My Second Hunting Scope Purchase -- fixed 6X ?

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Kirk_Ferentz

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Feb 16, 2010
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A lot of you gave me great advice that allowed me to decide on a scope for my 30-06 last year (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/845143-Scope-for-30-06). Well some burglars have given me the chance to re-visit the issue. On the first go round last year, I ended up with a Zeiss conquest 3-9X40mm. I really liked the scope, and now that I again need a scope, I'm thinking about buying the same model. My only qualm was that it was fairly heavy and made me think that I might have a hard time making shots without a rest.

I remember from that post that a lot of folks prefer a simple fixed power scope, so I am giving some serious consideration to a simpler fixed power design. It will be used on a rifle for medium and big game, and I doubt I will be trying shots over 500 yards.

I'm thinking about a fixed 6 power with a 36mm objective lens, like the Leupold FX-II. I'd like a Zeiss but they don't make the fixed powers (at least not in USA). Does anyone have any experience with a 6X36 ? I'm wondering if 36mm gives enough light for a 6 power scope -- would it be better to step down to a 4 power? I could go with a 6X42 , but that starts to get into the same weight range as the Zeiss 3-9X40. I definitely want to be able to see well in low light conditions.

By the way, the consensus seems to be that a 6 power is plenty for under 500 yard shots in the field. I guess I'm not sure if 4 power is pushing it.
 
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I've been a fan of fixed power scopes for years. They are simple, and are the most durable / reliable scopes. In talking to a Leupold rep a few years back, he told me, In all the years they have been making the fixed 4 and 6 scopes, they rarely see any come in for repair.
That is another nice thing about Leupold scopes. If you do have a problem with them, it is usually a 7 day service turn around. And the scope is still covered for life, even if you are not the original owner.

I've had a few 6X, and a handful of 4X scopes. I actually prefer the 4X, and have never felt hadicapped having one. I've hunted in very dark timber with them, in winter conditions, and the light gathering has never been an issue. As long as its light enough to be legal shooting, you will be fine.

The old rule of thumb for scope power was, 1X is good for 100 yards, so in theory 6X should be fine out to 600. I've never shot at an animal 600 yards, so I can't testify to that theory.

I've owned a few variable power scopes. I like the 1.5x6 Leupolds, but found I rarely changed the setting. I would usually set them on 3-4, and leave it there, so for me, there really isn't any benefit. With the exception of variable scopes designed specifically for extreme distances, I think the variable scopes were more of a marketing tool, and now that they have been around so long, people have convinced themselves that a fixed power scope isn't adequate.

They worked just fine years ago, and will still do fine today.
 
For me, the problem with a 6 power scope is that for shots in heavy timber (quick close shots) you will have too much magnification. I prefer a variable scope. Reliability between fixed and variable should not be an issue.

I can't believe the weight difference would have you choose between fixed and variable. Perhaps you need to look at high quality shooting sticks. Also, 600 yards is very far. You could never shoot that far off hand! And you better practice shooting at that distance.

I would get a variable scope.
 
I don't plan on 600 -- 500 at most, and what I'm saying is that I want to be able to have enough magnification if I have a rest shooting at 430 yards, but I also want to be able to make a quick close shot without a rest.

I think the weight difference with vari vs. fixed is something like 5 or 6 ounces, and that is looking at 6X scopes. If I look at 4X, it looks like the disparity grows by another .7 ounces. For the Zeiss I had, that is a 30 to 40% weight reduction.

When I first got my rifle without the scope, I loved how light and nimble it was, and I thought I could do a great job of shooting without a rest. But then When I threw the Zeiss scope on, I had a lot of doubts about free hand shooting. So, I tend to think that losing 30 or 40% of that weight could make a real difference. But yes, some sticks are another option. I wouldn't put them in the same class as being able to quickly aim and make a close to ~150 yard shot without a rest, but it is something to think about.
 
What kind of rings and bases are you using for your scope ? If you are using a one piece base, some of them are heavy.

Adding the scope will change the feel of the rifle, but it shouldn't make such a difference that you will feel off hand shots might be difficult.

As far as reliabilty between a fixed and variable scope, using a quality scope lessens the reliabilty issue. I always shoot rifles with a lot of recoil, so that really comes into play. Anytime you have more moving parts, the chance for a failure increases.

I would get the scope you want, and if you are still feeling like you are having trouble, start exercising and build up your arm strength. I agree 6x can be a little much, in deep timber, that is another reason I prefer the 4x...
It works fine up close, and is still just fine for longer distance shots. I never look at the scope wondering if it would be adequate to pull off a shot a 500 yards.
Personally I never understood that. I try to get closer. 200 yards or less. It's not because I can't pull off a shot at greater distance, but getting as close as possible is part of the hunt for me. I've seen plenty of people that claim to shoot at 400+ yards, and they can't even hit the 100 yard target consistently.
I guess thats why I enjoy archery hunting so much better. YMMV of course
 
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It will likely be a light two piece set up. On the Zeiss, I used some leupold rings and brackets.

Hunterjrg, I was just looking at that scope. It would be nice to at least transition from below 4X up to 6X+, and I see that that scope doesn't weigh very much.

One thing I wonder about is whether a 36mm obj. lens is big enough for low light situations when I am getting up to 6X or more. I'm guessing it would work pretty well. Not as good as moving up to 40mm or 42mm, but I don't like the weight of those scopes. I guess if nothing else I can always just bring it back down to a lower magnification (in a variable scope, that let's in more light, right?).
 
How far can you shoot well with open sights? What is the maximum range you will try to take game at? Divide the second by the first. If you decide on a fixed power scope, you have your answer. Fixed power scopes offer greater durability and longevity with a lower weight and usually lower cost over comparable variable power scopes. If you are going to be hunting over a very diverse set of conditions a variable power scope might be in order. I like the simplicity of a good fixed power scope.
 
I have the original Zeiss Conquest in 3.5-10x44 and it's a great scope. The 44mm objective lens is great with good light transmission. I recently got myself a Bushnell Trophy XLT in 1.5-6x42 and 30mm tube. It's coming tomorrow, so I'll take a look and report back. I'm thinking the quality of the glass won't be that great, but the selection was limited with that magnification range. The field of view is huge at 1.5 times at 100 yards - something like 60' and 32' at full power. If you've ever looked through a scope with a 30mm tube, the extra light transmission compared to a 1" tube is amazing. I hunt primarily in thick brush and shots under 200 yards. If I were to get a fixed, I'd go with a 4x. I think 6x is too strong at 50 yards or less.
 
I have used the same fixed power scope on my 308's for years and I find the combination a perfect compromise for me.
I use a Zeiss 6 X 42 Diatal-Z. I cannot comment on the new Zeiss scopes as mine is 20 years old but I love the extra brightness that they have.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
It will likely be a light two piece set up. On the Zeiss, I used some leupold rings and brackets.

Hunterjrg, I was just looking at that scope. It would be nice to at least transition from below 4X up to 6X+, and I see that that scope doesn't weigh very much.

One thing I wonder about is whether a 36mm obj. lens is big enough for low light situations when I am getting up to 6X or more. I'm guessing it would work pretty well. Not as good as moving up to 40mm or 42mm, but I don't like the weight of those scopes. I guess if nothing else I can always just bring it back down to a lower magnification (in a variable scope, that let's in more light, right?).
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I do think some of the brightness comes from a higher quality lens coating. I have never been disappointed with a Leupold scope.
 
I have a Leupold 6X42 on a 22 hornet for turkey hunting. Good in low light, good field of view, and I have no problem with close up situations. It replaced a 3x9.
 
hunterjrg said:
Variable. 2.5-8X36 Leupold VX3
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This might be a winner. I may actually be leaning towards one spot down in the line-up: the VX-3 1.75-6x32mm. From my research so far, it looks like the VX-3 is the best so far of that progression of scope lines (wheras it sounds like the older vari-x III scopes were better than the later VXIII models).

I wonder if 32mm is too small for 6X as the max magnification...
 
I mounted and shot my 30-06 bushnell 1.5x6x44 with 30mm tube. Not a bad scope for the money, but optics are not as good as my Zeiss or nikon and not a vx-iii. It will do the job in thick cover, but I'm gonna say that I'm not gonna be too comfortable past 200 yards. The light transmission with the 30mm tube and 44mm objective is excellent. It was pouring rain and dark today, and I could see the bullseye clearly at 100 yards. Nikon makes a similar scope but its discontinued and only refurbs are for sale. I will look forward to hearing how that Leopold works out.
 
A fixed 6X is a great open country/prairie scope. It's not the best choice for woods hunting ---- but; it'll work okay. I suggest you actually find a shooting range that goes to a measured 500 yards and try a few shots with whatever scope you choose --
 
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