Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Leupold FXII 3X20 scope observations

I bought one in April from SWFA for my 9.3X62 full-stock and have been very happy with it. When a fellow Campfire member posted one for sale a week or so ago, I bought that one as well.

The date the scopes are built is printed on the box. The one bought off the Campfire classifieds was built 11-29-12; the one bought in April was built 03-07-13. What struck me was that the serial numbers on the two scopes are only 13 numbers apart - BUT the one built in March of 2013 has a lower serial number than the one built in November of 2012! --12X vs 25X .

Does anyone have an explanation for this?

Both have duplex reticules and I'd like to have either the heavy duplex or post & duplex. Does anyone have any experience with both from Leupold?

Final question: The Leupold Custom Shop website leaves a lot to be desired . Does anyone have a phone number for them or do you go through the normal Leupold phone #?

They could start a new numerical series each year, the year being denoted by the alpha code letter.

I had Leupold put a Heavy Duplex in one of my 4X scopes. The reticle was alot heavier than I expected. So, my advice is to ask them just what you will be getting if you change your reticle. E

Brought this old post up again as I just noticed that the 3X20 made 11-29-12 has adjustments that require a coin to turn, but the one from 03-07-13 has knobs you turn with your fingers.

Apparently, they changed the adjustment knobs between November and April.

Came to notice it because I was bore-sighting the one made in November on my son's 375 Ruger. (He wanted a scope he could trust to take the recoil, and liked the one I have on my 9.3X62.)

Looking through them; they appeared the same until I had Leupold put in a post and duplex in one of them. So far I like the P&D for use on the 9.3X62.

I have an M8 3X. I am still contemplating a German #1. Also considering a new one as well. When I was introduced to glass, 2 1/2 or 3 X was the norm. We killed stuff back then too! Jack

I agree Jack!

I have several 2.5x & 3x but try to get Leupold to install a post [picket] reticle.....not offered.

Premier reticle installed a couple for me but they are no more.

Vern, look at The German #1, provided you can get the site to open. I think it close enough, but it is a custom shop venture.

Agree, I still have an early Weaver 2 1/2-5 ( presently not mounted) and a Lyman All American 4X with the picket post and a horizontal cross hair. The weaver is in reserve as a memory even though it is still clear enough, It is not even close to weather resistant. I have the Lyman on a pre war 70 .270. Jack

Have a couple Leupold 3x with a 3 minute dot. It is a pie plate in that particular scope although it does blink out when the light fads the last couple of minutes early and late. But still will handle 99% of anything that we usually come across.


The new Leupold 3x is really clear and throws a sharp image.

I have a 3X with German #1 and hate it......the horizontals really mess up a good scope.....targets like a running wolf are blocked by the horizontals.....the horizontals serve no purpose for me other than cluttering the view.

A PD would be a good compromise. Had about all of the reticles. Like the #1, but no doubt, if you could have ONLY the vertical post....but it's not to be had

The #1 is a fast sight, it's bold and I would gladly run one on a Bear rifle....

The Heavy Duplex just seemed overkill on all ends, I do not like blocking out more of my FOV than I need, but I do like a contrasted sight pic that works in low light.

Just checked the boxes on the two I have. Both built on 4.11.11

Same order number. Serial numbers are xxxx53V and xxxx73V. Both have knobs you turn with your fingers.