Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Leupold scope / which one ???

I am looking into which scope to put on my new rebuild of a bear rifle. I want a variable 3 x 9 or close to that. It should be a Leupold. But which model ???

50 mm or 40 mm objective? I have never owned a 50mm objective scope so I am unfamiliar with the added weight and size. Red dot or ???

Should I just stick with the tried and true ???

2.5x8x36 no need for the big objective here, duplex reticle.

No wrong answer....

That's kinda what I thought too.

But let me tell ya why I am asking.

We sometimes need to shoot way across a canyon. My .358 Norma Mag will do it and I was hoping to play at that. 400 yards is my cut off point but I can do that and hold a pretty good zero.

I have a 1.75 x 6 Veri-X III that could work but the small objective and lower magnification is tough beyond 100 yards.

So that is my issue. At 200 to 400 my 4 x 12 x 40 Vortex is a great scope but I was wondering about that big bell ringer from Leupold. I have never shot a rifle that has one.

I am afraid it will take away from the lines of the rifle

Go VX6 2-12 than if you want both sides. 3-9 is hard to beat for a do all. My favorite is 3.5-10 but for a bear gun I would want a WIDE field of view or 2.5-8.

Good point

I've a FX3 6X42 on my .358 Norma and would change nothing about it for brown bear hunting (from alders to tundra). I've taken a number of animals with it and have found it wanting for nothing. I used to have a 1.75-6X32 from Leupold and gave it to a hunting buddy who took a shine to it. I never really cared for it and the 6X42 is light years ahead of it near or far IMO..............

My choice too.

I like a 6x42 even in the thick stuff. It just plain works

6x42 HD

VX6 2-12 if you can afford it.

VX3 3.5-10 if you want the inherent goodness.

It's always a good idea to stick to the tried and true when it comes to scopes.
If you insist on an illuminated reticle, I'd look at the VX-R line. Basically the VX3 with a really practical illuminated dot in the center of the reticle. The 3-9X40 VX-R Patrol has all the latest goodies, but no zero stop, in the way of adjustable dials and fancy tactical milling reticle. The adjustments are in 1/10ths of a Mil, not MOA. E

I've owned numerous Leupold 2.5 x 8 x 36 scopes over the years, and they are one of my favorite on hunting rifles. I very seldom shoot past 200 yds. If you look at the std. of 4x per hundred yards for game, that covers it. I stand to be corrected but at one time I do believe that the 2.5 x 8 was Leupold's "brightest" scope. One can also use the reticle subtensions to range with.



A while back I picked up a 3.5 x 10 x 50 Leupold with an illuminated reticle. I like scopes with a 44 mm objective or less for most applications, but this sure works fine in low light situations. This scope on my 325 WSM has become my go to hog thumper for "dark-thirty" applications or for hunting hogs at night under lights. Sure makes picking out the crosshairs easier.

If you don't mind using other brands, I've had excellent luck with Zeiss 2.5 x 8's and with pre-enjoyed Ziess Daivari's and Swaro's in 3 x 9. Work great and don't "overpower" a rifle.



Best,


GWB

I've also heard that claim that the 2.5-8 is Leupold's brightest scope.

I can use my vx-r 2-7 like a red dot sight on 2x for moving game or user the ballistic reticle for hits at 500+

2.5-8X36 is your huckleberry.

My choice would also be a 2.5X8, I've got one with a BC reticle and it works well. If your set on the VX-2 3X9 get it with a 40mm objective lens and low mounts so you get a good cheek weld on the stock.

270

Never been a fan of the 50mm objective most of my rifles wear VX 3 3.5X10 VX 2 3X9's or 3X9 Conquest all with the 40mm objectives. I like the scope mounted as low as possible and they have all been plenty bright enough any time it was legal to shoot.

Anything with a gold ring on the front objective will do..

For the best all around option in my opinion nothing beats the (VX-3) 3.5x10x40.

2.5x8x36 is a close second.