Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Question For The Fixed 6X Guys !!!

You're never going to have a problem with a 6X at close range.

They're the perfect compromise in my opinion.



Travis

So, if going 6x, would it be 6x36 FX-II, 6x33 FX-2 or 6x42 FX-3?

I have a couple 3-9x42 VX-2s that I really like. The 6x42 is heavier than the 3-9x40 VX-2. Odd. What is it about the 6x33 FX-2 that makes it so pricey? At 8.8 oz there's some appeal to that. Is 33 enough to really gather the light? Also, can the CDS be added to any of the 6x's?

The 6x42 isn't as heavy as Leupold's website lists--or any other website that uses Leupold's as a reference. Instead of 13.6 ounces, it's just about 12 ounces, less than an ounce heavier than the 3-9x40 VX-2.

That mistake on the Leupold site has been there for a couple of years. I have no idea why, but will mention it to somebody who can get it changed.

The 6x33 is bright enough for most hunting, though not as bright as the 6x36 and, especially, the 6x42 (he 42 is REALLY bright). The eye relief is also a little shorter, as is the tube, naturally, so it isn't as easy to mount in exactly the right place on various rifles. Which is one reason a lot of people like the 6x36.

Thanks. I just realized the 6x33 FX-2 is an SWFA exclusive scope. The 6x42 is intriguing for elk hunting on an 84M.

rahtreelimbs,
all mine were 6x for the longest time because of, in order:

1. Brightness
2. Consistency
3. Ruggedness
4. Idiot proofing - ease of use

I saw too many guys go into the field with a variable left at max power from the last range trip playing heck due to exit pupil, small FOV and lack of brightness when it matters most.

When I finally tried another variable I bought a Sightron SII when they were the darlings of this place. It was a 3-12x42 and eye box was abysmal. Especially after being spoiled by an M8 and the likes.

Fast forward to my most recent purchase, a variable, VX3 3.5-10. I did a side by side in low light against my M8 and wrote about it here. I was surprised to find the VX3 brighter of the two and with better resolution. Nice wow factor. That tier of newer scope models by many manufacturers are truly amazing now. I learned that I like staying below 6x most of the time hunting and gained greater appreciation for larger field of view. When using a 6x I often took close shots but learned to practice the art of using the off side eye to track my target while bringing the scope side eye to bear. Doing the same with a wider field of view below 6x is an even bigger advantage to me.

So now when evaluating a purchase my priorities are a bit different.
Things like (in no particualr order)
1.reticle choice
2.quality of adjustments
3.field of view
4.weight
- play more of a role. No longer do I need to consider multi coated vs fully multicoated- or friction vs click adjustments. The competition has improved that stuff, and brightness of this tier, across the board.


Currently I love my one variable but not to the exclusion of simplicity and view I get from my 6x's. If forced to choose between an FX3 and VX3 I am not sure what I would pick and if asked the next day might give a different answer. Reticle choices become an even bigger player. My VX3 has a B and C I actually used to make a clean 400 yd shot with no practice at that range (walking hog so f- it ) but the #4 of my fixed 6's is nearest to my heart. I don't think I could have made that shot without the power or reticle. Others can.

This help?

Leupold FX3 6x42 LR Duplex.

Because it's simple. Because the dots match my handload. Because it just plain works, all the time, every time, with zero option for fiddling.

6x33 is a "compact" scope, meaning it also has the smaller ocular bell lens.

Nice for mounting low, not as great for seeing as much as quickly.

I could use a 4x or 6x for all my big-game hunting quite easily. And actually, I do that nowadays.

I cannot see a downside to a fixed scope.

I was planning on buying another FX3 6x42LR for a 270 but will probably get another 6x36LR instead....

For the country around here a 6x scope works great.


And unless you wanna have sniper hunting capabilities, the dots or duplex work fine for big game hunting.

Any particular reason to go 36 over 42?

Started out using fixed powers, and I tend to agree that as a general all rounder for medium game the 6x42mm is very good.

In my case I tried the old Leupold 6x42 (MC8?) along side a a used Sawro 6x42mm and a Meopta 7x50mm and went with the Swaro.

I used that scope on my .308win for many years and killed quite a few deer with it..I eventually went to a Swaro 3-12x50mm and while I like that scope very much also, I do regret getting rid of that old 6x42mm...

Over here, the fixed power Leupolds are not such good value for money, but in the States I would guess a second hand Leopold 6x42mm has got to be about the best bargain out there..

Extra $100 in your pocket.

A lot of scope for a very reasonable price. Tough as an anvil and so easy to get behind and acquire a sight picture. I put one on my SP-10 Turkey Shotgun. I've tried a lot of red dots and other scopes on my SP-10...I wish I would have put a 6X42 Leupold on it to start with. Birds that come in close are easy to find in the scope, and the ones that hang out beyond traditional distances are easy to hit with my 10 gauge. Additionally, if I need a scope for another rifle I can 'borrow' the 6X42 from the SP-10.

They tend to fit long actions more better.



Travis

In some cases they will mount lower.

I'd traditionally used 3-9x 40mm scopes nearly universally until I tried an old steel tube Weaver K6 on my most accurate rifle (just to keep it "period correct") and was amazed by what I could do.

Now I have several 6xs and am pretty solidly convinced, although my inteest in Leupold's B&C reticle has gotten me to consider a VX3 3.5-10x since I can't get that in the FX3 6x42mm as I'd like.

Reading this thread is making me reconsider that; the simplicity of dots in a 6x platform is preferred....

I really, really like the Meopro 6x42's. Wish I could get one with a turret.

I'm gonna have to request a significant digit check on these figures.

Why, that's just a little under 2".

Do you own a Meopro? Have been curious but have not proceeded.

I own 2 Meopros. One has the Nazi #1 and the other the Nazi #4.

Here's the #1 on a 308.