Fixed Mag Scope -- which one?

[outofstepper]

So I'm just about fed up with the scopes I've been using -- Gamo Hunter Pro is going through
more scopes than pellets!  -- and I take pretty good care of this thing.

Kit came with a BSA 3-9x30 or so -- wanted something bigger.. have now gone through 3
centerpoints (adventure series) -- anything that could break, has.

So now I find myself wondering about fixed mag scopes -- figure theres less parts right?
and I bet the picture is brighter / better contrast / etc.

I don't shoot at very high magnification, but I have gotten used to cranking it to 16X to
check my groups.  

I usually shoot in the 20-40 yard range ... am relatively happy with 2" groups at 35 yards
or so.  (lots of coffee and cigarettes

Am I right in thinking I might get more quality out of a fixed magnification scope?  If so, any
recommendations?  Its hard judging with the vari-mag, cause I keep screwing with it.. but
I'm guessing something in the 6-8X range might be a good all purpose.

Thoughts?

[daveshoot]

If it was for hunting andyard critters,I probably wouldn't go over 6. Too hard to find critters in an 8. For bench and paper, I guess whatever you are used to. A spotting scope would solve the target check issue and could be had for under $100.

There has to be something that will hold up on your gun. Maybe it hassome piston slam going on? I don't know the Gamo models but I have variables holding up on the Walther Falcon Hunter and the MP513- so far. If it is recoiling more than the WFH something is definitely wrong. That beast sheared the original scope stop screw (doesn't really take much) but the scope lived to tell about it. I thought the Centerpoints were fairly tough so yours must be dealing some harsh blows.

Any interest in a Hawke? They are more money but I have yet to have one fail. The AirMaxstarts at 2-7x and goes on up in magnification. They seem to be a value leader inspringer scopes for the $$$.

[Magnum]

Given your scope history, I believe a tune would help your scope life alot... smooth everything out and good investment if you have not already:) You may also have a bad scope mount  a good one piece/ lower profile not to tall, is what you should have:)  The wallyworld centerpoints 4-16x40AO usually hold up.. your situation would really frustrate me thats for sure.! As for the fixed mag I would choose a 6x and have also figured like you did...that less parts/weight means  less chance of problems not sure if thats true  just seems logical to me  Straitshooters has a good selection for heavy recoil you can check it out here  http://straightshooters.com/navagationpages/scopeselections.html   Hope this helps ,Tony.

[outofstepper]

Thanks for the quick feedback.
Tune probably isn't a bad idea -- I've only had this thing about 6 months though...
maybe put 1000 shots through it tops but you really can hear stuff bang'n around
inside (twang has gotten worse).  First thing I put on it was Charlie's trigger -- maybe
I should send 'er in for a tune up.

spotting scope is a good idea -- didn't even dawn on me.  I'd brought out a pair
of binoculars once, thinking they'd solve the problem, but they were only 8x .. I could
get in closer with the scope!

[daved]

The problem with fixed mag scopes seems to be that unless you're happy with 4x, a decent one is going to be spendy.  I tend to leave my variables at 10X, so decided to get a fixed 10X.  The first one I got was a POS, but what could you expect for $40 or so?  I recently got an MTC Viper 10X, great scope with excellent optics, but it's a tank.  30mm tube, long and heavy, it's just too much, my preferences have evolved to light and compact.  Speaking of which, you didn't mention a budget, but the Burris Timberline is a very nice scope, price is right at $200.  4.5-14x32, less than 12" long and under a pound, and the proprietary Ballistic Plex reticle is really nice, too.  Good luck.

Dave

[tjk]

I'd forget about the glass until after you get that rascal tuned. What you've payed in three or four scopes, you could have tuned two guns! Sounds like you may have some internal issues to deal with, but then again, the Gamos are world reknown for their "twang"!! Good Luck, tjk

[chortdraw]

I agree. You have spent as much on scopes as you would a tune. Sounds like a tune first then a new scope.
  Hope you can get it worked out.