I just snagged a practically new in the box VX-6 2-12x42, non-illuminated duplex, on Ebay for $660 to my door. They didn't say CDS, but I think all VX-6's are CDS ready.

So, there are some deals out there, even on the recently released VX-6.

I'm anxious to compare it with my 6500 2.5-16x44, Z3 4-12x50 and Z5 3.5-18x44. Will report when I get it. The 6500 was a $400 Ebay purchase last year. I'm not an Ebay fan, but sometimes a deal can be found.

DF

I'm anxious to hear what you think about the V6 in all facets. Word on the boards is you can't buy better optics at the price point, and the V6 is pushing the S&Bs, Swarovski, and Zeiss lines at considerably less money.

I saw that one DF!

Nice snag.

I just sniped a Bushnell Elite 4200 1.25-4x24 Illuminated German #4 reticle.

Dirtfarmer,

Good grab. Would you let us know how they compare on some kind of line test? Like what magnification setting is required by each to see the same detail, please. How about low light? Thanks in advance.

Good deal
I've been lusting for one myself.I look forward to hearing a review.

I hope that 4200 is better than the 6500 1.25-8x32. I was looking at one of those in the $500+ range. The ER is great, but the FOV is terrible.

Dom, the Writing Frog, from France gave me his opinion after he had checked it out. His opinion of this scope wasn't very favorable and it didn't take me long to scratch that one off my list.

Does the 4200 Illuminated have the battery pod on the ocular piece?

DF

Yes, it does.

81.4 ft at 100 sounds like a pretty good FOV to me!

Decreased FOV is the price one pays for long ER.

The data I saw shows a FOV of 60' at 100 yds. (1.25X) and 9.7' (8X), which is roughly half the FOV of the VX-6 1-6x24. And, I know I'm comparing 1X with 1.25X, but that's way too much difference, a quarter power difference notwithstanding.

Dom in France (Writing Frog) checked it out and his opinion was Bushnell needs to take that one back to the drawing board. The long ER is nice, but the trade off in FOV isn't worth it. Dom felt way too much FOV was given up for the extra ER.

So, after reading his comments, I no longer have a desire for one of those. I do like my 6500 2.5-16x44, however.

DF

Specifications for Leupold 2-12x42 VX-6 Riflescope:

Main-tube Diameter: 30mm
Weight: 16.8oz
$899.99

Hi nsaqam,

Worst problem with 1,25-8 is not the lesser FOV but the terrible variation of eye relief when you use the power ring, it obliges you to change too much your cheek/head position to adjust and it's not forgiving a bit. In Europe and France Bushnell don't push this model contrary to the rather good other 6500 models like 1-6,5 or 2,5-16.

The VX-6 in the 1-6x24 form was seriously tested here against very best competitors (no Conquest here)and it was found very very interesting. The 2-12x42 is really promising, even more if you don't hunt after dusk or before dawn. Waiting one to test for the whole season but i have no fear about quality. Note that all my Leupold never had problem even after good fall and heavy recoiling ammo on too light rifles.

Dom

Thanks, Dom, for clarifying that. I probably misquoted you somewhat, as I focused more on the FOV issue and didn't address the eye box sensitivity. I wrote that scope off my list after your report.

Appreciate your input, as always.

DF

Sorry for the misunderstanding here.

The FOV number I posted was for the Bushnell Elite 4200 1.25-4x24 that I just bought.

My comment about eye relief and its impact on FOV was a comparison between the really long eye relief 6500 and the much shorter eye relief 4200.

I think Bushnell missed the boat with their 1.25-8 optical engineering. Can't hit a home run every time.

DF

How does the VX6 stack up against the 6500 ? Optically ?

It's not easy to compare the 6500 2.5-16x44 with the VX-6 1-6x24. I have a VX-6 2-12x42 coming. I picked it up yesterday for $660 on Ebay, practically new in the box. When it gets here I'm going to do a compairson.

I got some tips from Ringman on how to set up an objective test. Do you have a good method of comparing scopes? So far, the 6500 looks good and the VX-6 looks good. As quality goes up, differences become more subtle and harder to quantify.

DF

Are you getting the latest version of the 6500 with the improved coatings, Argon gas and Rainguard HD ?

Dirt,
A 2 x 12 VX6 resides on one of my rifles and it is pretty sweet. I have a couple of Euro scopes that are not as nice in clarity, eye relief, or as light. Have not rung it out in low light yet but I have no doubt from what I have been able to deduce regards it's light transmitting ability that it will be just fine way before and after legal shooting light.
I have an idea you will like the one you are waiting on real well. Let us know what you think.

Dave

Doesn't that 12mm objective dim out pretty quickly in the early evening?

Not sure about that. It's not that old and I'm not sure about 6500 upgrades or how recent. Is there any way to tell by the serial number or designation on the scope?

DF

42mm objective??

DF

If it's coming in the box it will say all that stuff on the box itself.

Hi DF, think ringman was joking because of 2x12 instead of 2-12....

Dom

writing_frog,

You are a cleaver dude.

You're right, Dom. That one went right over my head. Of course he was spoofing the "2x12"...

I hadn't even noticed the 2x12.

I was scratching my head, as Ringman is very precise with what he says. That just didn't sound like something he'd write...

Thanks for saving me from that one...

DF

Not only are you going to be impressed with the optics of that particular model VX6 (I have the exact same one) but you're gonna love how easy it is to just use......FOV, eye relief, etc is fantastic even at higher mags.

I really love my VX-6 1-6x24. It has a great eye box and is super easy to shoulder the gun and "it's just there". So far, I like the VX-6 as well as any scope I've ever handled and that includes a pretty long list from top Euro's down to Tasco's, etc.

These new Leupolds seem to be about as "user friendly" as anything on the market. The glass may not be the "ultimate" but will give any Euro, even those costing more than twice as much, a good race.

The jury is still out, of course, but these may be the best buy for top end hunting and general purpose scopes currently on the market.

IMHO,

DF

I'm interested in your opinion when you get the 2-12 VX6 to see how it compares to the 6500. Not looking for some NASA equivalent test, just what your impressions are. I was eyeballing that one too and the 6500 2.5-16. I'm leaning toward the Elite mostly bc of the Rainguard. Got to admit, that FireDot would solve any low light reticle concerns I'd have.

Damn, JG, you just may talk me into trying one...

What I really want to try is the 3-18x, but I'm running out of HB rifles to mount megascopes on!

Only a sample of one, but the 2-12x42mm I tested (JGRaider's scope) was extremely close optically to a Swarovski Z3.

KDK,

Do you have a weight on that one?

Fost is absolutely right. I have only looked through this one. Sample of one here too. I trust his opinions on it as well as my own.

On my night-time optics chart test, the 2-12x VX-6 tested the same as a 2-12x Swarovski Z6.

The glass in the Z3's is good, but not the absolute top as it is in the Z6's. It tests about the same as the Zeiss Conquest, Leupold VX-3's and Minox.

John,

Well, given your findings, I can see no reason for the American hunter to buy anything more expensive than the V6. Let me crayfish and say no rational reason to not consider the V6 an Alpha Optic; on the flip side there's always pride in ownership and the snob appeal regardless of real-world performance comparisons of which I think you and Tom probably lead the world on. If some Leupolds make it through Frank's Rifles Only class that will really get my attention and others as well.

I'm gonna have to give one of those VX-6's a whirl DF, very nice looking glass.

Gunner

I might agree if they offered a first focal plane reticle. Until they do I will be happy spending a little more on a victory diavari. I have not looked thru a vx6 so can't say for sure, but suspect the optics on the zeiss are superior as well

shortmag,

I think you're correct in your analysis of glass quality. But, you have to remember, you're comparing $2-3K top Euro glass with a $900 scope. The fact that the VX-6 is even in the running is remarkable, IMHO.

Most Americans, me included, like 2nd focal plane reticles. If I was into ranging reticles, I may think more about 1st focal planes. I got out of ranging reticles and am now into turrets. and don't see any 1st focal plane advantages.

DF

DF - good points and I hear you.

I have paid $1100-1200 for each of my 2 diavaris - both 2.5-10x42 and thinking of a snagging a 2.5-10x50 for $1050 of the sample list.

I have always found ffp reticles to be helpful in low light

I am glad to hear the vx6 seems to be a great scope and a great value. I would have bought one instead of the diavari's if leupold had shipped them within a reasonable amount of time from when they were announced.

Can anyone speak to the pop up cds turrets? I understand glass is good and better than anything I use now. So I'm sold on the quality of glass for the money.

Would really like to know yalls thoughts on the turret set up and maybe how it compares to m1's. How many moa correction does it offer? Seems like I read it has 20moa per revolution? Thanks much.

Kaleb,

I can talk about the VX-3 CDS, not the VX-6 version. They are evidently different. I've heard conflicting reports about availability of the VX-6 CDS dials. I have the 1-6x24 Fire Dot, German #4 and will soon have the 2-12x42 Duplex. I'm learning as I go, and really like what I've seen and heard so far.

I'll post more when I know more.

DF

The CDS dials for the 2-12x42 are available now. Here's mine, for a 7mag, 168VLD's @ 3030 fps zeroed at 100, gets me past 900 with 1 turn.....