Variable power vs. fixed power scope

[cherokee75]

I currently have a Simmons Pro Hunter 3-9x40 scope on my Omega and it is by no means the top of the line but gets the job done.  I also have a Simmons Pro Diamond 4x32 which seems to have better quality glass and might be more durable since it is made for shotgun and/or muzzleloader hunting.  What are your thoughts on the pros and cons of fixed power and variable power scopes, not only as it relates to my two particular scopes, but in general?  I guess I subscribe to the popular belief that you should buy the best scope you can afford, but unfortunately for me, I can't do that and must make due with what I have. I am sure a lot of people are in the same boat as me and can't dole out a few hundred bucks or more on a scope.  I was lucky to buy my new Omega and smart enough not to push my luck trying to talk the "boss"  into a new scope, as I already had the two scopes I mentioned earlier.

[nrb]

Over years of deer hunting with shotgun and frontloaders, I have used several scopes and have seen heavy recoil destroy three of them. Two were variables and one was fixed power. I, like you, used two older variables because they were available. I kept these at low power only but they did not last long. The fixed power was a "shotgun" scope used on a frontloader that lasted a couple of years. I now only use "shotgun" grade scopes and prefer fixed power. Considering that I prefer close shots and will not take a shot over 100yds, the fixed power scope is fine.
best,               nrb

[Wolfhound]

Any good quality riflescope will work. I've got a Bushnell 3200 and a Burris Fullfield II that have both been used with some hot loads and never had a problem.

[Striderman]

My son, brother, cousin and I all have leupold vari-x II 1x4 on our omegas and love them.  We all typically keep them on 3x to 4x

[Mack in N.C.]

all of my scopes on my rifles and muzzle loaders are fixed except for 1.......i have a 2-7  bsa varible on a rws air rifle...the rest of my scoped guns are all 1inch 4x scopes.....have these on 22lr, 22 mag, 270,  50 cal ml....also i have a 2x fixed on contender 22lr and a 3x fixed on contender 30-30 ......i had several varibles in the past and noticed i never took them off of 3 power.......i also dont buy 300 dollars scopes........if your money is tight  a fixed of the same quality as a varible is usually better becasuse there are no moving parts and it is also clearer......fixed for me...mack

[Biff Mayhem]

I'm not sure what your question is - but variables beat fixed any day of the week. I like big glass to look through, but for basic muzzleloading under 150 yards, all that is needed is 2-7X32.

[cherokee75]

I'm not sure what your question is - but variables beat fixed any day of the week. I like big glass to look through, but for basic muzzleloading under 150 yards, all that is needed is 2-7X32.

I was basically inquiring about personal preferences and whether I am better off using a better quality fixed power scope, that I already own, over a variable power.  I am not sure how long my variable power scope will hold up to the recoil of my ML. 

[simonkenton]

"might be more durable since it is made for shotgun and/or muzzleloader hunting."


Are you of the impression that a scope made for muzzleloading would be more durable than a centerfire scope? This is not true, as many centerfires have more recoil than muzzleloaders. With guns of the same weight, foot pounds equals recoil. Therefore, a 30-06 or 308 will punish a scope more than most muzzleloaders will.
I shoot the muzzleloader with the most recoil, the Savage. I have a Sightron S2, I got it for $180 a few years back. It holds up fine.
Many Savage guys are shooting Bushnell 3200s with no trouble, and some guys are shooting the $80 scopes with good effect.
I do think that you need to get up to the level of $180 to $200 to get a good scope.
I had a Bushnell trophy for a couple years on my Savage. It broke, not because of recoil, but because the gun fell over onto the porch.

[Critter]

I prefer a fixed scope but that is just personal preference.  Any modern scope of known manufacture is going to serve you well.  I agree that the more you spend the better off you are.  I am a big fan of the Weaver scopes.  Good quality at a reasonable price.

[rks1949]

Sightron's are very hard to beat! Life time warrentee,clear optics.