Leupold FX-II Pistol Scope 2x 20mm Question

[RBANNON]

The local store had a new one of these on display and when I looked through it with both eyes open at several game mounts around the store, the actual magnification appeared to be 1X. I have heard that sometimes the actual magnification of optics is rounded up or down to an even number, but this seemed to be way off. I was thinking of purchasing this model for a hunting revolver. Is this typical? Any thoughts or experience with this scope?

Thanks,

 

[Omnivore]

"Actual Magnification: 1.7x"
http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/products/scopes/handgun-scopes/fx-ii-2x20mm-handgun/

If you're using both eyes, and especially if you're cross-dominant or only mildly dominant in one eye, your brain is seeing the 1x image through your non-sighting eye and the reticle through the scope, possibly causing you to see an aggregate image as 1x. It happens. This is actually a technique (Bindon Aiming Concept, or BAC) for getting onto a target quickly with two eyes while using a telescopic sight.

 

[RBANNON]

Thanks for the explanation! I am going to go back and take another look through the scope.

 

[machinisttx]

I have one mounted on my .45 Colt Blackhawk. I really can't tell much difference between one eye closed or both eyes open. It doesn't magnify much, and IMO, that's a good thing for something that's going to be hand held at arms length. You don't really see how much you weave and wobble until you scope a handgun.....