I am having IT&D rebarrel my Rem.722 to 338Federal. I have both scopes but have used the variable much more. It will be used for deer and hogs out to about 350yds w/the 180gr .338 Accubonds. The reason I'm asking is even w/my other variables I rarely crank them up past 5.5-6.5. Will I really lose much if going w/the fixed scope? Really looking for people that have used both and their on target opinion. powdr

For me, it is always nice to be able to set it to 3.5 if I am expecting something close or jumping something up. 6X can make it hard to find stuff quickly in heavy cover. Just my opinion.

Reno

You owe to yourself to try a FX3 6x42. It's a fantastic hunting scope. Don't over think, put one on your rifle and try it for your self. If you are one of the few that try it and are disappointed you can sell it quickly for a minimal loss. Then you'll know for yourself....

David

I would not select either as first choice, I'd go with either a 1.75-6X or 2.5-8X Leupold, but among them the 3.5-10X would be my choice by a wide margin.

I live in heavy timber country. A fixed 6 is useless as tits on a bull here on a general purpose rifle. I've considered one, but the niche is for a 20", heavy barreled .308. It'd be the 6x42AO, from the custom shop, because I want fine duplex rather than crosshair and dot, and I want CDS over target knobs. Much as the rifle calls to me I'm not sure why I really need it so I haven't done either.

3.5-10X is a good scope but I think it is a better match for an .270 - .280 - '06 or one of the 7mm to .338 magnums than it is to a .338 Federal.

However, if those two listed are the only options the OP will consider, the 3.5-10X is the better of the two choices.

Tom

So your positive the fixed 6 is useless in heavy timber, but you haven't tried one?

David

3.5-10x40..

Not sure why a fixed 6 is useless on a general purpose rifle. Really not sure why you would want a fine duplex in heavy timber country. When the lights go low in the heavy cover, I want heavy reticles.

I just took my VX3 3.5-10x40 off of my 30-06 and installed a FX3 6x42. I also installed a FXII 6x36 on my 270. I use both for deer in everything from flat bean fields to thick swamps. When I get an elk tag, the 30-06 will likely get the nod.

I almost never take my variables off of 7x, whether the shot is 40 yards or 400 yards. When hunting, I don't ever think about messing with the magnification. I figured why not keep it simple and go with a scope that is much more reliable. That 1X will not mean a hill of beans to me.

For the op's application, it's a no brainer, I'd go FX3 and not look back.

BTW, I put my 3.5-10x40 on my 22-250.

YMMV
CH

I agree with Tom. It's not how well the 6X may work in the woods, because it will. To me it's the ease of shooting off hand. I like the 1.75-6 and the 2.5-8, have both. The problem with them vs. the 3.5-10x40 is their short tubes which are hard to mount on LA rifles, especially if you like your scope mounted sorta back a bit like I do. You have to use offset bases, etc.

IMHO,

DF

The VX3 3.5-10 VX3 is 12.6" long with 4.4" -3.6" eye relief. The FX3 6x42 is 13.2" with 4.4" eye relief. There's more slightly room to mount the FX3 further back than the 3.5-10 VX3 if that's your huckleberry and it has slightly more eye relief than the VX3 at most magnification settings.

http://www.riflescopes.com/Leupold-35-10x40-VX-3-Riflescope-P12647.aspx

http://www.riflescopes.com/Leupold-6x42-FX-3-Riflescope-P12755.aspx


The 338Fed is a short action cartridge.

David

Have owned both. Prefer the 6X42.



Travis

I currently have and use both. I have hunted with both.

Right this instant I can't think of a time hunting that I would prefer the 3.5-10 to the 6x42 (or 6x36, for that matter). I also like a fixed 4, and a fixed 4 would fit a short action fine.

I continue to use my 3.5-10x40 on my range rifle. That rifle hasn't gone hunting, and may never. I might put a fixed 8 or 12 on it someday, but the 3.5-10 still works.

The 2-12 VX6is my favorite Leupy, followed by the 3.5-10x40, followed by FX3 6x42.
I really like the 3.5-10 as a hunting scope.

JGR, do you normally have your scope turned up all the way when you take an animal? IIRC your hunting area might present you with longish shots in brushy country, but I could very well be incorrect.

Dumped a nice WT one AM, catching moonlight off horns using a 6x...at 15 yds. Just filled the FOV up with his shoulder/lungs and let fly A hog at 240 and another deer about 250-275, near or far, 6x never let me down. Oh, got a double on crows at 300, same rifle as 15 yd buck. Ruger #1B 270, the hog was a 243 Ruger #1 RSI, and the longer deer kill was a K1A 6.5x55. K.I.S.S. works. No problems.

FWIW, running a 6x33 now having owned many versions of 36 and 42s.

I do more than a little hunting in thick woods and love the 6x42 for it. In thick woods I've got little use for anything over 6x or under 4x....the 6x42 is perfect. Leupold's 6x42 is one of the easiest scopes to get behind...lots of leeway forward/backwards and side to side.

Yep, And you got the critters to prove it...

You and your NAB's...

I love my 2-12. At 2X, it's a great off hand shooter. At 12X, it's a decent LR scope, just no parallax adjustment. The 3-18 has A/O, but is heavier. Those 30 mm tubes are a bit big for a LW rifle, IMO. Otherwise, VX-6's are hard to beat.

So many of you guys love the 6x42, I may have to get one. I've never handled or used one. I hear the FX-3 6x42 is an outstanding scope. For most use, I can see how effective it could be. I would rather shoot 2X offhand than 6X, however.

DF

Just mounted a 3.5-10 on a lightweight long action rifle last night. It ain't light no mo. I prefer the 1.75-6 and 2.5-8 Leupy's for general use.

I all honesty I usually have them set on 6x, but when time permits I'll usually crank it up to 10x. My 53 yr old eyes seem to enjoy more magnification nowadays if possible.

As I have grown older I like magnification but the 6x42 Leupy is sooo easy to get behind and shoot with its hard not use one.

RTA

Dirt, I'd rather be lucky than good! My sentiments mirror yours on the VX6.

Ya gotta be pretty good to take advantage of luck...

DF

DF -

Exactly. Since the OP was talking about a Rem 722 in .338 Federal, the slightly shorter tubes should be great.

Take care ...

Tom

Thanks guys, I think I'm gonna go w/the 3.5-10x40 w/post and duplex. I had it made in the custom shop w/the .6 wire in the middle instead of .75. The 6x42 has the .6 wire for the reticle. Really want to get me a VX6 2-12X42 but just don't have the funds at present. powdr

powdr,

I found mine used on Ebay for $600 to my door. Can't seem to find that deal again, but I'm looking.

Now, that was pure luck...


TOM,

I have a VX-3 2.5-8 that I sent back for a CDS. Now, that is a sweet scope for a SA rifle.

DF

The 6x42 by far is the better of the two short range or long range.

That eye box on the 6x is superior for picking up moving animals in thick cover, when shooting off hand.

When its dark thirty the 6x is best as well.

It's also a clearer scope for longer ranges.

I used the 6x42 under the darkest canopy and the thickest bush in WA State.

It works. post duplex 338/250s

Nice shooting!!

Damn good shooting!! Nice rifle too..

I've had both scopes, but have only variables now.

FX-3 6x42

6x42 would get my vote on a 338 Federal

Got them both and have used them for years. My two favorite scopes, but if I had to pick one for the rest of my days of hunting, the 3.5-10 without question (with turrets).

I have shot deer at long range with the 1.75x6, the 2x7. and the 3.5x10.


This one in 2013 at 477 yards was bang flip.

Oi, is the 3.5x10 nicer, and easier to get them right in the kill zone.

6x42

When used on medium or large game range wise 6x is upper limit of most peoples shooting ability. Given quality & reliability of modern variables I don't see reason I would pick 6x42.

big +1 renoh414. A long time 6x proponent here but latest gen of Variable scopes are so bright they make other features, like field of view, much more tangible. At least as far as the VX3 is concerned. Like you, I find myself leaving it set well below 6x and appreciating the difference. I liken it to the difference in brightness I used to enjoy using fixed X instead of variables- so the tables have turned. Combining that with knowing how to use the off side eye can really give an edge.