Anyone use 4-24 VX6 for long-range hunting?

[ShooterJohn]

Hey everyone,
The VX6 has caught my attention, building an elk hunting rig off a tikka action, proof carbon barrel, and Raven-euro MT-32 stock. It’s not the lightest rig, but I built it for accuracy.
Walking on the scope now, love the magnification range of the VX6, but not happy that it’s second focal plane, and a limited amount of reticles.
Has anyone out there put this scope through its paces?
Mike

 

[SloppyJ]

There's a whole leupold thread that's very recent you should read.

 

[ShooterJohn]

There's a whole leupold thread that's very recent you should read.

I did a search, but nothing was obvious. Do you have a link to the thread? What is the jist of the thread?

 

[ReddingArcher]

I did a search, but nothing was obvious. Do you have a link to the thread? What is the jist of the thread?

You’re gonna want to avoid Leupold like the plague. They are notorious for not holding zero with even minimal use.

 

[Kurts86]

Regardless of the Leupold issues I can’t see using a 4-24x second focal plane scope to hunt. You will find yourself using the middle of that magnification range with inaccurate/math heavy hold offs for wind.

 

[ShooterJohn]

I would prefer 1st focal plane, but my 1st priority is having a low power (3-4x) when walking through thicker bush, but the ability to use 24x for longer shots. The 6x zoom ration really appeals to me. My logic was when I’m making the longer shots, I’m almost always at full magnification. I already have a VX5HD and have been pleased with it.

 

[Kurts86]

If you are taking shots in the last 15 minutes of light with a 24x 50mm objective you will often find that you need to back off your max power to 8-12x to get the exit pupil into the 4-5mm range. I’ve had to do this multiple times in the last few years with a 20x FFP scope.

There really isn’t value to having 24x on a hunting scope and there is a severe diminishing return that’s starts between 10-15x. Relying on higher magnification is a crutch and a disadvantage to spot your own shots.

 

[ShooterJohn]

Yes,
Good point about the magnification at last light. This rifle will be dual purpose, as I’ll be doing lots of target shooting with it as well, so more magnification is wanted. I currently have an old 8.5-25 Mark 4 on my target rifle, which wont cut it as a hunting scope.
If the scope was first focal plane, with those turrets, covered windage, and that glass- I wouldn’t hesitate to buy. From what I’ve seen out there, this one almost checks all the boxes other than focal plane.

 

[sdupontjr]

Although its SPF, have you considered the Trijicon Tenmile 4-24x50. I too wanted a little more magnification on the top end but also wanted the lower end for Hardwoods. So far, I like it a lot. It does have an illuminated dot on the reticle which also serves me well in the hardwoods.

 

[ShooterJohn]

Although its SPF, have you considered the Trijicon Tenmile 4-24x50. I too wanted a little more magnification on the top end but also wanted the lower end for Hardwoods. So far, I like it a lot. It does have an illuminated dot on the reticle which also serves me well in the hardwoods.
View attachment 799901

I have not looked at that one, but appreciate the recommendation and I’ll check it out!
Thanks

 

[wapitibob]

Yes,
Good point about the magnification at last light. This rifle will be dual purpose, as I’ll be doing lots of target shooting with it as well, so more magnification is wanted. I currently have an old 8.5-25 Mark 4 on my target rifle, which wont cut it as a hunting scope.
If the scope was first focal plane, with those turrets, covered windage, and that glass- I wouldn’t hesitate to buy. From what I’ve seen out there, this one almost checks all the boxes other than focal plane.

The new Mark 4hd 6x24 is ffp and the pr3 works just fine for hunting. The '24 model Tenmile HX 25x is also ffp and works just fine for hunting as well.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

I used one for several years. Glass is phenomenal. I travel a lot on planes to hunt out of state, I got tired of the zero shift while traveling. I recommend going with a trijicon tenmile or nightforce NX8.

 

[ShooterJohn]

The new Mark 4hd 6x24 is ffp and the pr3 works just fine for hunting. The '24 model Tenmile HX 25x is also ffp and works just fine for hunting as well.

I’d prefer lower than 6x for hunting in the bush, the options seem to be few for scopes with a 6x zoom ratio

 

[PredatorSlayer]

I’d prefer lower than 6x for hunting in the bush, the options seem to be few for scopes with a 6x zoom ratio

Why not get an NX8? I have both the 2.5-20 and the 4-32. They are awesome.

 

[ShooterJohn]

Why not get an NX8? I have both the 2.5-20 and the 4-32. They are awesome.

I will check those out! I’ve avoided NF in the past as they were always much heavier than comparable Leupold scopes. I haven’t researched any other brands in ages, so I’ll look them up again

 

[Rams horns]

I have one on a newly built 6 Dasher hunting gun. But I cannot give a detailed review because I just haven't used it enough. But so far I do like it. Still only doing load development. Not sure if all of them have the built in reticle level? Suppose to blink when canted. Mine doesn't???

 

[wapitibob]

I have one on a newly built 6 Dasher hunting gun. But I cannot give a detailed review because I just haven't used it enough. But so far I do like it. Still only doing load development. Not sure if all of them have the built in reticle level? Suppose to blink when canted. Mine doesn't???

nope, not all

 

[ShooterJohn]

I have one on a newly built 6 Dasher hunting gun. But I cannot give a detailed review because I just haven't used it enough. But so far I do like it. Still only doing load development. Not sure if all of them have the built in reticle level? Suppose to blink when canted. Mine doesn't???

Are you referring to the VX6 or the Nightforce?

 

[Mike D Texas]

Hey everyone,
The VX6 has caught my attention, building an elk hunting rig off a tikka action, proof carbon barrel, and Raven-euro MT-32 stock. It’s not the lightest rig, but I built it for accuracy.
Walking on the scope now, love the magnification range of the VX6, but not happy that it’s second focal plane, and a limited amount of reticles.
Has anyone out there put this scope through its paces?
Mike

It does not track reliably in my experience. I don’t recall experiencing zero shift but there’s plenty of people that claim to.


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[Kurts86]

I will check those out! I’ve avoided NF in the past as they were always much heavier than comparable Leupold scopes. I haven’t researched any other brands in ages, so I’ll look them up again

There is not much getting around the fact that most longer range hunting scopes will weigh 24-28 oz with only a few in the 20-21 oz range.

You really should at least look at other brands besides Leupold. Leupold leans really hard on glass quality and low weight at the cost of durability.

Within the Leupold range the VX6 is the most nonsensical product line. It’s a high zoom ratio SFP scope with the same glass quality as the VX5. If you are spending $1500+ on a Leupold at least look at the Mark IV and Mark V line to get FFP and a bit more durability. The VX6 line should be taken out of the Leupold catalog as it just exist to turn a profit on big spending Leupold fanboys that don’t understand the technical features that make a good modern scope.