Rifle Scopes New Leupold for hunting scope?

[DarinR]

My choice is down to a 4.5x14x40 LR Matte 30mm w/Varmint Hunters recticle or a NXS 2.5x10x32. I was planning on getting the Leupold and just noticed that they have changed the part numbers and the price is more than I remember.

Please share your thoughts on the quality of current Leupold's. I have a 20+ year old VXIII 3.5x10x40 1" tube on a hunting rifle that has been excellent since I bought it used 20+ years ago.

I am starting to lean toward the NXS even though it is significantly more money.

Thanks,
Darin

 

[our gang]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Spend more and you'll get more, although a scope costing $2000 is not twice as good as one costing $1000. Spend the most you can afford. $2000 scope, $800 rifle, shots 1/2 MOA with FGGM.

 

[Guest]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Youre not shooting that FGMM at animals, are ya?

**

Agreed though, spend as much as you can on the glass. You'll be happier down the road. As a few of the guys on here say, "Buy once, cry once."

I've heard that the newer Leupys are not what they once were. But, Ive only heard campfire stories. I shot a Mk 4 fixed 10 a few weeks back and had no problems with it at all.

 

[AK10mm]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shaggyback</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Youre not shooting that FGMM at animals, are ya?

Agreed though, spend as much as you can on the glass. You'll be happier down the road. As a few of the guys on here say, "Buy once, cry once."

I've heard that the newer Leupys are not what they once were. But, Ive only heard campfire stories. I shot a Mk 4 fixed 10 a few weeks back and had no problems with it at all. </div></div>

All your fault Shaggy,on the upside,my tears have dried and I still have my NXS.Glad I went for it.

I shoud have added,"and guys like you"

 

[BOOTNECK9Z45]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Darin..Have that particular Leupold on my Tikka Varmint .223 and it works very consistantly ..think I paid less than $600 for it...Mike

 

[Guest]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Darin, the question really boils down to intended use. What are you going to be doing with the scope? Is it gonna get beat up? What environments are you gonna be hunting? Stuff like that will lead you to which scope is right for you.

 

[kombar]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

I just bought a new 12x40 FX-3. Upon opening the box, I discovered that the ocular lens was loose. This was easily fixed by tightening the little ring that secures it, but it still speaks volumes of their current quality control.

Another thing that kind of pisses me off is that the specifications for this particular scope state that it has 71 MOA of adjustment range, yet this one only has 55, leading me to believe they mixed up the numbers between the 12x40 and 6x42. The adjustment range was one of the reasons I bought this scope in the first place.

I guess I'm not totally disappointed though. The glass is decent, and I like the feel of the target turrets. Having said that, believe the campfire stories. Get the NF.

 

[AK10mm]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kombar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just bought a new 12x40 FX-3. Upon opening the box, I discovered that the ocular lens was loose. This was easily fixed by tightening the little ring that secures it, but it still speaks volumes of their current quality control.

Another thing that kind of pisses me off is that the specifications for this particular scope state that it has 71 MOA of adjustment range, yet this one only has 55, leading me to believe they mixed up the numbers between the 12x40 and 6x42. The adjustment range was one of the reasons I bought this scope in the first place.

I guess I'm not totally disappointed though. The glass is decent, and I like the feel of the target turrets. Having said that, believe the campfire stories. Get the NF. </div></div>

Funny that you say that about the adjustments,I had a 8.5-25x50 LR/T on a 20MOA rail,I could barely zero the rifle at 100yds,almost maxed out on the EL adjustment,thought it was just me.

 

[jeffbird]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Darin,
Between the two, NF is a much better scope. I used to use Leupold. Once I bought my wife a Leupold Mark 4 right after I purchased my first NF. We took both to a nearby indoor range to zero them. At 100 yards in the low light of the indoor range, the NF was able to crisply visualize the writing on the target. The Lupy was quite dim in comparison and unable to visualize the writing on the target. She did not even need to say a word and the Lupy was exchanged for a NF the next day.
Having said that, for hunting go with a NF that has the 50mm or 56mm objective. The 3x15x50 or 56 will provide much better lowlight performance than the 32mm.

If you may ultimately use it for target or long-range shooting, also consider the 5x22x56, which is a great all around scope. In the middle of the day, it is not much difference, but at twilight, it matters. I have both the 5x22x50 and 5x22x56 and prefer the 56mm for that reason.

Good luck this season.

Jeff

 

[Guest]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

+1 on the 5.5-22x56. Im using one on one of my rigs, and I love it.

 

[DarinR]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Thanks guys. I have a NF 5.5x22x50 on my AW in 6.5 CM and LOVE IT.

I understand that NF is coming out with a 40mm Objective 2.5x10. That might be the best of both worlds.

I see you can get a nice Swarozski for less than the NF

I appreciate everyone's input.

Thanks again,
Darin

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Get the Nightforce. I'm kicking myself in the ass now for buying the Mk4 after looking through a NXS 3.5-15 With a 50mm obj I believe. Made mine look bad. Just thought I'd share and hopefully save you the trouble.

 

[Magnumdood]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Friends don't let friends use leupolds.

 

[19818119]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Have a look at the SWFA SS 3-9x42. It's getting very good reviews for it's price point.

 

[DarinR]

Re: New Leupold for hunting scope?

Thanks guys.