Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Leupold decision, your input needed

Ordered a Kimber 8400 Select Grade in .270 Winchester.

I'm torn b/w these 2: FX3 6x42 or VX3 3.5-10x40.

Can't really call this a hunting rig b/c it will be used while sitting on my arse in a stand, so I will call it a "deer waiting" rig.

Anyway, your input as to scope selection will be appreciated.

Flip a coin, they are my two favorite Leupold scopes. Will say all I've ever used on 270's are 6x though.

I think I'd take the 6x, I never change a variable while hunting anyway

My choice for your Kimber would be?.......Neither!

The 2.5-8x36 VX3 would be my 1st pick,,,if I were you.

VX3 3.5-10 with the new turrets (CDS)

What range will you be shooting game at.

Closer than 200 = 2.5-8x no question

Further than 200 = 3.5-10x, if it's 300+ all the time 4.5-14x is a possibility.

To tell you the truth I shoot the 2.5-8x better under 200 than I can the 3.5 or 4.5x.

I'd go 6x42. Almost got one for my WSM since it is almost always on 6x when hunting, unless things are really thick. But for a stand, I'd go 6x.

3.5x10x40 is tough to beat. The fixed 6 has its place no doubt but IMO the variable gives you more options. Want a fixed 6 that day put it on 6X and leave it.

I have killed deer that I shot and followed up with a close runing shot, my scope was on 3.5, had that been a fixed 6 I wonder if I would had been able to get on target as fast.

That'd be my pick too.
It's possible to shoot beyond 200 yards w/o 10x.

SKane +1 on the 2.5x8

2.5-8x36 on a Kimber 8400. Fits the rifle well, keeps it light and you can shoot with it as far as most of us can hold on game.

Regardless of the power you select,always try to get a 50mm.More light gathering in low light conditions and great under a full moon if and hwen Predator hunting.

...............The 2.5-8x36 will have no problem on deer sized game out to 400-500 yards.

Further than 200 yards a max of 10x? Beyond 300 yards a 14x? Maybe for some target scoring and paper punching for groups. For hunting, many never exceed 5x to 6x for their longest hunting shots anyway.

On occasion, I set up 1 gallon milk cartons filled with water out to 300 yards. Not a problem with a 1.5-5x20 VX111 set on the 5x and it wouldn`t be a problem out to 400 yards either.

For stand hunting, plains hunting, mountain hunting or whatever, and from the shorter ranges to the longer ranges, the 2.5x8 is about as ideal and useful an all around magnification as one can get.

Leupold`s best winner imo.

This is curious; I'm wondering what happens after 300 yards that makes the 3.5-10 unsuitable.Or for that matter what happens after 200 that knocks the 2.5-8 out of the game altogether.Cripes I've killed woodchucks at 400 yards with a 6X...

A guy should use what he wants but the formula seems sort of flawed to me.....

Biting tongue.......

I've taken quite a few deer at 300-400 yards with my 2-7 on my 7mm-08, but if given the opportunity I like to crank things up if I'm able.

One of my favorite scopes is my 3.5-10, but I've probably taken more game with my Ruger 77 in 7mm mag paired with a 4.5-14 than probably any rifle I own. Average shots would be from 150-250. The closest at 14 yards and the longest a little over 600.

First Elk I ever took was at 14 yards in dark timber at the break of dawn. Scope was set at 4.5 and I had no problems, but I also like the ability to turn it up and have taken two deer at around 600 yards and appreciated the extra power.


With all that said I'd go with a 2.5-8 or a 3.5-10 depending on your actual anticipated hunting conditions.







50mm objectives look outta place on most hunting rifles

WHY???

Because you need at least a 60mm.

That's a true long action. Put on the VX3 3.5-10x40, it'll look great and perform great too.

Maybe he just got new dentures.