How do you feel about fixed 4x scopes??

[Dogbite]

I have always used variables,but this time ive been thinking about fixed 4x scopes.I can get alot better quality scope if i go with a fixed 4x,and it does not seem like i would be at a disadvantage.I know it is possible to hit at 400 yards and under at this power setting..What do you guys think about fixed power scopes?? The rifle im outfitting is a 30-06 handi-rifle that belongs to my dad.The rifle would be used to hunt big game--deer,hogs,elk,etc...Thank you for all your help!!!

[VANMAN]

That is an excellent idea. A fixed 4x scope is a great all-round scope. Most shooters today put too much scope (both wieght and power) on their guns.
I generally use Leupold scopes and my favorite has been 2.5-8x. But I have used a compact Leupold 4x (actual 3.5) on a Ruger RSI in 308 and have made 2 kills between 325 and 350 yards (using solid, solid rests).
What scope are you looking to buy?. I am thinking of doing the same to my Kimber 84 in 308win.

[joker1]

I like fixed power scopes for larger game. By knowing the average size of the animal your hunting you can use the reticle as a crude range finding device. I think the temptation to use too much power can make it hard to find a moving animal. Fixed scopes are faster, no adjusting. My $.02

[chevrofreak]

4x is definately a good compromise for up-close work, and for medium range stuff as well. It also allows you to get a more durable scope for less money.

[Dogbite]

I have been looking at;

Nikon buckmaster and monarch fixed 4x

Leupold fixed 4x

These all look pretty good--not sure what to go with yet.I have owned leupold before and really liked it.The Nikon gives you the 40mm lense--looks clear as a bell.?????

Thanks for the info guys,you have helped me make up my mind on this deal--i know ill go for the fixed 4x--now--hummm...which one??

[bgcc11]

I have 2 AR15 carry handle mounted 4X scopes (ACOG & Colt4X21).
Either one will guide me within an eight inch circle at 300 yards (my range's limit).
With the ACOG, at 300 yards, you can put 4 8" circles on a piece of oak tag paper and rotate your shots amongst them (as fast as you can acquire and shoot).
The acquire step is where the ACOG shines.

[MrMurphy]

I had an old fixed 4X Weaver on a Marlin 336. Did fine for chest shots on a silhouette at 100 yards. Don't know about farther, or on game, but they were popular in the old days.

[FullClip]

Have to admitt that I'm prone to "the bigger, the better bug", and usually go with variable power units, but usually leave them on the low power settings 99% of the time and only crank them up when shooting off a rest at the gravel pit. With a fixed scope you have less moving parts, so less to go wrong, less cost, and can get better glass for the money over the varibles. The 4 power is probably the best compromise unless all your hunting is in thick brush, then maybe a lower power would be better.
Think you can't go too far worng with a good quality fixed 4 power job and it will handle almost any hunting situation.

[WIG19]

Originally posted by Dogbite
I have been looking at;

Nikon buckmaster and monarch fixed 4x

Leupold fixed 4x

These all look pretty good--not sure what to go with yet.I have owned leupold before and really liked it.The Nikon gives you the 40mm lense--looks clear as a bell.?????


FWIW, as a huge fan of fixed 4x's (and I own a bunch of variables too) you're on the right track. The others have answered most of the questions. Of your choices (all excellent glass) I'd NORMALLY go with Nikon 55 to 45. I'm a big Leupold fan too, but last few years I've detected either a slight drop in their QC on their variables or else a huge gain in the quality of Nikon's hunting glass. Leupold's M8 4x however is a great scope; I keep one around as my "truth teller" re mounts, rings, etc. But, right now, for the money I think Nikon's got the better glass until you get up into some of Leupold's Vari-X III or premier line, but the difference is slight. Minor considerations:

Leupold could be mounted a bit lower if needed and I personally like their appearance better, a bit trimmer for something like a Handi-Rifle & I think the exterior finish on the Leupold tube is a bit tougher. I don't like Nikon's bright gold logo on a matte-finished hunting scope but maybe just me.

Between Buckmaster & Monarch lines, Monarch is king but the clarity is worth it. The Monarch would be your comparison against the Leupold. Just stay away (for your purposes) from the ProStaff line; very nice stuff but that 4x is meant for a rimfire with parallax optimized at 75yds rather than 150 or so. Either way, if you ever go to another rifle, be sure & pull the scope and you'll have optics for whatever your heart desires. Either one of those fine scopes will do the job providing generous eye-relief & lots of clarity and field of view. Who's gonna give you the best deal on your purchase? Oh, yeah - I've no reason to doubt Nikon's warranty, but the Leupold lifetime warranty is famous whether you're the original owner or not.
Have fun. ;f

[Dogbite]

You guys are great!! Thank you.

[cheygriz]

I've had several fixed 4X scopes over the years, and I liked all of them. Currently, my .30-06 has a 6X42 fixed power on it.


I personally believe that, except in thick timber, the 6X42 is the almost ideal compromise, however the old 4X28 is still an excellent hunting scope.

[Sulaco]

I just bought a Nikon Buckmaster 4x40 over a Leupold M8 4x33 for my Remington 700 Mountain Rifle in 7mm-08.

The Buckmaster is as bright as a Vari-X II as far as I can tell and the optics are very clear. For the money, it is hard to beat Nikon.

I have heard that Nikon makes Leupold's glass. I also have seen some shoddy work on a couple of Leupold scopes I looked at recently.

Nikon claims a limited lifetime warranty on the Buckmaster line. Leupold (as I think everyone knows) has an unbeleivably good lifetime warranty.

I don't think you can really go wrong with either, but I spent my money on the one that had better clarity, larger diameter, little to no glare, cheaper, over 30 foot feild of view at 100 yards and lightweight.

[Erich]

I think a fixed 4x is the best scope for what most folks need.

I have this great old Weaver with a goofy reticle - I keep meaning to send it to those folks in El Paso to get it fixed, but haven't for a couple of years. It's already all wrapped up to ship . . . don't know what's wrong with me.

[Exile]

I recently fitted a 4-12x scope on my 7.62, but spent most of the time shooting it at the lower magnifications of 4x-6x, max. I find less discernible wobble that way. I like a mil dot reticle to help with rangefinding. For many years, I'm not sure about current kit, UK military snipers used 6x42 scopes with considerable success. I also use an 8x56 but that's usually off a bipod.

[Hantra]

Originally posted by bgcc11
I have 2 AR15 carry handle mounted 4X scopes (ACOG & Colt4X21).
Either one will guide me within an eight inch circle at 300 yards (my range's limit).
With the ACOG, at 300 yards, you can put 4 8" circles on a piece of oak tag paper and rotate your shots amongst them (as fast as you can acquire and shoot).
The acquire step is where the ACOG shines.

bg:

How does that work on close range targeting? Can you do any kind of CQB work with it? I mean, if you had to clear a house, could you do it with the ACOG?

Curious. . .

Thanks!

B