Going to fixed scope for backcountry rifle

[TxAg]

I am a Leupold fan, but I think that Meopta is head and shoulders above the Leupold. Plus, it's available and affordable.

[Mac]

I would go w/ the leupy over the swfa just based off the glass quality. I’ve owned both and sold the SWFA, it just didn’t perform as well in low light. As far as magnification 12x is way too much and even 10x seems too high. I have a fx3 6x and have used it in dark timber and on open grasslands without ever feeling like the lower magnification handicapped me in any way.

[retrieverman]

I’ve got a Swarovski 6x and a S&B 6x.

[PlanoDano]

yessir, but I am trying not to go over $700 on scope, making this a backup rig which could turn into primary if it performs better. My primary rifle is fairly budget also being Tikka t3x with VX3i cds.

[wytex]

Just my 2 cents but I would go with a 3x9 40mm, maybe a 4x12 40mm.
You just mat get the itch to come back up for mule deer or pronghorn and that extra magnification comes in handy in open coutry.
You may need a lower magnification for timber hunting than 6x.
A VX Freedom 4x12 40mm might just fit the bill for the rifle you're describing.

[wytex]

I do agree with Jon B, if you go with a variable set it on about 6x while you're hunting and only crank it up if conditions call for a higher power.

[trophy8]

I have to agree that I will probably be better suited with a 6x scope for hunting. It may be a function of age or my progressive eyeglasses but I shoot tighter groups at the range with lower magnification. I also shoot a touch better than I did when I was younger even though my vision is way worse. I am guessing the 6X leupold would be using the same glass as VX3i and I have several of these. As far dialing, I have been using Leupold cds but in an odd way. With the Leupold CDS I set the dial for the Max Point Blank Range of the game I am hunting. I guess I would have to dial if I exceeded the range but I never have had to.

Between the CDS deal you do and the OP I think you’re seriously overthinking this.

Get the best variable you can in your budget and be done.

[PlanoDano]

Between the CDS deal you do and the OP I think you’re seriously overthinking this.

Get the best variable you can in your budget and be done.

You are probably right, but I have an excuse. I cut my teeth on the Naval Fire Control Problem before the digital age.

[trophy8]

You are probably right, but I have an excuse. I cut my teeth on the Naval Fire Control Problem before the digital age.

Not sure what that is but 2020 offers lots of good options

[txtrophy85]

A nice Fixed 6 is a good scope for general hunitng, but its 2020...no way would I build a backcountry rig and only put a 6x power scope on it. 3x9 at min with a 3x15 more than likely