Looks like you already decided, but I would split the difference and go with the FX-II 6x36mm. I think the 7mm exit pupil of the 6x42mm is a waste and the 6mm of the smaller scope is just as bright in any hunting situation. Remeber the average 20 year old can dilate their pupil 7mm when completely dark adapted, which means darkness like you would see on a moonless night in the middle of the Yukon, far away from any lighting. At first and last light your pupil is not fully dilated. Also, as you age you lose the ability to dilate your pupils to the same extent you could in your youth. With this is mind I cannot see the 7mm exit pupil being brighter than the 6mm exit pupil of the 36mm as the extra light of the 42mm is wasted unless you are in your 20s and shooting in the middle of the night, with no moon in an area with 0 light pollution.
The 6x36mm weighs 9.4 oz (at least mine does on an accurate scale.) It has the eye relief advantage over the 2.5-8×36mm, which is a good scope but it annoys me how the eye relief changes so much with magnification. (A problem with many Leupolds).
For these reasons I think the 6x36mm is the perfect lightweight hunting scope. For a mountain rifle you can give me any budget and I would still take the FX-II 6x36mm. I own one on my mountain rifle.
So you were the guy that bought the 270! I bought the 7 mag. If I didn't have a lightweight 280 already I would've grabbed the 270 as well!
I talked to Ed LaPour about my rifle. The 7Rem at least was built in 1997. They are Brown Precision stocks. The safeties are Wisner, Ed PaPour makes them for the trade now but not back then. The stainless look on the bolts is actually a finish called NP-3, similar in concept to teflon but much harder.
I can't imagine how many hours Ed put into lightening those actions.
My 7 Rem is an honest 1/2MOA rifle with 150TTSXs at 3175 fps. I call it my money gun, it won't miss a golf ball at 400 yards, and more importantly it FITS.
That is a great rifle you have there.
Now back to the topic.
