Fixed Rifle Scopes Vs Variable Rifle Scopes
When searching for a rifle scope, there are three primary considerations. Probably the most important consideration is the type of gun a person owns. For instance, you would not put a powerful, expensive scope on an air rifle, or a 22 rifle for that matter. In fact, a good rule of thumb is to spend about half as much for your scope as you spend for your rifle. The second consideration is the type of shooting you are planning on doing. If you are a hunter going after white tail deer you might use one type of rifle scope where as a hunter looking for mountain goat would use another type. The final consideration is your personal preference. Do you prefer a fixed or variable rifle scope?
The fixed rifle scope maintains a constant setting of magnification. As a result you need to know the magnification for the distance you plan on shooting. Magnification is expressed in terms of power. Power being the factor you is visually reducing the distance between you and the target. To illustrate this, if the magnification is 5x, a target 100 yards away will appear only 20 yards away. If the power is 10x, that same target will appear only 10 yards away.
There are some advantages to using a fixed rifle scope and one great disadvantage. Most important, they are less expensive than variable scopes with the same power. Also, fixed power maintains a constant setting causing less eye strain. Since the power does not change, the point of impact, which is what you see through the scope and where the shot hits are the same. The major drawback is that you are stuck with one magnification for all your shooting.
Variable rifle scopes have varied degrees of magnification. The most popular variable scope is a 3x-9x. This is the rifle scope that most white tail deer hunters choose. The 3x means a target would appear three times larger than when seen with the naked eye. The 9x means the target would appear nines times larger. The shooter can make adjustments anywhere between the 3x and the 9x, thus the target can be viewed at various sizes... This is true with any variable scope. The 3x-9x rifle scope can prove deadly for up to 500 yards.
For longer shots, such as hunting for mule deer or mountain goats, you need a higher magnification up to a 12x or 14x. Caution, these high power scopes should only be used by very experienced and accurate shooters. The reason being, the slightest movement by the shooter will cause the point of impact to be off. Some competitive target shooters will use a 24x, 36x or even a 40x during competition. These are the best of the best when it comes to shooting.
When it comes to hunting, almost all hunters prefer a variable rifle scope because it makes it easier to hunt game at various distances. Most will concur, however, that if you can not afford a higher quality variable scope, stay away from cheap ones. There magnification will nott adjust well, nor will they hold the point of impact. A fixed scope at the same price will be more reliable and accurate. Whichever rifle scope you prefer, I just want to add one last thing. Good luck and good hunting.
Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O_w122Sp6I http://ezinearticles.com/?Fixed-Rifle-Scopes-VsVariable-Rifle-Scopes&id=3907012