Is it worthwhile to upgrade a Leupold M 8 fixed power 6x36 or 8x40 AO to M 1 turrets or should I just stick to the friction dials and get a LR duplex instead? I'm not really a long range hunter but would like the option to shoot to 500 yards or so.
Apologies, somehow I missed your question. I think PG answered about the issues with adding turrets and trying to dial it. You can certainly do it, but you're 50/50 on it working out or not. If you are adaement about staying with those scopes, I would see if they will install a mildot or TMR reticle in it and hold for everything. Otherwise the SWFA SS 6x42mm with MQ reticle is solid and it runs $299.
Mule Deer,
You are obviously correct that using the subtension on a duplex works, but it's a work around for a reticle not designed to be used that way. If I had a scope with a duplex I would certainly use it for that, but if I am buying a new scope with the intention of shooting past 300 yards it does not make sense to not choose a reticle with logical, consistent wind marks. Figuring out and then using the 4.7 MOA gap to the post is a WHOLE lot less intuitive than having a reticle with unobtrusive ticks every 2 MOA. Even simpler is working in mils. No one that I have ever shot with or taught has ever wanted to go back to either MOA or reticles without consistent unintuitive marks for windage and elevation. Had a brand new girl today that has never shot a rifle running the elevation and holding wind like a champ with no help inside of two hours. Give her the range, she dials. Give her the wind, she held and hit. Easy peasy. With a duplex we would still be talking about "left half a gap", "right 2.2 gaps"..... 🤢
Not saying it can't be done, I am saying that no one would want a speedometer that only had 47mph on it....
