Fixed or Variable

banshee17067 · October 11, 2009, 06:52 PM

I have a bushmaster XM15 E2S. I was wanting to put optics on the rifle. I am looking at mildot reticle type scope I will be using the rifle and scope to shoot out to 500 yrds. I have heard that with a variable mildot scope you must be on the highest power the scope has for the mildot to work properly. With the 4X there are no variable adjustments. I am leaning towards the 4X but would like the input from forum

HiBC · October 11, 2009, 08:48 PM

I am not familiar with any 4x scopes that have a MilDot
Which will bring me to my answer.Most all of the development work and features offered are about variable scopes,because that is what most folks want.

And,while I might think I want a 10x fixed power Mildot,the ones available(exception,Bushnell 3000?maybe) are expensive.

Now,are you talking basic Mildot or the Ballistic Mildot?

If the intent is to use the reticle for kentucky holdover,I think you can get a ballistic duplex in a Leupold 6x42 and that is a fine scope.

If you want a prairie dog gun.you might want 10-14x on the upper magnification.

If you know your numbers,you can kentucky with a mildot,but the main use of a Mildot is estimating range to target.Then the target knobs are dialed.

There is a Pride-Fowler scope,10x with a 600 or 800 yd reticle.I have not touched one,but it is interesting.

IOR Valdada makes a $300 ish scope in a fixed 4x that has a rangefinder/bdc type reticle like a Dragonove scope,but its not a mildot.

banshee17067 · October 11, 2009, 08:53 PM

actual reticle is the P4 sniper recticle which is a combo of mildot and has MOA widths above the horizontal crosshair. I have the formula for size and distance to equal out to range. I guess I was thinking that 4X would be enough for 500 yard shots. Just didn't want anything huge and unweildy on the rifle. I also am one of those that prefers plain jane rather to intricate. I was also trying to stay away from Ballistic drop scopes as I will be starting to reload in the next 6 months or so.

banshee17067 · October 11, 2009, 09:05 PM

just some history for you. I am a former marine 93-99. I can shoot open sights out to 500 yrds as trained. I just am looking for a range finding scope such as mildot because I wanted to try something different

zoomie · October 11, 2009, 09:11 PM

Do you want a fixed 4x with the mil-dot? It's true that if the reticle is in the second focal plane of an adjustable power scope, as most are, you have to have the magnification on a set number - usually max - to use the reticle as advertised.

There are first focal plane scopes now that eliminate that need, but they've got their own drawbacks, namely price.

Nightforce ($$ of course) makes a 1-4x scope with a mil-dot reticle. You might see if the Leupold Custom Shop will put their Mil-Dot or TMR reticle in one of their low power variables.

banshee17067 · October 11, 2009, 09:22 PM

yeah I was thinking that a fixed 4X would be enough. I know barska makes them I believe. I've seen NcStar makes some. I also noticed their prices which are a bit cheap. And I know you get what you pay for. yeah I don't have thousands to spend. But i got maybe 300-350

HiBC · October 11, 2009, 09:35 PM

I haven't looked at one,but there is a Millet designated marksman scope.
In your pricerange,you might check that IOR Valdada line.
I don't know if they are still available,but I got a Leu 2.5-8 Mildot VariX3 from Natchez a long time ago,its on my 16" Hbar.

zoomie · October 11, 2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

But i got maybe 300-350

With that budget, I'd call Leupold and see if they'll put a Mil Dot in their FXII 4x33.

banshee17067 · October 11, 2009, 09:42 PM

I think I'll go with a fixed 4X for reason I just thought of. In WWII german sniper used fixed 4X scopes and would be shooting out 600 YRDS. succesfully. Also 4X would work well in urban and suburban and beyond type scenario's. And third if I don't like it santa clause(wife) is coming to town in a few short months get another scope then. sounds good zoomie

October 11, 2009, 06:52 PM	#1
banshee17067 Junior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Posts: 6	Fixed or Variable I have a bushmaster XM15 E2S. I was wanting to put optics on the rifle. I am looking at mildot reticle type scope I will be using the rifle and scope to shoot out to 500 yrds. I have heard that with a variable mildot scope you must be on the highest power the scope has for the mildot to work properly. With the 4X there are no variable adjustments. I am leaning towards the 4X but would like the input from forum

October 11, 2009, 09:11 PM	#5
zoomie Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2006 Location: GA Posts: 1,862	Do you want a fixed 4x with the mil-dot? It's true that if the reticle is in the second focal plane of an adjustable power scope, as most are, you have to have the magnification on a set number - usually max - to use the reticle as advertised. There are first focal plane scopes now that eliminate that need, but they've got their own drawbacks, namely price. Nightforce ($$ of course) makes a 1-4x scope with a mil-dot reticle. You might see if the Leupold Custom Shop will put their Mil-Dot or TMR reticle in one of their low power variables. Last edited by zoomie; October 11, 2009 at 09:17 PM.

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October 11, 2009, 08:48 PM	#2
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,283	I am not familiar with any 4x scopes that have a MilDot Which will bring me to my answer.Most all of the development work and features offered are about variable scopes,because that is what most folks want. And,while I might think I want a 10x fixed power Mildot,the ones available(exception,Bushnell 3000?maybe) are expensive. Now,are you talking basic Mildot or the Ballistic Mildot? If the intent is to use the reticle for kentucky holdover,I think you can get a ballistic duplex in a Leupold 6x42 and that is a fine scope. If you want a prairie dog gun.you might want 10-14x on the upper magnification. If you know your numbers,you can kentucky with a mildot,but the main use of a Mildot is estimating range to target.Then the target knobs are dialed. There is a Pride-Fowler scope,10x with a 600 or 800 yd reticle.I have not touched one,but it is interesting. IOR Valdada makes a $300 ish scope in a fixed 4x that has a rangefinder/bdc type reticle like a Dragonove scope,but its not a mildot.

October 11, 2009, 08:53 PM	#3
banshee17067 Junior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Posts: 6	actual reticle is the P4 sniper recticle which is a combo of mildot and has MOA widths above the horizontal crosshair. I have the formula for size and distance to equal out to range. I guess I was thinking that 4X would be enough for 500 yard shots. Just didn't want anything huge and unweildy on the rifle. I also am one of those that prefers plain jane rather to intricate. I was also trying to stay away from Ballistic drop scopes as I will be starting to reload in the next 6 months or so.

October 11, 2009, 09:05 PM	#4
banshee17067 Junior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Posts: 6	just some history for you. I am a former marine 93-99. I can shoot open sights out to 500 yrds as trained. I just am looking for a range finding scope such as mildot because I wanted to try something different

October 11, 2009, 09:22 PM	#6
banshee17067 Junior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Posts: 6	yeah I was thinking that a fixed 4X would be enough. I know barska makes them I believe. I've seen NcStar makes some. I also noticed their prices which are a bit cheap. And I know you get what you pay for. yeah I don't have thousands to spend. But i got maybe 300-350

October 11, 2009, 09:35 PM	#7
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,283	I haven't looked at one,but there is a Millet designated marksman scope. In your pricerange,you might check that IOR Valdada line. I don't know if they are still available,but I got a Leu 2.5-8 Mildot VariX3 from Natchez a long time ago,its on my 16" Hbar.

October 11, 2009, 09:42 PM	#9
banshee17067 Junior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Posts: 6	I think I'll go with a fixed 4X for reason I just thought of. In WWII german sniper used fixed 4X scopes and would be shooting out 600 YRDS. succesfully. Also 4X would work well in urban and suburban and beyond type scenario's. And third if I don't like it santa clause(wife) is coming to town in a few short months get another scope then. sounds good zoomie