I sent a lengthy message at the Leupold website under product suggestions stating that is is time for Leupold to step up and produce a QUALITY low powered variable handgun scope. I know all of Leupold's other handgun scopes are of excellent quality as can be attested by many people on this website BUT, I think a variable powered scope like a 1-4 or 1-5 with their good glass, long eye relief, large field of view, and DEPENDABILITY would fill a much needed niche.

There are others out there making such a scope model, but lets be honest, I just don't think the dependability is there like in the Leupold line. The others are just not something i feel 100 percent confident in if i were to go on that hunt of a lifetime, or if it came down to my life depending on it...

in conclusion, I feel that a 1-4 or 1-5 quality scope is perfect for many handgun hunting needs, and one from a trusted name like Leupold brings confidence to the table. this is my opinion (and wish! I would buy one for sure! maybe two! lol) I would like to see what my fellow blood brothers think?

What are you going to do with the 1x4 or 1x5 that you can not do with the 2x8?
I would rather see a higher end magnification in an EER for Leupold. I do agree with you on their quality of both product and customer service.

I have to guess that is where Leupold is coming from. I have 2-6/2-7 variable scopes on all of my scoped handguns. I have the option of higher power for sighting in and longer shots but can turn it down for low light and short brush work application.

Duane

I agree with the OP. I prefer little to no magnification as it allows the use of both eyes without the split-screen effect. For "normal" handgunning distances, 4x is plenty of zoom. I would also expect the overall package could be smaller as well, cause the 2.5-8 Leupy is a big scope, IMO.

yes, I agree with you guys on the 2.5-8x power for the single shots and in more open country and such.

In my experience and humble opinion, it is like s4s4u has stated. 4x is plenty of magnification for what i would call"average longer shots". I have a 2-7x scope, and there are often times when I wish I had the OPTION to turn it way down to 1 or 1.5x power. the straight 2x, 4x, and 2.5-8x are fine, but why not add the Versatility of a 1-4x?

it is a niche they could easily fill as i know from reading this forum a bunch, and first hand experience, they would sell these scopes. Right now people have to either compromise by going with a higher powered scope, or even going with a company that my has a lesser quality... no one likes to do that! lol.

With fear of sounding like I am whining, there are so many scope options out there for rifles, it would be nice to have at least this one more option for the handgun hunter.

I agree that a good low power variable (in a small package) would be desireable for revolvers (maybe even some single shots). I am not a high magnification guy. I prefer lower powers, generally. Most of my guns (revolvers & single shots) wear 4x Leupolds. That's enough magnification for me to shoot as far as I intend to shoot an animal (maybe 300 yds or so).

However, when in close a 4X is sometimes almost too much. Lower power might be better.

I have recently acquired a 357 Herrett with an older 1.5x4 Burris scope. I intend to play with it some to see if the lower powers are really useful. I find most of my variable scopes remain set on 3x or 4x almost all of the time. That is one reason that I transitioned to fixed 4s.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear on that and this is just “my” preference, but when I scope a handgun I put a variable scope on it. Single shot, revolver, or auto. LOL However, I am probably the exception to the rule.

same here TCman, we must think alike! lol

This was all inspired last night though as i was searching the internet looking at scopes, and a 1-4x was a definite empty spot in what we have as far as scopes go

I have been hoping someone would produce one in 1x4 for a long time. Very often where I hunt many of the shots are within 50 yards or less and usually right when legal shooting time is on both ends of the day. In the dense woods of eastern NC often a 1 power setting as the deer walk withing 10-15 feet of your stand it certainly would help.

Ya man, to each his own!! There are quite a few users here that like, use and swear by dots. BUT, that is works for them. Find what works for you and go for it.

I would love to see Leupold make a 1-4x in the size of there exising fixed 4 power.

Did you get a response from Leupold?

Good idea-no doubt.
Will it happen? Unlikely IMO

I know it is a long stretch but what goes unsaid will be unheard.

I have not gotten anything back from them, and I am unsure if I will. I thought it couldn't hurt when i saw that they had a page on their website specifically for customer product suggestions. Right before that I had been looking at all the handgun scopes available on the market at MidwayUSA.com and it just confirmed what I had already known about handgun scope selection out there...

Needless to say, it would be cool if I were to get a response from them. I would report back here promptly if it happens

I like dots, a lot. If they offered that 1-4 with an illuminated dot/crosshair retical I would be in optic heaven.