Leupold FX scope quality?

[dtucker]

I have seen these scopes up for sale at times but do not really know anything about them or the quality of them. I have been thinking of putting a straight power scope on a varmint rifle I do not shoot much and may be able to buy a 24 power FX scope. I see the Leupold BR 24 power scopes for sale at times, what is the difference between the 2 and is 1 a better buy than the other?

 

[LHSmith]

I have two FX scopes. One is a FX-6 Competition with target turrets and an AO which is on a Hunter Class 30BR. The other is a newer FX-6 which is on a .250 AI deer rifle. For their use I would not consider any other optics. I have always been a fan of Leupolds old fixed power M-8 series scopes and am always searching for them in 8x, 10x, and 16x.
The newer models will have better coatings on the lenses.

 

[boltfluter]

One thing I would consider is the narrow field of view at 24x. Just a thought.

Paul

 

[243Lapua]

They are good scope. I had the FX-40 Silhouette scope. Field of view is very small due to power and was used on a 22 Silhouette Anschutz. The dot was an issue maintaining it steady.

 

[Kittitas George]

I tried using fixed power 10X to 24X on my varmint rifles. It didn't work for me, the field was just too small. I went back to the variables, power down to locate, power up to shoot. I do have fixed power 10X on a 17HMR and 12X on a 17 Hornady Hornet. I haven't used the Hornet except at the range. But the 10X has worked well on the 17HMR up to ranges of 250 + or -. In close grab the 22 with less power. I use Leupold on the Varmint guns 22 to 25-06. But the old Model 70's 270 and 300WM each have 50 year old Bausch & Lomb 2.5X to 8X. Nothing compares when your in a snow storm at 0 degrees in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the first day of a 10 day elk hunt or in a hell of a rain storm hunting pigs. In my opinion (I don't have facts) the scopes with decent lens coatings, the slight amount of difference can only be seen (maybe) in early or late limited light. For gophers or prairie dogs it's probably not an issue. Will the scope hold 'zero' and adjust properly, and is repair and service available, that is what is important to me.

 

[rr2030]

I have a FX 2.5 X 20 ultralight sitting on top of my Ruger #1 in 45-70. It's clear with long eye relief, and so far can take a beating. Perfect match for my needs.

 

[krumfola]

I’d have to agree with the previous posts. I once owned four fixed 6x scopes: Sightron, SWFA, an FXIII 6x42, & an FXII 6x36. I kept the 6x36, had an M1 elevation knob installed, and couldn’t be happier. Well made, lightweight, and reliable.

For me, hunting with a fixed power beyond 6x or maybe 8x would have diminishing returns in all but only a few situations due to the limited FOV and small exit pupil.

 

[geralton4]

1 of my good friends hunts with a FX 6 on a 350 Rem Mag, it always works without any issues. He's been using fixed power scopes most of his life and he's in his mid 40's. I use a fixed 4 power on 1 of my 243, it's a short barrel brush gun, it's always on the rite power for deer hunting. another buddy shoots a straight 10 power on his 22-250 for shooting rock chucks, it's to much power for me but he swears by it