Looking for a new scope for your rifle in time for hunting season is a tiresome thing to do.
One of the choices you need to make to find a good scope is whether you want a FIXED or VARIABLE SCOPE.
I’ll be discussing all the details you’ll need to know about each kind, so you can determine if fixed power scopes or variable power scopes are for you.
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What Are Fixed Power Scopes?
As the name suggests, fixed scopes are riflescopes that only offer a certain amount of power in their magnification.
In other words, you CANNOT adjust the magnification to be greater or lesser than what it’s already set to.
For example, a 4x scope will only 4x scope the magnification.
This makes a fixed scope much MORE RELIABLE than a variable power scope.
Pros of a Fixed Power Scope
Indeed, there are a lot of benefits you can gain from using a fixed scope, especially if you’re a beginner hunter or shooter in general.
Let’s go over these ADVANTAGES!
#1 Clear Vision
If you get yourself a fixed power scope, then you’re going to enjoy CLEAR sights with it.
Since it’s fixed in one magnified setting, the preset you’ll get it in will ensure that your line of vision is clear with it to enhance your shooting capabilities.
The PRESET PARALLAX means that a fixed power scope will ensure that the eye box will have a forgiving window when you quickly need to get snapshots of what you’re hunting.
#2 Fixed Magnification
The fixed parallax on a scope like this makes it EASIER for hunters to use.
There’s no need to adjust the dilation of fixed magnification scopes since they’re already set in place.
The numbers on these scopes are also easier to read and understand if you’re a beginner shooter.
#3 Lightweight
If you hate dragging a lot of heavy equipment around with you during your hunt (like me), there’s no need to worry.
Fixed power scopes have a LIGHTER WEIGHT since they don’t have the extra dials a variable scope may require.
#4 Easy to Use
If you need to attach your fixed power optic to your hunting rifle, all you need to do is sight the scope using adjustable turrets.
There’s nothing complex about using one during your hunts with that feature.
#5 Inexpensive
You may also want to invest in fixed power scopes since they’re CHEAPER compared to variable power scopes.
I’ve been able to save money by choosing fixed scopes, which allowed me to save up for a new hunting rifle!
Cons of a Fixed Power Scope
While all the pros make fixed scopes sound lovely to work with, there are a few downsides that may cause you to be wary about them.
#1 Inaccuracy
There have been a few instances where my shots were off-target because I only had one magnified power.
Poor accuracy is especially tough if the animal you’re hunting goes farther away from you or too near.
#2 Location Adjustments
Fixed power scopes tend to cause a lot of hunters to move around a lot, especially if the target moves away.
In my experience, it’s been a real hassle having to move and constantly adjust MYSELF instead of the rifle just to get the perfect view of my target.
What Are Variable Scopes?
Variable Scopes are made to be used by experienced and experimental hunters.
Since you can adjust the magnification of variable power scopes, they’re way MORE VERSATILE than fixed scopes are.
Variable magnification scopes allow you to adjust your lens based on your location, proximity of the target, and the type of prey you’re hunting.
Pros of a Variable Scope
While the variable power scope may sound intimidating to use for some, it can offer distinct advantages you can utilize.
#1 Location
It doesn’t matter if you’re several hundred meters away from your prey.
All you have to do is adjust your variable magnification scope to get a good image.
You can also do the opposite if your target is closer to where you are.
#2 Control
With variable scopes, you have TOTAL CONTROL over the magnification power of your scope.
I love having control over my magnification; there’s no reason for me to panic if my target wanders away from me or approaches me .
You can adjust the magnification to your liking for any particular shot you make, whether you’re hunting small game or big game.
Cons of a Variable Scope
Before using variable power scopes, you should be aware of all the downsides they can present.
#1 Low Clarity
Since you have no preset magnification with a variable magnification scope, the images you’ll get from your snapshots may be BLURRIER than a fixed power scope.
Several lenses in the scope may make the image appear blurrier due to its high magnification.
#2 Complicated
Using a variable scope can be way more complicated since it may require PARALLAX ADJUSTMENT and magnification of the exit pupil.
In my experience, I took too long aiming and my target ran away before I could take a shot. I lost valuable time adjusting.
This can be especially crucial for short-range hunting.
If you’re a beginner, you will probably also find it difficult to adjust your scope in the first place.
#3 Heavy
Variable scopes are HEAVIER than their fixed scope counterpart.
They contain more dials for adjustment, which may affect the overall weight of your rifle.
#4 Costly
These types of optics cost way more than fixed scopes do.
That’s because they’re composed of more parts. However, there may be ECONOMICAL OPTIONS out there.
Fixed vs. Variable Scope: Side-by-Side Comparison of Features
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of fixed and variable scope features.
1. Cost
If you want a scope with a LOWER PRICE, you may get a fixed power scope.
You could also try finding a LESS EXPENSIVE variable optic.
However, as always, if you want a scope with BETTER PERFORMANCE, you should find a scope that isn’t too cheap.
2. Weight
If you want to bring a LIGHTER RIFLE with you during a hunt or a target shooting session, then you should probably opt for a fixed scope.
Many fixed power scopes are shorter in both length and height. It won’t affect the overall balance of your rifle.
A variable scope might be heavier since there are more dials and other parts to make the lenses adjustable.
3. Ease of Use
If you want a STREAMLINED EXPERIENCE when using your riflescope, you should probably get a fixed scope.
All you need to do is pop it on your rifle, and you’ll be good to go.
If you use a variable optic, you may end up fiddling with the scope now and then to make the proper adjustments.
4. Type of Hunting
To put it simply, fixed scopes are enough for short-range hunting and hunting small prey. Meanwhile, if you’re hunting larger prey, variable scopes are better.
Your scope of choice depends on what kind of prey you decide to hunt.
When Should You Use a Fixed Scope?
I recommend using a fixed scope because they are lighter and easier to use.
No one wants to lug around a heavy gun if they move a lot. A lighter rifle will lessen your fatigue in the long run..
In my experience, I’ve been under some harsh conditions, but the good thing is that the lightweight of the fixed scope didn’t contribute to my tiredness.
Granted, there are a lot of fixed scopes with large objective lenses and objective bells, so the magnification range won’t be a problem.
When Should You Use a Variable Scope?
A COMMON MISCONCEPTION with hunters is the more magnification you need if you’re farther away from your target.
Small game hunters need ADJUSTED LENSES when hunting something like ground squirrels, with just as much magnification a deer hunter will need.
When it comes to scopes and hunting, remember that range does not always determine magnification.
Whether you’re hunting from a closer distance or long distance doesn’t matter.
Using variable optics will depend on your experience and your personal opinions.
Check out our list of the best 1×6 scopes to get started!
Final Verdict: Which Is Best for Hunting?
Despite using both, I can’t say one is better than the other.
In the end, the right equipment comes down to your PERSONAL PREFERENCE and NEEDS.
You may need scopes capable of incorporating red dot reticles and other different reticles available on the market for short-range or long-range shooting.
You need to find optics with excellent light transmission, eye relief, and other variables.
With this article, I hope you get those rifles out of your gun safely, find the perfect scopes for them and enjoy shooting once more.
To learn more about how a rifle scope works, you can check out my guide!
FINAL TIP: If you want to expand your search for the right scope, I have a handy list of the best scopes under 500 to help you out!
