Why so many variable scopes?

[RobbW]

I'm curious as to why variable scopes  are so prevalent in Silhouette.  Don't fixed power scopes offer crisper, brighter optics for a given magnification and cost?  Plus it seems like they would weigh less.  Seems that there would be less to go wrong internally as well.

Do people change magnification for different ranges?  I've noticed POI shifts when changing magnifications, so I keep my scopes on the highest magnification all the time.

[davei]

mmm...  okay...  i'll bite.  just my opinion of course.  I have used variables in the past so i can have a new shooter use my equipment and not be challenged by a scope with too much magnification.  i also used variables because i like to play a lot while i shoot and might shoot one animal on 24x and the next on 6x and the next on whatever suits my mood at the time.  have been known to change magnifcation from shot to shot actually.  not recommending this to anyone mind you.  also...  when i'm shooting a lot i can manage 24x without much trouble.  when i am in a place where i just show up for matches.  most of the time now.  24x is a bit much so i turn my scope way down.  waaaaaaay down.  have been shooting most recently on 6x.  used to shoot fixed 24x...  then 6x24...  now i am shooting a fixed 6x and a fixed 10x.   damn these mood swings!
dave imas

[RobbW]

Loaning a gun to a new shooter is an EXCELLENT reason for owning variable power.

[nomad]

Dave,

Based on those mood swings, do you think you could be going through some sort of 'change'?  :-D  :-D

DUCKING NOW!

[40x40]

Most use Leupold's from Premiere Reticles 1 inch tubes, or fixed Weavers. One reason they track very well and are light enough to make weight in the standard class.

Leo

[shootingpaul]

variable power gives you flexibility to change it as you get a better shooter etc, also it is nice to have variable for different weather conditions, for egzample on the calm day you can use 20X and on the windy one you can go down to 12X.  When I started shooting I was using 9, then 12, then 14 now sometimes I use 18 sometimes 20X, I could not afford so many fixed scopes.......

[hh4064]

I have shot a fixed power 36X leupold on my smallbore for over 20 yrs. But on my high power I would not be without a variable... (18x40x50) Somedays I just cant hold a center shot to save my life. On those days I turn down the power and can salvage a match. On the really hot stinker of a day when there is alot of mirage I turn it down to see a little better. I still try to use the mirage when I can but somdays it makes the targets look like they are walking right away from me. I am a 40% shooter. What I mean by saying that is about 40% of the time I can honestly hold the dot anywhere on the animal I want. On the days I can do this I crank up the power and head straight for the mid 30s. The rest of the time I have to sweep shoot. I usually move up from the feet to the center. Anyway the variables give you an option you normally would not have. If I was to buy a new scope today (for me) it would be a new 18x40x50 premier scope. Just because on those nasty days  can turn it down and still shoot. Whatever you decide good luck.
mbj
michigan

[iceman99]

Having shot silhouette the last two years, I'm increasing the magnification that I use. Year #1 I used a 4.5-14X variable and finished the year at 14x. I now use a 6-18X and have is set to 16x.

A fixed power scope makes it a pretty specific use, and I hunt with my silhouette guns...