Single magnification scopes - worthy alternative to variable magnification?

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DHart

Member
Jul 7, 2018
665
54
AZ, United States
I know that variable (zoom) scopes are the most popular, but I've been thinking about getting a single-magnification scope for shooting in my back yard area.

I have found that a 10x or 12x scope would be plenty of magnification for my backyard needs (out to 45 yards or so), so I was wondering whether a 10x50 or 12x50 scope would possibly be advantageous, versus a more complex variable magnification scope that is has to cover a wide range of magnifications.

Or, would the versatility of a variable scope (for example 4-16x50) be worth going that direction. 

I have read that with a variable magnification scope, often at the extreme magnification setting, the image quality suffers a bit. I've noticed this with my Aztec Emerald 5.5-25x50 - it seems a bit less clear and sharp when at 25x, as compared to lower magnifications. So, if my preferred magnification might be 12x, then getting a variable magnification scope that goes out to 16x would probably be better than getting one that ends at 12x?
 
I have fixed mag scopes on most of my guns - sightron-siii 10x42, optisan evx 10x44 to name some. The image quality is noticeably better, allowing you to use it for shooting well beyond what I you'd think that mag is good for, and the simplicity is awesome.

There is also no wondering if 10x is really 10x etc, like you do on sfp scopes. Obviously FFP helps there, but bang for buck in the image quality department is phenomenal. Also much lighter in most cases and supposedly tougher due to simplicity.

As for the variable mag scopes it probably would be better to use a scope that is isn't always set at its optical max for what you need (ie 4-16 rather than 3-10 for use at 10 mag) but if you're going to leave it at around 10-12x and it's milky/blurry/dim at max,why bother? I know it feels like you're giving something up going fixed mag, but in my experience you really aren't 😄
 
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☝️Macros is right-on. Using10X SWFA with superb reticle or a fixed 6X also are great. We older guys like a little more power then 4X but fixed power has great advantages for most airgun hunting. Now bench rest and FT match shooting is another issue and variable power is the choice however you add considerable size and weight to the gun and the balance and handling change considerably.

Having tried numerous fixed power I feel the 10X is the maximum I can use. The 12X limited my ability to quickly get on target of a distant squirrel because field of view was smaller. I now find that even with variable power scopes I am set at 8X to 10X almost all day.

No wrong answer. Let us know what you find.
 
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Thanks everyone for the input.

When buying a Brocock Bantam Sniper HR in .22 cal.at AoA today, I decided to go with a Hawke 10x42 Sidewinder, with side-focus and illuminated reticle. The clarity of the glass in this single magnification scope is stunning. My intended use is back yard targets at between 25-45 yards or so. It's fairly light weight and the controls feel very high quality. I think this will pair well with the Bantam Sniper and I think I'm going to like this scope a lot. I will pick up the Bantam Sniper with scope mounted in the next day or so!
 
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Congrats! 

Those will be a great pairing and you certainly won't be restricted to those ranges
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Let us know how it goes once everything is set up and you done a bit of shooting! 

Cheers
Click to expand...

Thank you. As a test, before I purchased, I did my usual shooting with the Aztec Emerald 5.5-25x50 on my RW .22HP set at 10x and found that 10x is actually quite useful, especially with glass of high clarity. - particularly when shooting without a rest. So, I think the 10x42 Hawke with Sidewinder-grade glass and illuminated reticle will be a real pleasure to use!
 
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