of luck with your choice either way.
Sounds like you’ve already made up your mind, which is all good, a quality 8x fixed mag scope would work well.
However...
I’ve been there with .243 Win, had a lovely old Zeiss 8x52 for many years as a youngster, but eventually I changed to variable scopes, first a 3-12x50, then a 4-14x44, and was very glad I did. I totally get why the 8x56 would be a popular recommendation in UK conditions, but my view is that the .243 Win requires precision shooting to be a bankable killer, and that is best achieved with a maximum magnification of 14 or 16.
There’s nothing as confidence boosting as being able to watch and confirm your target on a lower power, and wind up the magnification to max whilst keeping the target dead centre. A practiced hand and a quality scope with slick mechanicals makes this a fast and smooth operation. I always go to maximum with the second focal plane scope just before I settle to take the shot, I find the increased detail and ability to enhance placement makes for more bang-flops. Once the shot is taken the reflex action is to wind the magnification back to minimum or thereabouts again to watch the aftermath. It’s just habit. I far prefer to place the reticle precisely at 14x power at longer ranges than at 8x, its makes a helluva difference. If as you say you are shooting open hill country I would want that extra magnification.
Like I said, I get the fixed power support. Just to entice some unfavourable responses my experience is that these days a lot of the fixed power recommendations come from older blokes who have always used them, not all, but most. I’ll probably get a serve for saying that. Sales of quality fixed powers have really dropped off in recent years because mid-range variable brands have really caught up on glass quality, and the old adage that variable scope is poor image quality doesn’t hold true now. The market wants variables for a reason!
Anyway, food for thought, if I was going woods shooting I’d want a ~165gr pill at ~2800fps with a fixed power scope, probably 6x. For open country shooting I want an accurate .243 100gr and variable power to 14-16x, not negotiable on that! Best of luck with your choice either way.
dodgyknees.......still laughing after reading your post! You're absolutely right about a few things (especially relating to me!). 'Older bloke'....definitely! Also correct that fixed mags were what I started with. I do use variables on my rifles, though, (particularly in Africa) on a Blaser with 7mm Rem Mag barrel and a 375 H&H barrel.
I think your comment that the .243 Win requires precision to be a bankable killer is extremely well made. I have seen some of the shots made (particularly in NZ) and also here in the UK on big reds and there's no doubt that absolute accuracy is required with a 100g bullet. I feel exactly the same about my own 25-06 with 100g, hence my self imposed 200m limit on live game, despite knowing I can plonk them into a target out to 250m and further.
Your comment (and Sako75Hunter) about starting at low mag, then increasing the mag for the shot is also very true, particularly when you've spied the beast from distance and time is on your side.
As a white haired engineer, instead of 'giving you a serve', I offer you the engineer's favourite guideline - the KISS principal. Keep It Simple, Stupid! Some of the best engineering you will find is simple, robust and just works. That's the beauty of the fixed mag scope - not a lot to go wrong mechanically, and not much for the man behind the rifle to screw up!
One last trip back to the cost issue (white hair, and Scottish
).....I'm guessing that JORD4N might be starting out and cost might be a consideration (if I'm wrong, then apologies!). A good quality fixed mag will give him many years of excellent service, and if he then wants to change, that's his choice.
Great thread guys. JORD4N - good luck with your scope, and enjoy your rifle.
S.
I think your comment that the .243 Win requires precision to be a bankable killer is extremely well made. I have seen some of the shots made (particularly in NZ) and also here in the UK on big reds and there's no doubt that absolute accuracy is required with a 100g bullet. I feel exactly the same about my own 25-06 with 100g, hence my self imposed 200m limit on live game, despite knowing I can plonk them into a target out to 250m and further.
Your comment (and Sako75Hunter) about starting at low mag, then increasing the mag for the shot is also very true, particularly when you've spied the beast from distance and time is on your side.
As a white haired engineer, instead of 'giving you a serve', I offer you the engineer's favourite guideline - the KISS principal. Keep It Simple, Stupid! Some of the best engineering you will find is simple, robust and just works. That's the beauty of the fixed mag scope - not a lot to go wrong mechanically, and not much for the man behind the rifle to screw up!
One last trip back to the cost issue (white hair, and Scottish
).....I'm guessing that JORD4N might be starting out and cost might be a consideration (if I'm wrong, then apologies!). A good quality fixed mag will give him many years of excellent service, and if he then wants to change, that's his choice.Great thread guys. JORD4N - good luck with your scope, and enjoy your rifle.
S.
Ohh I'll come play as well.
I have been using variable scopes and now decided to put a fixed 7x50 Meopta because someone kept banging on about how good fixed scopes are. For the land I shoot, it is fine. Usually around 75 to 100 meters but occasionally 150m.
The 243s wears variable glass, one has a longbow so dedicated foxing rifle with the occasional deer before sunset and the other has a Z6i for Munties and roe. Again ranges as above. My abilities do not tend to go out beyond 150m. Nowhere to practice the longer range shots so prefer to walk away than take the risk.
I do like the fixed on the 30.06. The only thing I made sure was it had an Illuminated ret for low light. I find that helps.
A modern variable scope is very good. Just set the scope to 3 for woodland stalking, 6 for general and if you see something in the distance and you have time then you can put the power up to what ever the high end is. Either way, horses for courses. I think I would prefer a variable on the 243 though. But that is just a preference. You will find out if you like it once you buy and try.
I have been using variable scopes and now decided to put a fixed 7x50 Meopta because someone kept banging on about how good fixed scopes are. For the land I shoot, it is fine. Usually around 75 to 100 meters but occasionally 150m.
The 243s wears variable glass, one has a longbow so dedicated foxing rifle with the occasional deer before sunset and the other has a Z6i for Munties and roe. Again ranges as above. My abilities do not tend to go out beyond 150m. Nowhere to practice the longer range shots so prefer to walk away than take the risk.
I do like the fixed on the 30.06. The only thing I made sure was it had an Illuminated ret for low light. I find that helps.
A modern variable scope is very good. Just set the scope to 3 for woodland stalking, 6 for general and if you see something in the distance and you have time then you can put the power up to what ever the high end is. Either way, horses for courses. I think I would prefer a variable on the 243 though. But that is just a preference. You will find out if you like it once you buy and try.
I currently use a Schmidt 10x42 on a 25 06. I had a variable Swaro but never shifted it off 10 so made the swap last year, I have never shot better. It represents total simplicity and ease of operation, it has an old school post ret which coupled with flat shooting 117g bullets seems to click for me, as soon as the top of the post is lined up on chest/neck the rest is easy. I'm considering a second for my hmr. Light transmission doesn't seem a big issue, possibly due to the great quality German optics.
J0RD4N
Well-Known Member
I'm in a similar boat there. When ever I've been out with people I never seem to move the magnification of 8.
Ive just bought a 8x42 to go onto my hmr.
So thats the main reason I'm going fixed mag. From what I've been doing I'd be as well to have one than have magnification that I never use. And if it's not there can't go wrong. I've had 2 scopes where the mag was an issue. Sent them back and got my money back. So it was then I was starting to think about fixed mag.
Ive just bought a 8x42 to go onto my hmr.
So thats the main reason I'm going fixed mag. From what I've been doing I'd be as well to have one than have magnification that I never use. And if it's not there can't go wrong. I've had 2 scopes where the mag was an issue. Sent them back and got my money back. So it was then I was starting to think about fixed mag.
scrumbag
Well-Known Member
That's interesting. My scopes (Generally 3-12x50 on my stalking rifles) they tend to be on 3 for walking around, 12 for zeroing / long shots from highseat when lights good and 7 when light not so good in the seat. Though I tend to not often what I think of as good enough light in the seat to use 12.
Perhaps if you are out on the hill, and stalking more in the day, the light is OK for higher fixed mag?
Erik Hamburger
Well-Known Member
Fixed power works perfectly well; is lighter, and has less mechanics to go wrong.
I use a 6x42 fixed on my .243W deer/fox rifle, and a 7x50 Fixed on my .17HMR vermin rifle.
Underrated and misunderstood by many - if you ask any stalker with a variable power scope than many will admit it is permanently set on a x4 or x6 setting for stalking. That says it all.
I use a 6x42 fixed on my .243W deer/fox rifle, and a 7x50 Fixed on my .17HMR vermin rifle.
Underrated and misunderstood by many - if you ask any stalker with a variable power scope than many will admit it is permanently set on a x4 or x6 setting for stalking. That says it all.
J0RD4N
Well-Known Member
Totaly agree Erik. I've just got a 8x42 for hmr. But most people I know including myself pretty much never touch the magnification when on the hill. I've usually got it at 8.
Harry mac
Well-Known Member
And why are there always lots coming up second hand? I know why I sold mine, and I know why I replaced it with a good quality, mid range zoom.
Chasey
Well-Known Member
I had an 8 X 56 Swaro which is one of the best. In a small operational window, it was great
Sold it and bought a 2.5X15X56 Swaro which is an order of magnitude better and works close range and long range
The only two reasons to buy one are,
you cant afford a decent variable
and ????
No actually theres only one reason to buy one
Sold it and bought a 2.5X15X56 Swaro which is an order of magnitude better and works close range and long range
The only two reasons to buy one are,
you cant afford a decent variable
and ????
No actually theres only one reason to buy one
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