Leupold FX-II 4x28mm Handgun Scope Review
During my review of the EXTAR AR15 format pistol, I realized that the pistol had accuracy potential far more than what people give the AR15 pistol format credit for. The pistol deserved a fitting optic which could take advantage of the accuracy without diminishing the close range capabilities of the pistol. I chose the Leupold FX-II 4x28mm scope. This optic has just enough magnification to deliver on the potential of the AR15 pistol format with plenty of eye relief for arms length aiming.
FIT, FINISH, FEEL, FEATURES & FUNCTIONS
Leupold has a long reputation for high quality optics. For pistol optics, Leupold really only makes two models, the FX-II fixed power 4X magnification and the VX-3 variable power scope. The FX-II I tested here is a very high quality pistol optic which delivers an extremely useful 4X magnification in an optic with superb optical clarity and generous eyebox.
Leupold has a long reputation for high quality optics. For pistol optics, Leupold really only makes two models, the FX-II fixed power 4X magnification and the VX-3 variable power scope. The FX-II I tested here is a very high quality pistol optic which delivers an extremely useful 4X magnification in an optic with superb optical clarity and generous eyebox.
Handgun optics are actually subjected to higher than normal recoil due to the exponentially lower weight of the firearm and the very large rifle cartridges being shot in handguns such as the TC Contender. I have actually shot a scoped 45-70 in a TC Contender and it definitely delivers significant recoil. Over a decade ago, some shooters actually used triple or quad rings to help distribute recoil more evenly to the scope tube and provide more rigidity. The reality is that lower quality optics just do not hold up to the punishment rifle caliber handguns dish out, however Leupold's pistol scopes are famous for their durability on these heavy recoiling pistols. Leupold obviously guarantees and warranties the scope should you ever have an issue.The Leupold 4x FX-II pistol scope offers all the usual Leupold optic voodoo features including their Multicoat 4, Xtended Twilight Lens System, Diamondcoat II and other proprietary image, reflection, light transmission, and durability improvements. Leupold also delivers some impressive gas waterproofing which actually increases image quality as well.
The 4x FX-II features Twin Bias Spring Erector System, Super Fast-Focus Eyepiece, Lockable Fast-Focus Eyepiece, Clasic/Standard Lockable Eyepiece, Micro-Friction 1/4 MOA, and 1/4 MOA Finger Click. With a 1” 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum main tube the FX-II delivers a simple mountable scope with very common and less expensive 1” rings, though 30mm rings are much more common now.
Most people add far too much magnification on everything from handguns to rifles. The Luepold FX-II handgun scope delivers a usable magnification that is not frustrating to hold steady at arms length. Once you just up up in magnification beyond 4X in a handgun scope you can become frustrated with a reticle which keep jumping around on you unless shots are taken from an extremely stable rests. The 4X magnification on a handgun is just right and provides the precision you need to reach out beyond distances that eyesight and iron sights can deliver. Having shot behind a number of handgun optics, the biggest challenge is having an optic which delivers a large enough eye-relief box/window. If the eye-relief box is too narrow, the shooter is constantly fighting the distance your gun is from your eye to see the full field of view and reticle. The Leupold certainly delivers a huge flexible eye-relief box which enables you to concentrate on the target and not finding the right scope mount length.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Leupold FX-II Handgun scope delivers a proven and reliable design which is specifically built to take the increased punishment a handgun can deliver even the really big handgun rounds like 45-70 and even .308. Obviously the EXTAR 5.56 AR15 pistol didn't even phase this scope, however it did deliver a super light pistol which when equipped with a scope was more than accurate enough for varminting and plinking all the way out to the 300 yard line.SPECS
Twin Bias Spring Erector System
Super Fast-Focus Eyepiece
Lockable Fast-Focus Eyepiece
Clasic/Standard Lockable Eyepiece
Twin Bias Spring Erector System
Super Fast-Focus Eyepiece
Lockable Fast-Focus Eyepiece
Clasic/Standard Lockable Eyepiece
Standard Multicoat
Micro-Friction 1/4 MOA
1/4 MOA Finger Click
Proprietary Nitrogen Fill Process
One inch Maintube
6061-T6 Aircraft Quality Aluminum
Standard Power Selector
Durable Lens Cover
Factory Standard Reticles
24K Gold Ring and Medallion
Actual MagnificationN/A3.70 x
Linear Field of View (ft/100 yd)9.00 ftN/A
Linear Field of View (m/100 m)3.00 mN/A
Eye Relief (in)18.00 inN/A
Eye Relief (mm)457.00 mmN/A
Weight (oz)7.00 oz
Weight (g)199.00 g
Objective Clear Aperture (in)1.10 in
Objective Clear Aperture (mm)28.00 mm
Elevation Adjustment Range60.00 moa
Windage Adjustment Range60.00 moa
Micro-Friction 1/4 MOA
1/4 MOA Finger Click
Proprietary Nitrogen Fill Process
One inch Maintube
6061-T6 Aircraft Quality Aluminum
Standard Power Selector
Durable Lens Cover
Factory Standard Reticles
24K Gold Ring and Medallion
Actual MagnificationN/A3.70 x
Linear Field of View (ft/100 yd)9.00 ftN/A
Linear Field of View (m/100 m)3.00 mN/A
Eye Relief (in)18.00 inN/A
Eye Relief (mm)457.00 mmN/A
Weight (oz)7.00 oz
Weight (g)199.00 g
Objective Clear Aperture (in)1.10 in
Objective Clear Aperture (mm)28.00 mm
Elevation Adjustment Range60.00 moa
Windage Adjustment Range60.00 moa
SOURCES
Leupold - http://www.leupold.com/
Extar - http://www.extarguns.com/