Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Problems with Leupold 6x42 scopes?

Over the past year or so, I've seen an occasional comment about someone having issues with the FX-3 6x42. Or, someone recommending the older FX-III or M8 instead of the FX-3.

What problems are the FX-3 scopes having? Zero retention?

Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jason

Jason I had a problem about a year or more ago, Two rifles, both proven.

They were fine once I replaced the scope. Both were M70's with Leopold DD's. I am not prepared to say if the issues were mechanical with the scope, or improper ring spacing.

Thanks for the info Bob!

Did both scopes have the same issue? Tracking or holding zero?

Jason

The newer Leupold's don't move the prescribed amount per click. Leupold is unable or unwilling to correct this problem. Both of my recent vintage 6x42's (FX3's) tracked reliably (they moved the same amount consist tly, even though it was less than what it should have been) and returned to zero. Until they didn't.

The older scopes were known for rugged reliability, the newer scopes are pieces of schit.

Get something else.

David

Thanks for the info David. Been several years since I've had an FX-3 on a rifle.

I've had a 6X42, FX3 for about 5 yrs. now. I've changed the zero a many times. Sometimes going out to 300 yds, sometimes when I used different loads. 150 gr. bullets don't go where 200 gr. bullets go in my 30'06.
Never noticed any lack of proper movement. They have always done just what they were suppose to do.
The older M8 Leupolds came with friction adjustments. Sometimes they didn't move like they should. I have had two of them, still have one. I have/had target style elevation knobs on both. They worked as they should as well, always. But the windage knobs haven't always moved as they should.
Both of my M8's and my Fx3 have survived some hard knocks from falls, my "special rock test". Never have I had to rezero any of them.
I like the FX3, and prefer it to the M8's. I've come close to replacing my current M8 with an FX3. Nice adjustments and super tough lense coatings. E

I had a newer one that tracked well but MOA did not equal MOA. So I sent it back.

It's ran great ever since.

I have three, two new and an M8 and they all work great.




Dave

I have an old M-8 6 power. I used it for years, and made some long shots with it. It's broken now, with something loose and loud inside. I need to ship it off to Leupold. Guess I'll sell it when it's back.

Good to hear you're all set now Dave. M1 or CDS?

J

Any idea of round count on that scope, 603? What chambering, rifle, etc.?

Jason

Oheremicus,

Thanks for the info on the M8, I've never owned one. Now that you mention it, I don't recall my FX-3 scopes tracking well for windage. I just set-n-forget for windage, and used M1 turrets for elevation.

Jason

Anyone have feedback on the FX-II 6x36 in terms of holding zero and tracking with an M1?

They don't zoom

Jason it was one scope on two rifles and they both behaved the same way,with scattered grouping. Both rifles were proven shooters.

Like 9" at 300 yards with the "bad" scope.

Yeah, I'd say that is a "bad" scope. Too bad, as I was giving the FXIII 6X a hard look. I have had good luck with the FXII 6 power, but would like a larger objective, such as the FXIII has.

Edit: Just saw Brad's thread on this forum.

4th Point, I don't know the round count on that old 6 power. I bought it in the 80's and I think I bought it used. Put it on a BAR in 270 and used it for years. Then sold gun and scope to my brother and didn't see the gun again for maybe 20 years. He showed up here to sight it in, and the scope was rattling. There's a loose lens or something in there. I haven't sent it off yet.

Longest shot with that scope was a coyote at 365 yards. He had just peed on the right rear tire on my old Honda 3 wheeler. Looking back, it's a miracle I didn't shoot my ATV tire.

No issues with mine

Ive got three 6x42's the latest version. One a 50 cal mzzuleloader, one on a fairly light 7mm SAUM and the other on a light compact 6.5 creed. The saum has had a resonable amount of shots through it maybe 3-4 boxes of 50 and 500+ rounds through the Creed. I use them as set and forgets, no turrets or dialing.

My memory was that they didn't track well when zeroing. the # of clicks didn't correspond well with the advertised travel and if memory serves there was at least on instance of impact not moving until after a shot was fired. However all three rifles have been carried a good amount in the field and the two centerfires shot a good amount and they have held zero well, the only adjustments necessary were when changing loads.

I also have several 6x36s and they seem to perform similarly. The lack of tracking is one reason I haven't tried a turret on any of them. Once set they have been tough scopes that hold zero. So far I haven't had a Leupold fixed fail.

I've had no problems with them as a "set and forget" system.

I don't care if they move the "correct" amount or not, so long as they stay where they end up.

Thanks for extra info Bob and 603.

Jason

noKnees and DD,

I've used M1 turrets on the FX-3, but anymore I'd just as soon use the 6X SWFA for that type of use. 'Set and Forget' seems like a good application for the Leupos. I'd like to try the 6x36.

J

Just curious if anyone else has had issues with the Leupo 6x42. Been a few months since I first posted this.

I personally don't believe the reports of bad Leupolds, I chaulk it up to anti-Leupold fake news.

I had a bunch of them with M1 ele and got tired of sending them back for tracking issues. After trying out an SWFA 6x MQ, all but two leupolds went down the road. Both the remaining are M8's and ride on old Winchesters. Only one of those has M1 ele and it tracks great to 450. Getting to 550 takes three times the moa that it should.

I recently purchased a 6x36 after moving away from leupolds completely for several years due to tracking and zero issues. I wanted a lightweight scope with good eye relief for a set it/forget it hunting rifle. Had it to the range twice, while tracking is not as good as a similar priced weaver, burris or sightron, it is workable and has help zero. I still am playing with different loads so havent completely dialed it in. I just want it to stay there once I get it there. Performance seems about like the older M-8's, though much better optically, very happy with the image quality.

No issues with mine

Still no complaints. A couple of bad falls where it stayed zeroed, and lots of zero changes for different loads. E

I've got two FX3 6x42's with M1 elevation knobs. Not a single issue from either in regards to tracking or zero retention. I did break the reticle in one, clamping the rear ring too tight, as far back as it would go.

Also have two new 6x36s, both on rifles that gets carried and used often. Now these do not have M1s, and are set and forget types, but I have had no issues with them either.

The 6x42 Leupold is my favorite scope I've ever had. Never known anything else that forgiving and easy to get behind. That being said, if I plan on twisting turrets more often than not, I'll put an SWFA on instead of Leupold.

I use them. Don't shoot enough anymore to find any issues with them. They work fine for the hunting I do.

I need a scope to replace the Mark AR Mod1 1.5-4 I'm taking off my .308 for my new AR. Was going to get a 6x36, but decided to order a SS 6x42 to see what all the excitement was about. The extra 10oz won't be too noticeable on the heavy little Ruger that only gets carried about a half mile these days. Already have 30mm Ruger rings from their exchange program. Don't really need the twisty dials, but the alleged reliability is a draw. If I don't like it I'll just stick it on my airgun or maybe get a Hummer to go under it.

SWFA had a 5% Fathers Day discount and free shipping today, so I saved a couple bucks.

I've had a couple FX3s loose zero, but the ones that had the M1 tracked fine for me.

As far as losing zero, the issue may have been the rings for all I know. I still have one of the scopes, and it hasn't lost zero in a while but I also don't shoot the rifle it is on much anymore.

Overall the FXIII was (is) the scope to get if you're going leupold IMO.

4th point: No problems with the ones I have owned.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
P.S.: Long live Leupold & Stevens Company

No issues with mine for set and forget use. If I purchase anymore it will be the FX-II in 6x36 I can see a difference in these and the 6x42s but not enough to compromise anything other than night time hog hunting. Out of habit when I sight in I over adjust the turrets and then click back to what I wanted. Not sure which model but one of my Leupold's did better this way I think it was the 2-7x so no clicks on the older ones. Could be a completely different story if I was a dial twister.

Seriously do not think you will have issues with the 6 x 42 Fx-3s out of the custom shop
at current production. I have ordered three so far this year and been using them on various
magnums. I admit that the 6 x 36s are not FX-3, not quite as good of glass coating and
only come in matte finish.

Thanks for the info fellas.

J

I've got 3 M8 6x42's. M1, CDS, and one naked. All have been fine scopes. Not a higher fan of the CDS, but it does work.