The power of the scope is probably pretty much up to you. On my Hornet I use a 4-12 variable. In competition I shoot it at 4 to 6 power. On my 22 I shoot with a 6-24 variable which I always use at 6 power. I only use the higher powers for sighting in. Some of the guys I shoot against use higher power scopes.
One guy uses a fixed 12 power. One time in a match he forgot to switch his elevation settings when we got to the rams and missed them all. I have done that also but with my scope set at a lower power I could see my bullets striking low and fixed it after a couple of shots.
One of the best shooters I have shot against uses a 6-24 variable and always shoots with it on 24 power. He is really steady and can get away with it.
My suggestion for a scope starting out would be to go with a lower priced variable that has the target turret knobs. By the time you wear it out you will know what you want without a big investment in the process. I started out with a BSA Contender 3-12X40. It took it two seasons to wear out the elevation knob. I sent it back for repair and got me a new Bushnell Scope Chief 6-20 variable. I used the Bushnell for a season and never did like it so I switched back to the BSA. That one only lasted one summer. I called them and they sent me a new BSA Platinum with the mil dot reticle. I am on my third one of them now. They know me on a first name basis now and when I call in they just send me out a new scope no questions asked. I have tried Weavers, Simmons, and Lupolds while I was waiting for the BSA to get shipped and have always gone back to the BSA. The optics aren't as nice but they always track better and they are a little lighter, which helps make weight. My scores always go up when I switch back.
Last year at the Idaho State Match I was in a shoot off for second place against a guy from Washington who was using a BSA scope just like mine. I am pretty sure the guy who got match winner was using one also.
Sixgun
