Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Problems with Leupold 6x42 scopes?

Over the past year or so, I've seen an occasional comment about someone having issues with the FX-3 6x42. Or, someone recommending the older FX-III or M8 instead of the FX-3.

What problems are the FX-3 scopes having? Zero retention?

Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jason

Jason I had a problem about a year or more ago, Two rifles, both proven.

They were fine once I replaced the scope. Both were M70's with Leopold DD's. I am not prepared to say if the issues were mechanical with the scope, or improper ring spacing.

Thanks for the info Bob!

Did both scopes have the same issue? Tracking or holding zero?

Jason

The newer Leupold's don't move the prescribed amount per click. Leupold is unable or unwilling to correct this problem. Both of my recent vintage 6x42's (FX3's) tracked reliably (they moved the same amount consist tly, even though it was less than what it should have been) and returned to zero. Until they didn't.

The older scopes were known for rugged reliability, the newer scopes are pieces of schit.

Get something else.

David

Thanks for the info David. Been several years since I've had an FX-3 on a rifle.

I've had a 6X42, FX3 for about 5 yrs. now. I've changed the zero a many times. Sometimes going out to 300 yds, sometimes when I used different loads. 150 gr. bullets don't go where 200 gr. bullets go in my 30'06.
Never noticed any lack of proper movement. They have always done just what they were suppose to do.
The older M8 Leupolds came with friction adjustments. Sometimes they didn't move like they should. I have had two of them, still have one. I have/had target style elevation knobs on both. They worked as they should as well, always. But the windage knobs haven't always moved as they should.
Both of my M8's and my Fx3 have survived some hard knocks from falls, my "special rock test". Never have I had to rezero any of them.
I like the FX3, and prefer it to the M8's. I've come close to replacing my current M8 with an FX3. Nice adjustments and super tough lense coatings. E

I had a newer one that tracked well but MOA did not equal MOA. So I sent it back.

It's ran great ever since.

I have three, two new and an M8 and they all work great.




Dave

I have an old M-8 6 power. I used it for years, and made some long shots with it. It's broken now, with something loose and loud inside. I need to ship it off to Leupold. Guess I'll sell it when it's back.

Good to hear you're all set now Dave. M1 or CDS?

J

Any idea of round count on that scope, 603? What chambering, rifle, etc.?

Jason

Oheremicus,

Thanks for the info on the M8, I've never owned one. Now that you mention it, I don't recall my FX-3 scopes tracking well for windage. I just set-n-forget for windage, and used M1 turrets for elevation.

Jason

Anyone have feedback on the FX-II 6x36 in terms of holding zero and tracking with an M1?

They don't zoom

Jason it was one scope on two rifles and they both behaved the same way,with scattered grouping. Both rifles were proven shooters.

Like 9" at 300 yards with the "bad" scope.

Yeah, I'd say that is a "bad" scope. Too bad, as I was giving the FXIII 6X a hard look. I have had good luck with the FXII 6 power, but would like a larger objective, such as the FXIII has.

Edit: Just saw Brad's thread on this forum.

4th Point, I don't know the round count on that old 6 power. I bought it in the 80's and I think I bought it used. Put it on a BAR in 270 and used it for years. Then sold gun and scope to my brother and didn't see the gun again for maybe 20 years. He showed up here to sight it in, and the scope was rattling. There's a loose lens or something in there. I haven't sent it off yet.

Longest shot with that scope was a coyote at 365 yards. He had just peed on the right rear tire on my old Honda 3 wheeler. Looking back, it's a miracle I didn't shoot my ATV tire.

No issues with mine

Ive got three 6x42's the latest version. One a 50 cal mzzuleloader, one on a fairly light 7mm SAUM and the other on a light compact 6.5 creed. The saum has had a resonable amount of shots through it maybe 3-4 boxes of 50 and 500+ rounds through the Creed. I use them as set and forgets, no turrets or dialing.

My memory was that they didn't track well when zeroing. the # of clicks didn't correspond well with the advertised travel and if memory serves there was at least on instance of impact not moving until after a shot was fired. However all three rifles have been carried a good amount in the field and the two centerfires shot a good amount and they have held zero well, the only adjustments necessary were when changing loads.

I also have several 6x36s and they seem to perform similarly. The lack of tracking is one reason I haven't tried a turret on any of them. Once set they have been tough scopes that hold zero. So far I haven't had a Leupold fixed fail.

I've had no problems with them as a "set and forget" system.

I don't care if they move the "correct" amount or not, so long as they stay where they end up.

Thanks for extra info Bob and 603.

Jason