Leupold 35X Competition Scope Thoughts

[Shynloco]

Well guys, I'm thinking about buying me a belated Xmas present in the form of a Leupold 35X Competition Scope. Yes, I know they ain't cheap, but thats still cheaper than the custom rifle I was considering having built. And I don't compete either, but love the accuracy of the Rimfire Rifles I already own. But I've noticed how age tends to dull the senses including eyesight. Now I have some nice clear glass already, but ultimate clarity @ 50 yds (which I shoot mostly for 22 lr using competition ammo - Lapua in local shoots) is something I'd like to have. So to any who have or use such a scope at such close distance to the ARA Targets, what say you regarding this particular scope on my Anschutz?
Thx!

 

[DOGCAPPER]

A lot of the rimfire shooters at my club use Weaver 36 x.. A little over power, but it is useful being able to see and hold in any quadrant of the 10 ring you want..We shoot at 75 yards...Two targets for group, two for score, one varmit target...The 10 ring measures .573 outside and we score best edge..The inside measures .445 which we score worst edge for a bonus point if it does not touch the inner ring (11)..Not unusual for the top shooters to have 2 or 3 bonus points per score target...LT

 

[Shynloco]

Dogcapper,
Thx for your response. Interesting way of competing. I actually have two Weaver 36X's on a couple of my Centerfire Rifles that I shoot off the Benchrest position. I was kinda looking to see if anyone had personal first hand use of the Leupold 35X that the serious competitors use in actual serious ARA competitions. I do like the my Weavers and even have a T24 on my .308. But I figured I wanted to get something new that is perhaps at the top of the list for optics. I've just never seen (first hand) or shot a rifle with that L35X on it. But I'm gonna find out when she arrives as I went ahead and ordered it while SWAF had a good price on one. Thx again for the input.

 

[in2deep]

If you want a higher score in ARA going from a Weaver to a Leupy probably won't gain you anything...look at all those records shot with Weavers and Sightrons....

And look at the little sporters with only 6X scopes shooting 250's in RBA.

Finding a rifle/barrel/ammo combo that repeatedly hits where you point it is needed to win
and the $1000. you save on the scope will go a long ways towards funding a competetive rifle that will allow you to shoot higher scores and learn to dope wind better. It's also almost always "cheaper" in the long run to just buy a good rifle since you will spend hundreds trying to get a mediocre gun to shoot and buying endless test lots of ammo and tuners and beating yourself up.... been there and done that.

 

[Shynloco]

In2deep,
I certainly appreciate your comments and wisdom. But my comments were strictly intended to see what guys were "personally" experiencing with that specific Leupold scope. I have two Weaver T36's and a T24 as well on various rifles I own. Before I posted my original comments about the Leupold, I was "considering" just having a "dedicated custom job" built. But at my age (soon 65) and the fact that I don't compete (partly because of diminishing eyesight), I just wanted to splurge one last time on what is regarded by many who compete, as a top notch scope that ranks amongst the best of the best for that purpose - competition. (Besides, I just couldn't justfy or have the money for spending between $3250 and $5000 for that custom rig.) And I use the word competition because those guys have the best and finest equipment to try and achieve those records. And those Sightron are really nice scopes. In fact, yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting a friend's Match Grade Remington 40X with a Sightron 6.5 X 22 (I think) and it was a beautful experience. And then another friend was at the range also who had his Match Grade Hall action, Lilja barelled custom rig with the Leupold 45 X45 Competition Scope atop. And man again I got to enjoy a beautful experience. I actually liked the Leupold better because as crystal clear as the Sightron was, I didn't care for the "micro dot" duplex and my eyes took better to the Leupold with the softer crosshairs that allowed ME to better see the center dot on the ARA target @ 50 yds. SO, all these scope are top notched and sometimes it just boils down to which feels better to the individual behind the scope. And in no way do I mean to belittle any of the aforementioned scopes, Just have decided to go with the Leupold this time. But I do appreciate all the comments.

 

[Shynloco]

Only as an update...we mounted the 35X yesterday atop my Anschutz and shot with her aboard for the first time. O M G...what a scope. For me, this scope is incredible and the clarity is simply unmatched. I can see why true competitors use this scope. I mean my Weavers (2-T36x's and 1-T24 are nice. But the superiority in this Leupold 35X is obvious. I know it was rather expensive, but the reward on paper are obvious. I am one happy camper!

 

[LESLEY]

Only as an update...we mounted the 35X yesterday atop my Anschutz and shot with her aboard for the first time. O M G...what a scope. For me, this scope is incredible and the clarity is simply unmatched. I can see why true competitors use this scope. I mean my Weavers (2-T36x's and 1-T24 are nice. But the superiority in this Leupold 35X is obvious. I know it was rather expensive, but the reward on paper are obvious. I am one happy camper!

If you think a Leupold is amazing look through a March scope. Or on a second thought you might not want to see a March scope. If you do you will sell the Leupold.

 

[Shynloco]

Hey thx Lesley for the thought. But I can't afford a March so I'm not EVEN gonna look. I will say that I've spoken to various competitiors (both serious and those who shoot for fun) who use both the Leupold 35X and even the Weaver T36, two of which I have. As was stated by another poster, he thought it's a better way to spend you money on your rifle than by spending a grand on the Leupold. So like in anything, some have the money for THE BEST, while I'm not one of those lucky guys. So I'm just very pleased that this grand expenditure lived up to the hype. Enjoy your March which I have no doubt performs as well as you'd like. For me, I'm happy with my new Leupold which does perform better than my Weavers. But thanks for the tempting comments anyways!

 

[LESLEY]

There is nothing wrong withh the 35x Leupold. I have used them to win 2 state championships and a couple of regionals.

 

[cb1229]

Hey Shynloco ever think of a 36x Sightron I use one for 100 22br and prone works real well and a little less than a Leupold or maybe a big sky 8X32 those are very clear and you can adjust for mirage also I guess its personal preference all good scopes

 

[cb1229]

I forgot to mention the 36 Sightron parallax down to 50ft. tried it on my 3p rifle and I needed Dramamine to shoot has a real fine cross hair and in off hand had a real hard time lining every thing up I don't see how some guys do it that scope was picked up for 400.00at midway on sale 3yrs ago

 

[Shynloco]

Hey Shynloco ever think of a 36x Sightron I use one for 100 22br and prone works real well and a little less than a Leupold or maybe a big sky 8X32 those are very clear and you can adjust for mirage also I guess its personal preference all good scopes

cb1229,
Thx for the thought on the Sightron. I happen to be lucky enough to shoot regularly with a group of guys who have ALL THE TOYS. So I got to take a look through several really nice scopes including various Leupold Models, Nightforce, Sightron and some others that were not exactly cheap scopes. But one of the guys has a Leupold 45X Competition atop his Hall Action/Lilja barrelled rig that through my eyes, gave me the over best clarity and comfort for see those little dots in the center of those ARA Targets. His only complaint was that the 45X might be a bit too much so thats how I settled on the 35X that makes me super happy. Considering the thing sells for a grand and I'm retired living on a fixed income, I figured I better get this right the first time. But again thanks for the thoughts to all.

 

[fdshuster]

Shynloco: Just another endorsement for the Leupold Competition Series scopes. I competed with a couple of Leupold BR 36x's and they were very good, but the Comp. Series are better.

I did get the 40x's, as I needed the extra magnification for spotting 6mm bullet holes at 300 yards, sometimes very difficult, depending on light conditions, when using the older 36x's. For that reason alone, I always had to setup my Nikon ED 82mm spotting scope with all the other bench equipment.

With the new Comp 40x, I no longer am required to have the spotting scope for back-up. Every shot hole is visable regardless of light conditions. Of course eye relief is not as critical, really like the 1/8 moa clicks instead of the old 1/4, and do like the side focus. A win win all the way around.

 

[dksac2]

Alex, When it is your time to meet the Lord (hopefully many, many years from now), remember me in your will

Your Friend, John, even more broke than you are (I think), or maybe it's just my wife

Enjoy that scope, they are the best I have used.

 

[Shynloco]

John,
Thx for the thought. But I hate to say this...my shooting buddies have even volunteered to be pallbearers so long as I leave them my new scope. I simply love this brotherhood of close and caring shooting buddies. Love 'em all!

Alex

 

[rcshooter]

Hello fellow BR shooters,
Just a word or 2 about optics. I have vision problems that were not there a few years ago. I shoot an old Leopold that was boosted by Premiere Reticle to 40X and I shoot a March 50x. I love them both. They both got even better with the use of a BulzEyePro eye piece. If you have not checked them out you should give them a call. Here is a link to their site http://www.bulzeyepro.com/ My eyes needed the 4X booster and I got the multi coated units. These things really helped me out. Once you get to know how to use these things, they also help out a huge amount with mirage.
Speak to Bill. He is a super guy and really knows optics. I shoot custom rimfire and PPC bench rifles that are both great shooters ( Better than me).
Now I can at least see good. I am still working on the shooting skills but I am not sure I would call my shooting " GOOD".
Have fun...Ron

 

[Shynloco]

rcshooter,
Thx for the tip. Looks like a nifety little piece that'll help some of us older shooters see the target better. BTW, did get that Leupold 35X and LOVE IT! I think it's the clarity that I appreciate the most as I can see things better with it than when I use either my Weavers or Nikons of equal magnification. But I'll definitely look into your suggestion and when I get some extra cash (after blowing everything I'd saved up on the Leupold 35X) looks like I now know what my next purchase will be...thats of course if I don't find another rig I like more. Thx again and good luck on those nice custom rigs.

 

[Buck 89]

You will love it. Is is nice and clear

 

[rcshooter]

Shynloco....
I really think my Leupold is a Great scope as well. It is an old Vari- X III Long range. I have friends with Nightforce and sightron scopes that cannot believe how clear my Leupold is. I sometimes shoot my 22 Br at 200 yards just for fun. It takes me about 50 clicks of elevation from a 50 yard zero.
If it is not windy, I manage 6" groups.....sometimes better. I can watch the bullet arch all the way down range. I use the Variable power to zoom out to see my rounds impact on the berm. Once I find them I can get on paper quickly. Then I zoom in to see the holes in the target.It seems like It takes at least a second or 2 for the rounds to make it to the target. I have a lot of fun!
I think my Leupold is about 10 years old or so....Yours will last at least as long.I am using Kelby rings and they are rocK solid.
The eye piece screws into my March and slips over my Leupold. It makes the reticle a bit bigger but it stays the same proportion as before.
My reticles are both fine x-hair so a little boost in size does not hurt. BulzEye makes a screw in for your scope I think.
I use the slip on with a few cheaper BSA scopes I own on sporter rifles.It really works well even on the BSA scopes.The eye piece allows more light to pass through than any of my scopes so the image is as bright as it normally is.
Good shooting.

 

[Shynloco]

Hello again rcshooter,
I too have an "older" Leupold VXIII - 3.5 X 10 - which I first bought along with a .308 "Sniper Rifle" (thats another story for another day) back in 1983 and used professionally. The requirements then were for "intended targets" 100 - 120 yards max and man was she a nice clear view. And that scope is now on my son's 30-06 for his shooting pleasure and he often remarks how clear it is compared to others he's tried. You might say that I started out seriously with a mighty fine scope and am finishing up with another mighty fine scope (another Leopold). I have played with and own several others that aren't Leopolds that have the "big names", but IMHO, don't equal the Leo's. Oh don't get me wrong, they're nice scopes too, but I regard my Leo's as the clearest and the ones that make my targets shine at the ranges. Just something about them make me feel that additional confidence that can make that tiny difference.