fixed power scope

[Wgrobb]

anyone use one for back country hunting?

really been thinking about going this route. I'm a vortex guy but i don't think they make one.

if you use one please tell me how you like it and what you're using

 

[rayporter]

4x most of my hunting life. never needed more.

 

[crich]

This is creepy... I was about to make this same exact post!... ill just hang out if that's cool haha

 

[backcountry_hunter]

Last several years I’ve used a 6x mil swfa on week long backpack hunts. Works excellent, variability is one less thing to worry about failing. 6x will get me further than I’d shoot on live game.... no reason for more. I’ve killed at 50yds with it also and works well close. If I could add only one direction of variability to it it would be less magnification, not more

 

[Wgrobb]

Last several years I’ve used a 6x mil swfa on week long backpack hunts. Works excellent, variability is one less thing to worry about failing. 6x will get me further than I’d shoot on live game.... no reason for more. I’ve killed at 50yds with it also and works well close. If I could add only one direction of variability to it it would be less magnification, not more

these SWFA scoped are like unicorns. They are never in stock and always sold out. I love the idea of less moving parts. just simple 6-10 power scope and that's all.

 

[307]

Do you dial? I certainly have no valid opinion when it comes to rifle scopes but tend to trust the guys with vast experience. If you want to dial, then it sounds like your options for a reliable and effective system is reduced considerably.

 

[menhaden_man]

Shot two antelope with a fixed 10x scope this year, really liked it. I like the idea of diamond but don’t do it.

 

[Fatcamp]

Shot an antelope and a deer this year with 6X SWFA. Working well so far.

 

[Marbles]

I used a fixed 4x (Weaver K4) for years. It worked well. I wanted lower power for close in brush as I now hunt in brown bear country, and the K4 is pretty cheap glass. I like fixed power, might end up going back to one.

 

[hodgeman]

I've done a lot of hunting with a fixed 6x and prefer it to any variable I've owned. I've used 2.5x, 3x, 4x, 6x and 10x scopes over the years. I shot my last caribou with a 10x.

We complicate a lot of hunting with wiz bang cartridges and complicated scopes when most of use would be better off shooting an '06 with a 4x or 6x and actually shooting it.

 

[TomJoad]

I run 4x fixed on one rifle. I like fixed but I’d never go higher than 4x. I’ve taken both elk and deer at close bow distance when I wasn’t anticipating it. Higher than 4 you are looking at a big ass mountain of moving fur and no clue where vitals lie.

what’s great about fixed: lightweight, less glass so better light transmission, fewer moving parts, more durable, great FOV, easiest target acquisition since you’re always looking at the same magnification.

what’s not great about fixed: no one makes a good 4x. Meopta has a quality 6x as does S&B. Leupold discontinued their 4x (still makes 6x) although I think they still make a rimfire 4x (I run an older FX-ii 4x). You can find vintage glass but that’s about it!

 

[rayporter]

i have a pair of 1.5-5x on a slug gun and a 45-70 which i like for close range, but they lack the glass for any distance.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

these SWFA scoped are like unicorns. They are never in stock and always sold out. I love the idea of less moving parts. just simple 6-10 power scope and that's all.

Have you tried calling/emailing them about expected re-stock date? They were pretty helpful with my last purchase and the CVD19 effect must be easing some because they seem to be getting (albeit small) shipments of some of their scopes in on an intermittent basis.

 

[cbeard64]

This sounds like a discussion from 1978.

With the reliability and economy of good variables these days, I don’t see why anyone would limit themselves to a fixed power scope. Makes no sense. You can get a great 3x9 power scope for under $400 all day long. Some under $300. Just keep it on low power when in the thick stuff and dial it up as needed/desired. Win-win.

A possible exception might be big magnums for dangerous game.