Choosing Between Fixed vs Variable Power Scopes for Hunting?

Choosing the Right Magnification

When it comes to long-range hunting, variable power scopes are the way to go. These scopes offer a range of magnification options, typically between 3-12x or 3-18x, which allows you to adjust your magnification on the fly to suit the situation. For example, if you’re hunting at 200 yards, a 6x or 8x magnification might be suitable. However, if you’re taking a long shot at 400 yards, you may want to bump up the magnification to 10x or 12x. This flexibility is crucial for accurately placing shots at varying distances.

Zeroing and Adjusting Your Scope

Regardless of whether you choose a fixed or variable power scope, proper zeroing and adjustment are essential for accuracy. When zeroing your scope, make sure to use a consistent aiming point and shoot a group of shots to establish a baseline. For variable power scopes, it’s essential to adjust the parallax setting to match the magnification you’re using. This is usually done by adjusting the parallax adjustment knob, typically located on the eyepiece or near the ocular lens. For example, if you’re using 4x magnification, set the parallax to 4x to ensure accurate aiming.

Considerations for Long-Range Hunting

When hunting at long ranges, it’s essential to consider the subtensions of your scope. Subtentions refer to the distance between two points on a scope’s reticle. For example, a 1-inch subtention at 100 yards translates to 1 inch of holdover at that range. At longer ranges, this subtention increases, making it more critical to understand the subtentions of your scope. When choosing a variable power scope for long-range hunting, look for one with a clear and easy-to-read reticle, such as a Mil-Dot or Ballistic CDS reticle. These reticles make it easier to estimate holdovers and range to your target.