Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

It seems that in every postconcerning scopes, all of the recommendationsare for one brand or anotherof 3 x 9 or 2 x 7. Why is that?

Now I know Cayugad and a few others use 1x scopes because of their State's restrictions, but I wonder why no one ever recommends a fixed scope in something like 4x? When I created the Sinful Renegade by putting a scope on the .45 GM LRH barrel of that fine sidehammer,I mounted a 4x Simmons ProDiamond. I found it had all of the power I needed, has something like 5 1/2" eye relief, and is very clear and bright. And the thing is - it's a lot trimmer and lighter than any 3 x 9.

I have to admit, I have a 3 x 9 Leupold on the Mustang and keep it on 9x just about all of the time. But I've never taken a shot that a 2x, 4x, or 6x would not have handled just as well. I've set it on 3x for some 100 yard paper punching and got groups just as good as on 9x.

So, what say you?

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

I have to agree.. on some of the rifles I also have the Simmons Pro Diamond 4X and a Simmons Pro Hunter 2.5x20mm. As for the other rifles(that are not 1x) I normally leave them on 7x so I know what you mean.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

All my rifles have variable power scopes on them, either 3x9 or 2x7. Normally I leave them on the lowest setting when im hunting. I like the wide field of view while hunting. It doesnt take no time to crank it up if I need to.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

Hey greg, this is totally OFF TOPIC, but I was looking at your gun list. Of the five cartridge rifles listed I'd bet you use the .257 Roberts more than any other.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

Here's an add-on. Got to thinking a little more about the issue of scope magnification vs. accuracy and started doing a little research.

Found this article. I believe his reported results. It pretty much mirrors my experience with a 3 x 9 set on 3x and 9x.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/optics/st_optics_200710/

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

Two of my muzzleloaders have fixed power scopes. Most of my center fire rifles have fixed power 4X and 6X scopes: Mostly Leupoldand Zeiss.Myvariable scopes are set at 4X or 6X where they will stay.

During WWII the snipers of the world killed lots of troops. With the exception of a few USMC snipers, no one had scopes over 4X. Many years ago i missed a shot atthe biggest buck deer i ever laid my eyes on because my scope was set on 9X and the deer came out of the brush 10 yards away.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

Looks like the higher magnification helped his groups a lot.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

All my centerfires have variable scope on them of some type except for my Marlin guide gun 45-70 which has a 4x. My only ML with a scope is my new Genesis and it has a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x. I like the variables because I can sight in at the higher magnification (helps to eliminate human error) and I usually hunt with it at the lowest setting. And sometimes the higher magnification helps when you need a shot in heavy cover so you can find a hole to slip the bullet through.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

i used to have a 4x fixed bushnell scope [aloooooooooong time ago ] but upgraded to a variable scope 2.5 - 10 scope

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

I have a good assortment of scopes all variables of one sort or another from 6x18 on the 220Swift, 2x10 on one of the 243's, 2x7 on a 7MM08. I have Bushnells Banners and trophys, Pentex light seekers, Loopys, VX III and conpacts and afew ofSimmons.
;)One of the nicest scopes I have is mounted onmy T/C plainsrifle. It is a old Weaver K4 fixed 4 power scope. I only paid :D$5.00for it at a yard sale. Wish I would have bought the two fixed 6 power scopes he had also for that same price.

I too missed a chance at a nice buck that was to close for the 9 power setting on the scope I was useing. Hard to figure where the cross hairs are when all you are seeing is BROWN HAIR, is that the kill zone part or the rear hams I'm looking at. I try to keep mine set at the lowest power then crank up of needed.

:D Al

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

Semi that 257 is a gem, Its a great deerand yote gun. I looked long and hard for one, then one day a buddy came by and said look what i bought. I said you a-hole do you know how long i have been looking for one. He said yea I know give me 250 bucks and its yours thats why i bought. Now thats a good friend. I wish they still made them for production, but i dont know of any company that does anymore. Well this gun has found its last home.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

Many years ago in a land far away.. ( :D just kidding).. back in the day I used to have a 4x32mm Bushnell (I think it was a Banner) on my 30-06 Remington. That outfit was a deer killing machine. I took deer all the way out to 150 yards and never gave it a thought.

Then when I was at work, my nephew (on the wifes side) decided to do me a favor and wipe my rifles down. He was fascinated with rifles. My wife saw no harm in that. Well he unscrewed the back bell off my Bushnell scope or something.He was not really sure what he did he told me (and he did admit to his act so it was hard to get wild mad). What ever he did, it let the gas out of it. And the scope fogged up and was junk, so I thought.

So I put it in a box and mailed it off to Bushnell with a letter telling what happened. The wife to calm me down and to make sure I did not kill the child went out and bought a Tasco World Call 3-9x40mm scope for me. At that time, a Tasco was a very good scope. I mounted that on my 30-06 and it was and still is a very good scope. BUT it never was any more accurate hunting wise, then that old Bushnell Banner 4x.

A while later in the mail comes a box from Bushnell and it it, a brand new scope. No charge. I was thrilled. Well that Christmas, my wife explained that her Dad had a 284 Roberts that did not have a scope, and he was mentioning with his eyes, he'd like a scope. So the Bushnell found a home on his rifle. Could that old man hit deer with that set up. I watched him drop a nice buck at over 200 yards like he was walking in the park.

I think a lot of what I read on this forum is true. If you know the rifle, and know your equipment and skills, most anything is going to work for you.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

I currentlly have no muzzleloaders with fixed scopes installed but I sure wouldn't mind having acloset shelf full of those Leupold FXII in 4X.:D Smaller, lighter weight, great mounting flexibility, good eye-relief, and plenty of power formost needs. Field of view could be a little better, but I think it would still be a solid choice.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

I like the 2X7s. Leupold . Ive got a older one on my X7. Gonna switch it out to a newer shotgunscope with more eye relief.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

I kind of moved backward- started out with a 3 x 9, then last year bought a 4X fixed Simmons ProDiamond on clearance. I really like that scope a lot and used it to take a deer this year. I didn't see any major difference in my 100 yard groups sizes either. If you're only shooting out to 175 yards or so (like 90% of us), 4X is all you really need.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

On the System One I use for bear hunting, a 54 cal inline barrel I shoot a 50 cal 350 gr bullet with a 140 gr powder I have a fixed 2 power weaver scope. Lee

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

Hey Smellyhound :D, I like the Simmons 4X ProDiamond that I have on the Renegadeso much that I ordered another one last night to put on the X7. It's billed asa shotgun scope with parallax set at 50 yards as opposed to the typical100 yards used in rifle scopes. But I did a little research on rifle scope parallax and the difference is so insignificantat typical hunting ranges as to to be of no concern. The one on the Renegade was a factory reconditioned specialfrom Natchez Shooters Supply that I got last year for $19. The one I just bought was $40 (new). If they ever get more of the reconditioned ones I'll be buying two or three to have on hand.

Try one burntmuch, you'll like it.

Can't say that I agree SWThomas. The difference between his best group with 36x and worst group with 1.5x was only .5 inch. The difference between his best group with 36x and best group with 1.5x was 0.125 inch. Heck, I have more shooter error that that. :D:D

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

I only have one muzzle loader (for now:) ) and the first thing I did was put a Leupold Fixed4power on it. It works real well as I'm only shooting out to 150yds max. With a fixed scope from I've been told you get better glass for the money. Less movable parts has has got to be a plus.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

Semi; For yrs, on my centerfire, M70 30-06, was mounted w/ 2.5x bushnell banner. I killed deer from 15-180+ yds. With my first inlines, they wore weaver 2.5x. Killed deer out to 186 paces. Sight em in at 100yds, let ballistics do the rest. That was a quote from an old pal of mine!! i have a fixed 4x on my renegade, which I,m thinking of putting on my white M97. either that or a good 2.5 fixed. It is fun to shoot way yonder, but in reality, most shots are under 100yds!! Lot less to go wrong on a fixed power!!

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

That is a really good low light scope. Have one on mynight time pig reaper, an AR-15.

RE: Anyone Using Fixed Scopes?
 

Semisane,

I really like the ProDiamond too - much better than my 3 x 9 Bushnell I used to have. Mine is also the shotgun version - I mostly got it because of the 5" of eye relief and because it was on sale new for $39;). It has good clarity, gathers light well and seems to be very durable and well-constructed - what else can you ask for???