Why do 4x and 6x scopes still exist?

[predatorpro]

Everyone of my rifles is a 3x9...I use 9x more than I do 3x by far...but I rarely shoot under 100 yards but I've killed a pile of dogs 20 feet away no problem on 3x...

[timberfaller]

Got rid of all my variables when I started having bolt issues with the bigger power ring adjusters!

Only have fixed power on everything now,  mostly 6x but did find a nice 8x.

So to answer "Why", because some of us still like and prefer them.

[Taco280AI]

It's easy, simple, reliable, less parts to break, less to go wrong, and it works. FX3 6x42 with an added CDS (standard dial and not load specific).

I ended up going that way because most of the time I hunted I kept my scope on 5x-6x anyway. My closest was 20ish, longest 430, average shot was around 173 yards I figured a while back, don't need anything really low or really high.

It isn't ideal, but will work up close. Isn't ideal at long distances, but I easily pop rocks in the 400-500 range and all the way out to 589 so far. From 200-400 has been too easy. I do wish for more X at the range, but when I'm averaging sub .4" groups at 100 with my best of .189"... I guess I do just fine and anything else is just for bragging and not hunting.

Why do they still exist? Because they work and people still buy them.

I like to keep it simple. For big game hunting I use one rifle, RBros  280AI. I use one load, 55.5 IMR4350 145 LRX.  I use one mag on the scope, 6x.

[Gringo31]

I archery hunt (in this state anyway).... but my favorite scope is a VX3 4.5x14x50.

I shoot a fair amount of coyotes and usually have it on 7-8 power.

I find it an odd stance that people don't see the use for them.  For no other reason, when I am at the range, I can see the bullet holes without having to walk up and see for myself.  Call me lazy or cheap..

[NWShooter]

Hard charging coyotes get the shotgun 0x front bead.

[AWS]

Yup, hard to beat a shotgun for close in coyotes.  Hang a rifle barrel under the shotgun barrels and add a 1-4x20 scope and you have the best of both worlds.  Set it on 1x shoot with both eyes open and you can even take birds on the wing, crank it up to 4x and coyotes across the pasture or clear cut are in mortal danger.



And they are more than accurate enough.  Target shot with rifle above.





Shot with the above rifle.

[birddogdad]

Your question asks why they exist, but you only discussed your hunting needs. I'd venture to say they're used a lot for target shooting still. Shoot a rimfire with a fixed 12X and you'll be hooked. The ACOG on my M4 in the military is also a fixed 4X. I think ACOG makes them from fixed 1.5 to a fixed 6X with Trijicon sights. Having said all that, I don't think I'd want a fixed power scope on a hunting rifle generally, but for quick shots the 4X still works for me, at least in a military application.

  another example toward "why" , for my father, he cant see well enough thru open sights, pretty much a low power 4x requirement for him.

[Henrydog]

Weaver k4 on my M70 and I have never had any problems getting lead to go where it need to go.