Scopes

[Kharmon]

What is members thought on standard power or variable power scopes for just an every day use target or pull out of safe and shoot a varmint

[ESquared]

Really depends on what caliber you're shooting, what distance you're shooting from, how good your eyesight is, and the lighting conditions of your target/varmint shooting (and probably some more factors, but that's the short list).

My opinion is that if you're over 45-50 yds, a variable magnification scope will be more versatile at various distances.

[Mags]

100 yds and less 1-8x or 1-10x variable.
75yds and less 1-6x variable.

[Yornoc3]

I'm a fan of fixed power scopes for many applications. While I have variables on a lot of my rifles, it's at least partly because there aren't a lot of fixed power scopes available anymore. Fixed 3x Leupold M8, anyone ? Regardless of the power range, whether its 1.5-5x or 3-9x, I find myself setting them at about 4x and forgetting about it, while hunting. And I seldom dial up more than 6 or 7x even when sighting in. Fixed power scopes can be both optically brighter (fewer lens elements stealing light, and tougher (fewer moving parts). That's why my single shot 45-70 wears a Leupold 2.5X, with which I can see as well as I need to for the effective range of a 45-70 for hunting. After all, a scope is just a sight. If I really want to look at something, I use binoculars or a spotting scope. Of course, target shooting or long range varmit hunting is a whole different deal .

[North Country Gal]

As above, I enjoy and like fixed power scopes, but there are so few fixed power scopes available, now, that the fixed versus variable scope issue is pretty much a dead duck. When you do see a fixed model, now, it's usually at the bottom end of the brand's price line. Too bad, because fixed power scopes are still very useful for many applications.

[Rifletom]

I have two Weaver K-4 fixed power scopes. These are the "Japanese" models. This is good glass. One on my Mod 94 30-30, other is in the safe. If you can find one of those, buy it. I believe Burris and Leupold make fixed 4X, or at least used to.
Have a Weaver V1-3x20mm on my Henry BB brass .357. Perfect!

[Mags]

.
Sorta happenstance the same here. Most of my shooting is 50-75yds and 4x on my 1-6x variable seems to be the sweet spot. I do on occasion dial up/dn, so having the variable option is nice to have at hand.

... I find myself setting them at about 4x and forgetting about it, while hunting...

[Yornoc3]

I can't be sure, but those Japanese Weaver fixed power scopes appeared to have been made by Nikon. A Monarch fixed 4X and a weaver K4 I had appeared to be identical in both configuration and dimensions, and I kinda vaguely remember reading that was the case, too. I still have a K6 Weaver on a single shot .270, the Nikon is on a compact .308 youth rifle waiting for my grandson to get a little bigger (another benefit: kids can't jack around with the magnification of a fixed power scope ) and the K4 was gobbled up in a trade. I wish I had picked up one of the "new" Weaver steel tubed K4's when they did that limited run a few years back, but I snoozed on 'em .

[Steve51]

My preference is 3 X 9 variable. I have scopes on 3 rifles and 1 slug barrel - all are 3 X 9 variable.

[BigAl52]

Dont over look a red dot. Not sure what distance you are talking about but I like the dots as well.

[North Country Gal]

Good point on the red dot. Totally agree. Under some conditions, I do prefer a red dot to a scope. Last range trip, for instance, lighting conditions were such that even with my good scopes, the crosshairs were disappearing against the black bullseyes I was shooting. Hard to shoot with accuracy when that happens. A red dot solves that one, beautifully. Always visible and very easy to use, too.

[Mags]

April 2019. Lot of scopes on sale...
https://www.opticsplanet.com/s/scopes?_ ... st-savings
Pricing on Amazon for some of the scopes is little better. Others are on par. (without consideration for shipping costs)

[Firefly]

I have Simmons Whitetail 1-5.5x20 that seems pretty good over short distances on my .44 big boy

[ESquared]

That seems like it would be an ideal scope, Firefly, for that rifle. Show us some pics!

[Firefly]

Photos as requested

[ESquared]

Nice, that scope looks great. What's the "tail" you've got attached to the lever? Looks interesting...

[Firefly]

It is a leather wrap

[AMraider]

I have had a lot of luck with picking up old Unertl Hawk 4x scopes at gunshows. They have some really clear optics. For a modern scope take a look at the SWFA SS series. They have a variety of fixed powered ones from 6x to 20x. HTH.

[CT_Shooter]

Welcome to the forum from CT, and thanks for adding to the conversation. Glad you joined us.

I have had a lot of luck with picking up old Unertl Hawk 4x scopes at gunshows. They have some really clear optics. For a modern scope take a look at the SWFA SS series. They have a variety of fixed powered ones from 6x to 20x. HTH.

[Mags]

.
Welcome and thanks for the scope tip.

I have had a lot of luck with picking up old Unertl Hawk 4x scopes at gunshows. They have some really clear optics. For a modern scope take a look at the SWFA SS series. They have a variety of fixed powered ones from 6x to 20x. HTH.