Anyone running 6x fixed scopes for most hunting?

[coloradoan]

There are some pretty vocal proponents out there of the 6x42 SWFA scopes, with some of them pretty much swearing by them for all around use (except for extreme long range, I guess). I hunt coyotes and big game out to 300 yards and am looking to extend my range, although I don't see myself ever trying to stretch out past 600 yards. I hunt in a mix of open country and timber. I'm actually not that concerned about not having enough magnification, but I am concerned about having too much in the woods.

For those who have switched over to 6x42, do you miss having the variable magnification?

 

[slick]

While I haven't used that scope in particular. I run a lightweight Leupold. Max magnification is 7, and i don't find it limiting at all. I would assume 6x would be fine for all but the closest shots where finding the critter in the scope may be problematic.

Have shot critters from 50-450 with 7x

 

[N2TRKYS]

I've been looking at trying one of those scopes myself. However, I like alot more magnification even when only shooting 100 yds. I may go with a variable, if I can make myself buy one of those scopes.

I might put one on a 22.

 

[Antler57]

10x will give you more options I find that parallax range is more important

 

[Blue72]

The field of view on fixed scopes is so much more pleasurable

I couldn’t go back to straw like views of variables

 

[gr8fuldoug]

In our Flash Sale Today we have the Meopta Meopro 6x42 #4 Riflescope for only $349.99 and it is a great scope

 

[AdamLewis]

My two main hunting rifles have a 6x42 Leupold and a 6x42 SWFA MQ.

The Leupold is solid and light weight with a huge eyebox, but the SWFA has better more repeatable turrets.

Comfortable with either at 600 yards for goats, antelope, deer, elk, etc.

 

[Macegl]

Hunted for years exclusively with a 6x leupold, only had a couple times I wished I had a variable, and both were in very close range situations where 6x was a little more magnification than I wanted. I now have a low power variable for those times I will be hunting in thicker areas.

At the range on small paper targets 6x can seem too little magnification, but on deer and elk I've never felt under powered.

Disclaimer: I won't shoot a game animal past 500 yds, so past that distance you might need more magnification.

 

[jacknifejc]

I had Leupold 6x scopes on every rifle I own until my eyes went to crap. I had to get more magnification.

 

[Bobbyboe]

I used the swfa 6x for a while. Only con for me personally was the thin crosshairs. I found that at low light they are tough to see. Otherwise, I used my scope from 50 yards to 330 on deer successfully. Ive also shot gongs out to 550 with it. 10” gong at 559 is about max for me.

 

[zacattack]

Any preference for the Leupold vs Meopta?

 

[Macegl]

If I was in need of a 6x scope, I'd jump on the deal Doug mentioned earlier. The meopta is everything the leupold is and maybe a tad better, and that's a very good buy.

 

[Jxferg7]

I also run the same scope and have loved it except in low light situation or shooting into the sun. This has been problematic for me as most of the big critters i have had a chance on have been in those low light situations. Thinking about going less magnification and something that may be better in low light.

 

[Mike Islander]

$199 SWFA 6x42 SS mil quad on the SWFA website right now. If you dial range, you'll pay 5x that for anything as reliable.

 

[Michaelrock]

Hunted for years exclusively with a 6x leupold, only had a couple times I wished I had a variable, and both were in very close range situations where 6x was a little more magnification than I wanted. I now have a low power variable for those times I will be hunting in thicker areas.

At the range on small paper targets 6x can seem too little magnification, but on deer and elk I've never felt under powered, https://scopesfield.com/best-scope-for-6-5-creedmoor/

Disclaimer: I won't shoot a game animal past 500 yds, so past that distance you might need more magnification.

I agree -- 6x magnification is adequate for hunting. However, I personally prefer to use variable power scope just in case I want to extend into long range shooting.

 

[16Bore]

Leupold M8 6x42’s are my all time favorite. SWFA’s are rather chunky for my liking on a hunting rig. Good scopes though.

I’d be happy with a UL version fixed 6x with a MQ reticle. Leave the dials capped.

 

[Walking Birds]

Take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt, as I’ve never used a prime lens other than an old weaver K2.5

I’ve always hunted with 3-9x40 scopes, as does my old man, but we both tend to leave them on 5x (my choice) and 6x for him and have never felt under or over scoped. We use them in the timber of the northeast for whitetails, including more than a couple runners, and have yet to find issue with this magnification setting. I felt more underscoped with a 2.5x in the timber than I do with a 6x setting in the west

 

[backcountry_hunter]

I don't miss variable's at all when shooting fixed 6's

 

[Newtosavage]

Love my Weaver K6 on my mountain rifle!

 

[jkingrph]

Never had a straight 6x. My first scope back in 1963 was a Leupold 4x, still use it. I do have numerous variables now, and several of their little 2.5x scout scopes. I do find the low power a bit limiting for target work at 100 yards and beyond, but now at age 74 it's still much better than iron sights.