have a need for a fixed power scope strictly for paper and steel, most distances will be between 200 and 300 yards, but will also require going out to 700 yards. the rifle is a .223rem henry s/s break action. i've had and loved swfa ss 10x42 scopes in the past, for bolt rifles, but never went past 300 yards. getting another swfa s/s, but would 12x or 16x be the better choice? TIA!
Fixed power scope
- Thread starter rfd
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IMO, for strictly punching paper/steel, a 16x would be fine. I have a SWFA 3x15 that I keep on 15x when shooting for groups on paper. I like the SWFA 10x HD for a general purpose long range fixed power scope, although it's a wheelhouse probably starts at 250 yards. For hunting, I'd drop it down to a 6x.
I love the 10xSS and have several. I have had no probel out to 1k yards on a 300 win mag and other rifles. I killed an antelope at 934 with a 10Xss on my .260, one and done. I have a 16XSS on a 7mag that I only use for targets. The eye relief on the 16X is sensitive and it doesn't gather as much light as the 10X. I don't have the 12x but for me it would be a toss up between the 10x and 12x. I like the 16x but don't use it for anything close up; maybe thats just a preference thing.
HARPERC
Well-Known Member
16X
i'd been thinking the 12x would best and that's what the feller at swfa advised this afternoon without me offering what i think. he also said to avoid the 16x, not needed and there will be less brightness. i think that might be the game plan. life is still good. 
I've got a package deal on a 12x leupold and a 16x swfa. 375 for both
xsn10s
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I think it depends on your terrain if you're going to use it for hunting. Paper or steel 10X-16X should be fine. I had a 12X which I liked, but was hunting in grass for sagerats. FOV was too tight for me so 10X will be my next choice if I go fixed power again.
therifleman556
Well-Known Member
How close in can you guys shoot with a 10x? I find myself not wanting to run even a 4-16x variable because of the narrow FOV. Unless you're talking a dedicated paper puncher...
variable scopes will typically be best for hunting. i only punch paper and ring steel with guns, and leave my longbows for the hunting of wabbits, javelina, speed goats, deer, hogs ... fixed power scopes are an advantage for me, from 25 yards to 700 yards.
Axl
Well-Known Member
SWFA usually has their scopes on sale black friday- I bought a few last year
Aoudad shooter1975
Well-Known Member
10x us optics or super sniper...
