Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Leupold FXII 6x36 or FX-3 6x42

How much better is the 6x42? Is it just a matter of larger objective, or are their other improvements, such as the diamond coat E talks about? I lean toward smaller scopes and JB's switching over to the 6x36 is just about proof enogh for me to go that way with my .257 build.

John

I can always see something with a 6X42, even on the darkest nights assuming I allow my night vision to kick in.
With age, many of us loose some of out night vision. E

I'd bet real money that the 6X36 would work on most nights, let alone in any twilight. And, frankly, I've got a few well used scopes that work fine to this day w/o super hard coatings. But, since I don't object to the larger objective or the added weight, and I insist on full nightime performance, I prefer the 6X42. E

They look like a "hubble" on short action rifles.

How many of us hunt AT night? Typically hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Either of the scopes will do fine where I hunt!

Surprised how many here haven't figured him out yet.

What I often do is hit the trail while it's still dark. If you've ever done much mountain hunting, you'd know that this is a common practice. Quite legal, BTW. Even here in Kalifornia.
What I insist on is a scope that will work if I run into something agressive while getting to my hunting area. E

Do you think I wait (or others wait) for sun up before heading out ?

if you shoot 'something aggressive' outside of legal light, it had better be close enough to 'point and shoot'. otherwise you'll probably be in some legal proceedings shortly thereafter.

ever use the scope in a hurry on an dark animal 10' away at night?

+1

but not as bad as guy I hunt with's VX-3L 3.5-10x56mm, the one with the notch cut out. That beast looks bigger than the rifle.

Dude, they make night vision riflescopes for a reason, you cannot shoot with a 6 x 42 Leupold when there is no light, that's dark you know before the sun comes up, overcast, no moon, no stars....if you can then paint a bright red S on your shirt. My Night vision is just fine, but I am not superman.

Doesn't smoking weed dilate your pupils ?

Tooooo Funny! Thanks for that! Smokin da Cheba..

That 6x42 Leupold illuminating total darkness story is the standard response to anyone saying they want a brighter scope than a Leupold. The childish mind deadening focus report comes out when someone says their XYZ scope is clearer...brighter...
Heck, I offered him a thousand bucks to produce a much cited optics report that I'm certain doesn't exist.......so far my monies safe.

Don't ya know that cats can see in total darkness too!!!!

You all know that darkness is the absence of light, right?

The 6x42 is so light I don't see a reason not to use one. The coatings and larger size (and are the 6x36 click adjustments?) would make me just feel better about my purchase.

Stupid post, are you worried about a cougar attack in the morning darkness? If so the fixed 6 is a worthless option at 10ft when that cat is making it's move.

Pretty sure most hunters travel in with their guns before shooting light, can't image you are in the minority here.

which is why I carry a 5 shot S&W and an unloaded rifle whilst traversing about "in the dark"!

6x36 for 2 reasons. 1st your rifle your putting it on and 2nd the 6x42 isnt worth the additional cost.