#2279055 - 06/27/08 12:36 PM
Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
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ctam
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Registered: 12/03/06
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Hi all,
I've been reading with interest the popularity of the Leupy 6x42, particularly with regards to the outstanding eyebox.
Could I please get the gurus to comment on the 4x fixed scopes, and whether the eyebox / durability etc.. are as good as the legendary 6 x 42s?
Thanks,
Ctam
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#2279072 - 06/27/08 12:46 PM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: ctam]
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Eremicus
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I understand the 4X Leupolds almost never go back to Leupold for anything. Mine certainly has held up well to abuse. Both of my 6X42's have done very well too. In spite of lots of knocking around in 4WD's, literally for months at a time, bouncing off of rocks, etc., neither has needed even to be rezeroed.
The 4X have an eye relief of 4 inches, the 6X42's are at 4.5 inches. The eyeboxes are so close, about an inch in lenth, that I can't tell them apart.
All Leupold rifle scopes get far more impact testing than any other brand to my knowledge. Their fixed magnification scopes are their toughest. E
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#2279080 - 06/27/08 12:53 PM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: Eremicus]
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Hammer1
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Eremicus,
Personally I like fixed-power Leupold scopes.
Have them in 2 1/2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 power.
Have never had a problem with any of them.
Can't figure out why folks buy other kinds of scopes for serious hunting.
They must have more time on their hands than I do.
Hammer
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#2279108 - 06/27/08 01:17 PM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: Hammer1]
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muledeer
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For me, the 4x33 and 6x36 fit and look better on a rifle than the 6x42 -- particularly if it's a rifle that will be sliding in and out of a saddle scabbard all day long. The FX II 4x33 and 6x36 scopes are incredibly bright, clear and sharp.
Nothing is better for a pure hunting rifle scope, in my opinion and experience.
Other's MMV...
Dennis
_________________________
"The more you run over a dead cat, the flatter it gets."
"If you're asking me something technical, you may be looking for My Other Brother Darrell."
"It ain't foot-pounds that kills stuff -- it's broken body parts."
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#2279250 - 06/27/08 02:41 PM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: muledeer]
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J_Scott
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Ditto.
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#2279315 - 06/27/08 03:19 PM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: J_Scott]
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DakotaDeer
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Leupie 4x does it all for me. And that is the older 28mm version, which I think fits nicer on a long action anyway.
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#2279450 - 06/27/08 04:23 PM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: muledeer]
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BobinNH
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I'll take the 4X Leupold.It just works.
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#2280244 - 06/28/08 04:59 AM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: BobinNH]
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DMB
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Ditto what everone above said.
I'm a fixed power slut.
My personal opinion is that Leupold's BEST scopes are the fixed 4x and 6x's. Their VX-7 ain't too shabby either, but I prefer fixed powers.
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#2280268 - 06/28/08 05:21 AM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: DMB]
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cra1948
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Over at my dealer's there's a stainless/synthetic Sako 75 .30-06 that's calling my name. My plan is to put a Leupie 4X on it for my "anywhere, anytime" hunting rifle.
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Beware the man with one gun. He's probably poor and desperate, or really has his priorities screwed up.
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#2280541 - 06/28/08 08:38 AM
For hunting, fixed power scope is the way to go
[Re: cra1948]
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Hammer1
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Jeff Cooper's Old Gunsite 270 rifle course, we learned a lot about field shooting. Then spending a month with Cooper in Africa during his Babamkulu Trek we learned a lot more.
The PHs never were happy when a client was fiddling with his scope when he ought to be shooting.
We never found where we would have had time for adjusting scope power settings. It was always (1) see the animal, (2) judge it, (3) get into the best appropriate field shooting position that terrain and time (?) permitted, (4) and shoot.
Target shooting, varminting, and some other pursuits are quite different.
But hunting big game is against a clock that isn't informing you second-by-second of the time remaining. The time remaining is unknown and you may not get another chance on this hunt. So making decisions and shooting is where the fractions of a second should be spent.
Let my kids try variable power scopes for awhile and it was a no go. Returned them to fixed power 4X or 6X and solved the problem.
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#2280571 - 06/28/08 08:54 AM
Re: For hunting, fixed power scope is the way to go
[Re: Hammer1]
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65BR
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Well said, no argument on those points, often best and necessary to spend time getting the shot off, and not tinkering w/scope setting. One using a variable and having the discipline to keep the scope where it was left, i.e 4-5x on a 2-7 or 3-9 is what many 'experienced guys' seem to do. Hunting conditions can dictate what you can and must do in various situations, but I have taken my share percentage wise w/4x's and 6x's w/satisfaction. Wise choice above, Sako '06, 4x, proven brand rifle-reliable and accurate, ctg choice-ammo anywhere, can get most jobs done well, and a 4x, proven brand, and sufficient power and fov for most anything you point an '06 at IMHO. Good choice.
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#2282992 - 06/29/08 02:48 PM
Re: For hunting, fixed power scope is the way to go
[Re: 65BR]
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ctam
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Thank You fellas. I think I may make a switch from variables to a fixed 4x for my next general purpose rifle.
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#2285787 - 07/01/08 05:34 AM
Re: For hunting, fixed power scope is the way to go
[Re: Hammer1]
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DMB
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Jeff Cooper's Old Gunsite 270 rifle course, we learned a lot about field shooting. Then spending a month with Cooper in Africa during his Babamkulu Trek we learned a lot more.
The PHs never were happy when a client was fiddling with his scope when he ought to be shooting.
We never found where we would have had time for adjusting scope power settings. It was always (1) see the animal, (2) judge it, (3) get into the best appropriate field shooting position that terrain and time (?) permitted, (4) and shoot.
Target shooting, varminting, and some other pursuits are quite different.
But hunting big game is against a clock that isn't informing you second-by-second of the time remaining. The time remaining is unknown and you may not get another chance on this hunt. So making decisions and shooting is where the fractions of a second should be spent.
Let my kids try variable power scopes for awhile and it was a no go. Returned them to fixed power 4X or 6X and solved the problem.
.
Hammer,
That's one of the best posts ever...
EXTREMELY well written.
Don
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#2285795 - 07/01/08 05:44 AM
Re: For hunting, fixed power scope is the way to go
[Re: DMB]
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Savage_99
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While I started out with fixed power hunting scopes and still have a few of them I now prefer variables. The post above infers that a fixed power is faster and thats not at all true for an experienced hunter who can set the power for the best situation.
To each his own on this. Go ahead and tell each other that fixed is best for you. The vast majority of hunters use variables.
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#2285892 - 07/01/08 06:50 AM
The vast majority of hunters use variables.
[Re: Savage_99]
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Hammer1
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The vast majority of hunters use variables.
You're absolutely right. The vast majority prefer variables.
It has been a long time since I was in a room where my opinion coincided with the majority present on any topic.
Heck, I was with some other people the other night espousing limited government, limited taxes, individual freedom and responsibility, and got shouted down by Republicans and Democrats alike. Was told there were New Variables. It is a New Age.
I still haven't bought into man-made global warming.
Yeah, been a minority the majority of the time.
.
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#2286116 - 07/01/08 09:50 AM
Re: For hunting, fixed power scope is the way to go
[Re: Savage_99]
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avagadro
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To each his own on this. Go ahead and tell each other that fixed is best for you. The vast majority of hunters use variables.
SERIOUSLY!!!! What a bunch of crap. The vast majority of hunter also hunt with most least expensive rifle around ... cor-lokt ammo off the shelf ... and according to one thread here BUSHNELL optics. I'm assuming not the 3200/4200/6500 variety either. There aren't any "package" deals with fixed scopes. Whilst technically you are right, I don't think I'll get in line with the "vast" majority of hunters.
Put me in the camp that is switching to fixed scoped rifles. I still have quite a few with 3-9x40's ... but they're on 6x and rarely if ever touched.
Edited by avagadro (07/01/08 09:51 AM)
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#2286145 - 07/01/08 10:07 AM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: ctam]
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Ward
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I have several fixed power scopes on hunting rifles and have never had a problem due to not being able to change magnification. As for variables, I have a few of those, too. You don't NEED to fiddle with the power ring just because it moves. I've never cranked the power down for a shot but have had time to increase the magnification before shooting. Methinks its more about the hunter than the tools. Ward
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#2286631 - 07/01/08 03:25 PM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: ctam]
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fishdoc
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ctam, you asked about comparing the fixed 4 & 6 power Leupys. I own and I've used both and prefer the 6x42 simply because it gives me a little more visibility at the beginning and end of daylight and when I'm trying to sight in on an animal in deep shadow. The 4x is a bit lighter but not enough to notice. Both are very good. Fishdoc/
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#2286680 - 07/01/08 03:56 PM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: fishdoc]
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avagadro
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ctam ... I'm in agreement with fishdoc .... am tempted on several occasions and go with just a 4x on a couple of rifles.
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George
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Order of Sleepless Knights
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#2287860 - 07/02/08 09:15 AM
Re: Leupold fixed 4x scopes compared with the 6 x 42
[Re: avagadro]
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Eremicus
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I used variables for for about 40 years. I finally realized that there was nothing to be gained by them while hunting big game or large varmits.
I've used both 4X's, two Leupolds and one B&L, and a couple of 6X42 Leupolds. Those as well as a 6.5-20X40AO on another hunting rifle. The 6.5-20X40AO was left on 6.5, and the AO left with a 100 yd. setting toward the end.
Between the two, the 4X Leupold has both more FOV and a little less magnification than the 6X42. Both help, just a little, with those "you have only seconds to shoot" shots. The 6X42's, on the other hand, work better for those shots where the target is near or in cover. You need to know if you really do have a clear shot. They work better at night and on really dark days in dark timber. They give up almost nothing to the 4X's when it comes to shooting quickly. They work much better, that's easier and faster, than the 4X B&L with it's much smaller eye box.
That's why the 6X42 Leupold is my all around, No.1 choice. But I still have, and use, their 4X's. When I've got just seconds to shoot, I want all I can get from my scope in the way of help. They, the 4X's, give up only a little when it comes to the other special circumstances. Really a close call. E
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