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.