pole: FIXED or VARIABLE rifle scope ?

[Dano3467]

trying to find best option in rifle scope, and new info presented to me. So now I'd like to ask, what members here use, fIXED or VARIABLE power scopes.

Would like to know what your running, and maybe why ? I myself needing for target mostly, hunting occasionally, 308...

[negolien]

I must say having both it really depends on what you're doing. If you are benching to 800 yards fixed isn't the best choice. If it's mid range hunting or benching the Fixed sights are ok. If it's 100 yards and closer red dots the choice imho anyway.

[scidx]

I use both, depending on the situation. If the scope is mostly for bench shooting at fixed targets, go for the adjustable. Not many companies focus on quality fixed power scopes, so your financial value will lean toward adjustable magnification.

Weaver (low-middle class) and Leupold (high-middle class) make some good fixed power scopes. The fixed power offers simplicity (which is the biggest advantage), compact size (usually), and a clear and consistant field of view. Subjectively, fixed power offers me a traditional look and feel that I prefer. Now, you can get these same qualities in an adjustable power scope if you shop smart and money isn't the driving factor.

For hunting, lower magnification is often better than "over-magnification". Though, there are some that believe an adjustable scope offers a safety net for positive identification of your target. I've heard the idea of scanning on low power, then turning up the magnification to identify the target. In my opinion, isn't that what binoculars are for?

[3006]

I wouldget a 4x12 x40 for a 308 gives you power for long range and in low light or close up you can turn it down.

[RGMoore]

308 for hunting? Probably pigs and deer. I prefer low power variables because I have shot deer and pigs inside of 10 yards and anything above about 2 power all you will see is hair at that range. On the other end of the spectrum a 308 is limited to about 300 yards to have decent retained energy so 7 power will work. So on hunting you are looking at a 2-7, 2.5-8 or maybe a 3-9 on the high end.
For target it depends on what range and how precise you want to get.
Whatever you get buy quality. Nikon, Leupold or European.
I agree with the previous poster. Lots of folks go too high on magnification for hunting. My hunting rifles have 1.5-5, 1.5-6 and 2-7 except my 300RUM elk rig that wears a 3.5-10.

[Fjold]

I've got fixed scopes sitting in the safe and variables on my medium to big game hunting guns.

1-4x for the 458,
2.5-8X on the 375,
2-7X on the 308,
3-9x on the 270 and 7mm mag

My long range and varmint scopes use higher power variables. The good thing about variables is that you can use them like a fixed power but the same cannot be said the other way.

[E92335i]

2.5x fixed on my Ruger Scout 308 ( plinking/target shooting )
3-9x variable on my R700 308 ( hunting )

[bassbones]

Fixed

[mark501w]

Variable for flexibility.

[GJC]

Just got my first fixed for my new .308 http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42M-Tacti...pe-P53713.aspx
That is for precision shooting though, my hunting are varible power.

[Sutcliffe]

Either will work well

Fixed will probably be cheaper, lighter and easier to work with. For what your requirements are I think the fixed would be better.