Best Fixed Power

Who is making the best fixed power hunting scopes these days? No, I’m not buying a Schmidt, I’m looking at <$600 set and forget scope. I’ve liked and always used the FX-2 but I recently had a situation in inclimate weather where it didn’t make last legal light. Thinking 4x or 6x, no higher. I know meopta has a 6x42, anyone have any experience with it? This will be going on the 35 Remington.

Looks like the meopta is discontinued but available and the FX-3 6x42 is listed everywhere but unavailable. Same price. $399.

I have a Nikon 4x40 that I just put on a new T/C Compass in 308. It has been on several rifles and is a great scope. Nikon no longer makes scopes but you may be able to find a used one.

I’d buy meopta with my money. This is a great scope if you are looking for a low light specialty scope for use at reasonable ranges.

That would be a great scope but I think it would be a beast on a lever action Marlin with that 56mm objective. It’s hurting my feelings considering the 42mm.

On a lever gun, I’d try the leupold 6x36, not the 6x42.

The 6x36 is an FX-2. I’m getting away from a 4x32 FX-2 for better low light performance. If I’ve got my numbers right the 6x36 will actually be darker than the 4x32 given the same glass quality.

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Correct (Based SOLELY on the exit pupil)....BUT there is so much more to consider when purchasing a scope. Especially when the purpose is to increase low-light performance.

In the example you've cited above the 6x36 (mathematically) should produce a 6mm exit pupil, the 4x32 an 8mm exit pupil.

Assuming the 'glass quality' is the same (same grind quality, same coatings, same light transmission ratio) then the scope with the larger exit pupil should appear brighter.

But you'll need to consider whether or not YOUR eyes can 'use' the larger exit pupil size and IF the lower magnification of 4x vs. 6x will be a factor for you. The ability to see the object better (larger) and thus pick out details is an important consideration in hunting situations. Only you know the distances and terrain features you normally hunt under.

Back to the importance of exit pupil size. The 4x32 with its 8mm exit pupil is almost certainly MORE light and a larger exit pupil than you can use (unless you're 12 yrs old with perfect, dark adjusted vision). If you are of the age 40 to mid 50's then chances are the pupils of your eyes (dark adjusted) can only dilate to about 5mm.

So if the exit pupil of ANY scope is larger than that... it is of no benefit to you (with respect to brightness alone). You simply can't process it. But...a larger exit pupil CAN be more forgiving in that it provides a larger 'window' to quickly find your quarry through. You won't need to so precisely align your eye.

I think of more importance for you.....will be finding a scope with the best glass quality (highest light transmission rate and best coatings) for the money. Exit pupil size for either of the scopes you cited is moot IMO, both are more than adequate. IF your shots are commonly 100 yds. and in, the 4X scope would be fine. For greater detail or shots 100 yds. and longer I would definitely go with a 6X.

Good luck with your quest.

I rather try the leupold 6x36

I’m reaching for a ring that probably doesn’t exist. Of the two I listed in leaning towards the FX-3 6x42. Simply because the Meopta Is heavier and not as aesthetically pleasing. While I’m at it they can load it with VX-5 glass, firedot, and make it a gloss finish. I really want to try to keep the lines of the Marlin lever as clean as possible. Which is a joke once you put a scope on it but I’m trying. I honestly wouldn’t take a lever anywhere I had a line of sight greater than a hundred yards or so. The 35 is capable but I have much better rifles for that.

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Agree with this.

Yeah, that's a tuff sell when you limit yourself to just a fixed power. I've been debating on whether to change out the scope on my 44 Mag Marlin. It's got a period correct 4X Redfield on it now that has good clear glass, but I'm thinking about swapping it out for something in 1-6 or maybe even 2-7.

Hard to sell fixed scopes now that there are a ton of 1-4 and 1-6 scopes out in the market. You can get one with capped turrets and leave it on 4 or 6x. They look good on rifles as well.

I agree with the above two posts. Limiting yourself to fixed power is unnecessary in these days of quality and reliable variables. As just one example, there are many choices of excellent quality variables starting as low as 1x in the Leupold VX3i line. This same is true for just about every manufacturer.

Love my old Leupold fixed 6 on top of my 22-250. Lovey it.

I used a Leupold fixed 6 for a few years. It worked just fine for deer hunting, even at fairly close range. But, that said, there’s little reason to have one these days. I’d put a 2-7 on the rifle. That’s what I have on a couple of lever 22’s, and I think they are actually smaller than the fixed 6 Leupold. I have a 3-9 on another lever 22, and it looks too big, but it stays there.

I like the 6x42, if I see one available I buy it.
For big bores at close range I use the Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x 20mm .

I’m not against variables at all. Someone please suggest one with that does better in low light than the FX-2 4x I’m getting away from. That is my entire purpose.

I'm a real fan of fixed power scopes on most of my rifles. I have LOTS or 4X and 6X Leupold's on various ones from 17HMR up to 300. A 6x42 with heavy duplex is just about perfect on a muzzleloader. I do have a 2.5x8X Zeiss on a 300 RUM, and have always used Leupold VX3 1.75x6X on my dangerous game rifles in 375 and 416 (ultimate applicability from 10 yards to >300).

I had a SWFA fixed 6 for a while. It seemed plenty clear and bright to me.

Your FX-II is a pretty darn good low light scope, I doubt you will find a variable within you size limit that will do better. I would stick with it.

I actually had a kind member on here contact me and I now have a FX-III 6x42 headed my way soon.

Nice! Let us know how it compares to the FX-II.

Looks like the problem is solved for you.
It's getting hard to find the old.school type optics like fixed power or low turret hunting scopes.
I have several antique rifles and it's just not right to put a tacticool scope on granddad's 30-30

Swfa

I like the Jap made K6 6x38 Weaver. Haven't had to buy one in while so I'm not sure if they are still made in Japan or not.