Why HEAVY DUPLEX??? Help me avoid a mistake---

[AKElroy]

I have a Leupold Vari X III 4X14.5X40 AO. Beautiful optics, like new. It was a gift from a friend, and has a heavy duplex reticle. What is the purpose and/or benefits of this reticle?

I frankly find it distracting & prefer a fine duplex, German #4 or even standard fine target cross-hair. I have taken a lot of game with this, and some shots near (or slightly after?) dark, so I cannot complain about its performance, I just don't like looking through it.

Why do they make these things???? I am about to trade it off unless someone can talk me out of it sighting some benefit I am missing---

 

[highorder]

That's an odd match for sure. It might be a custom job? I'll have to look and see if it's a factory option...

I know I wouldn't have much use for a heave duplex on a 4-14X optic.

 

[AKElroy]

I wouldn't have much use for a heave duplex on a 4-14X optic.

I received it un-opened in the factory box, and the item description was accurate. They do not list this option on similar current products. I agree with you; I can see this on a low power fixed, but I am at a loss for the benefits on a 14x.

Maybe it is a better low light set-up? No missing the crosshairs with any illumination at all---I took a pig in December with this mounted on a Model 70 .270, 150ish yrds, after 6pm so it was very near total dark. I was climbing out of the stand when I saw the motion, put the scope on it & could see well enough to know it was pork & drilled it between the eyes. It does the job, but I am still curious.

I have a Savage .308 Weather Warrior Accustock on order, and was planning on using this scope. I also have a Nikon BDC Prostaff NIB that I could use, but this Leupold has more eye releif; like an inch more.

 

[highorder]

Strangely, Leupold offers the heavy duplex in thr 4x-14x-50mm.

If you don't like it, Leupold will change your reticle for you. I'm not sure what they charge.

 

[AKElroy]

If you don't like it, Leupold will change your reticle for you. I'm not sure what they charge.

I am going to call them tomorrow, but I believe they only change reticles on current production & this one, along with all the "Vari-X" lines are no longer made. On currnet production, they vary between $100.00 - $150.00 to swap to a different reticle; another forum indicated they don't on discontinued lines.

 

[45crittergitter]

I've had all my Leupolds changed to a heavy duplex, because it is visible in much dimmer light than the standard duplex, and dawn/dusk is when so many deer are killed. I don't know of any other application where it would be an advantage, just in lower light. I really like mine on a hunting rifle.