Why "PIG PLEX", why why?

bamaranger · January 27, 2016, 12:55 AM

I'm in the market for an affordable low power variable, and am a Leupold fan. So Leupold has the Hog Scope, and some shopping will yield a fair price if you want one.

So WHY did Leupold see fit to lable "PIG PLEX" on the reticle???? Might as well put "read me first every time before you shoot" on it. Because of this label, I am shopping for a Leupold shotgun 1-4x, or am considering a brand swap, either a Nikon 1-4x(looks big & heavy) or a Weaver 1-3x (import, what about durability?)

Rant over, your comments, or comments on the two options listed welcome.

FrankenMauser · January 27, 2016, 01:03 AM

My only defense of their choice is that it is a reminder, every time you look through the scope, that it was designed with a specific purpose in mind and the 'holdover' points do not correspond with other scopes.

taylorce1 · January 27, 2016, 01:50 AM

Well you can buy the same scope in a simple duplex reticle so I don't see an issue.

agtman · January 27, 2016, 08:00 AM

Pig/hog/feral swine hunting is a hot gun-sport right now, and has been for some years. Hogs are invasive, destructive, and sometimes dangerous. Every state which has them wants them eradicated, year-round, no bag limit - and as a huntable predator species, hogs can make for an exciting, adrenaline-filled hunt.

So "Pig Plex" is purely a marketing ploy to increase the profit margin on an otherwise mediocre Leupy scope that doesn't really do anything more or better than other scopes in the same magnification range for its intended purpose: a short-range rifle or slug gun optic.

jmr40 · January 27, 2016, 08:02 AM

They offer the same identical scope with 3 reticle options. I prefer the heavy duplex, but there isn't anything wrong with the pig scope. You can also get a standard duplex. Hogs/pigs are often shot up close,fast, and on the move You have built aiming points to help establish lead on crossing shots.

http://swfa.com/images/leupold_heavyduplex_popup.jpg

Many people find the circle in the middle is faster to get on target with and I really like Leupolds long range dots. On a hunting rifle who cares if the dots aren't perfectly calibrated for a specific load. All modern rifles are close enough in trajectory to simply use the 200, 300, or even 400 yard dots on any big game animal, and with any cartridge and still hit in the kill zone at those ranges. A 300 magnum might hit 1-2" above the dot, a 308 1-2" below. Very few rifles and shooters are good enough to worry about a bullet that impacts 1-2" away from the aiming point at 300-400 yards. Especially on animals that have 12-18" kill zones.

On a varmint rifle, or a target rifle it might matter. Not on a big game rifle.

Dranrab · January 27, 2016, 08:19 AM

Where have you seen good prices on the pig plex? I found a good price from an online vendor on a turkey plex, but the vendor had some reviews that left me uncomfortable.

us920669 · January 27, 2016, 08:26 AM

I agree with the OP, it's like, "What, I'm not allowed to shoot a deer with it?" I don't like words on cars either.
I've had a Nikon Monarch 1.5 - 4.5 with "Turkeyplex" I think they call it for many years. It's got crosshairs all the way to the center as well as the zone. It's been on a number of big bores and has given me no trouble. I'm not a PH and I guess I really don't shoot all that much, but safari rifles can be tough on optics and that scope doesn't do anything except what it's supposed to.

Keg · January 27, 2016, 05:00 PM

Quote:

So WHY did Leupold see fit to lable "PIG PLEX" on the reticle????

It's just a marketing ploy..just like putting zombie max on ammo.... Guess what? that ammo sold like crazy.... I actually bought the Pig Plex Leupold for my G-sons 300 blk out AR.... I'm putting the gun together for him..and I'm betting he likes it..and it shoots lights out....

rickyrick · January 27, 2016, 08:37 PM

Pigs, Hogs, Boar related items are to Hunting as TACTICAL is to the non-hunting community.
Pigs have been elevated to mythical beast status and some think hunting them makes you a legendary folk hero.
It's a fairly fun activity that I took part in for a few years and I've killed several hundred. It is devoid of most of the standard game rules, and many times akin to shooting fish in a barrel.
It requires no magic bullets or specialty weapon, however short rifles do help at times. But you don't need any RIG specific to hogs. I started out with a ratty old NO4 Enfield, but moved down to .223. PigPlex is comical.

mxsailor803 · January 29, 2016, 05:03 AM

If you're active duty or LEO, contact Leupold and they will send you a listing of discounted items. The VX-HOG right now is 212 with shipping.

Dranrab · January 29, 2016, 09:01 AM

That's a good price Sailor, but I am retired so I don't qualify.

hammie · January 29, 2016, 09:29 AM

@"fanken M", taylorforce, and jmr40: As always, you guys are the voices of reason and knowledge. However, on this one, I have to agree with bamaranger and likely the whole bama-family. I wish the Hog plex marketing gimmick had been left off the scope.

I bought a savage 11, hog hunter, added an AAC flash suppressor, and mounted a leupold hog plex scope with quick detachable rings, and replaced the cheap stock with a boyd's. The rifle serves as my poor man's scout rifle. But, still, I wish the porcine references were missing.

Same with the green slime colored, zombie scopes and stocks.

reynolds357 · January 31, 2016, 10:31 PM

It is labeled "pig plex" because that is what it is designed for. I have one on my 450 Bushmaster and love the scope.

fourbore · February 1, 2016, 07:37 AM

I saw a great deal on a returned/discounted Leupold and was reaching for my wallet until I realized it was a pig flex. Just so stupid..... Needless to say it is still there. We dont even have pigs around here. I bet it was purchased by mistake and returned. Do, I have a point? Only that resale may suffer on any gimmick cross hair.

Old Stony · February 1, 2016, 08:00 AM

I would venture to say a lot of what we buy around the gun world is marketing ploy in some sense or other. They design stuff to get us to buy it, that's basically the bottom line. How about handguns in O.D, flat earth, grey colors? How about small replaceable parts of rifles and handguns with slogans printed on them? Punisher insignias? All designed to get a person interested and maybe attract attention and admiration from others....sorta like fancy wheels on your vehicle.
I have a hog plex on one of my rifles just for something different and have shot hogs with it, but I would have bought it if hogs were not on the shooting menu nonetheless.

Guv · February 2, 2016, 01:07 PM

Gimmick, Gimmick! I can't imagine how a "Pig Plex" could work any better than a good old heavy duplex for hog hunting.

reynolds357 · February 2, 2016, 09:38 PM

The name is a gimmick. The reticle is pretty unique. It is a German reticle with elevation hashes added.

stubbicatt · February 3, 2016, 07:34 AM

I guess the manufacturer is pandering to a particular market.

Snyper · February 4, 2016, 06:55 AM

I wouldn't let the lettering bother me since I'd be concentrating on the center anyway

bamaranger · February 4, 2016, 02:59 PM

I hear Leupold's next step is to incorporate this aspect (printing in their reticle) to the rest of their scopes, moose plex, coyote plex, bear plex, etc.

Are you ready for "wapiti plex", has a certain ring to it, don't you think?

Guv · February 4, 2016, 08:30 PM

Lot's of scope competition these days, I guess anything that may stimulate sales is good for the manufactures. Maybe an AR scope with a Low Life Scuzzbag Plex??

reynolds357 · February 4, 2016, 11:52 PM

I am sure the "Zombie plex" is sure to come out before long. "Zombie" is a synonym for low life scum bag. The whole zombie craze started in law enforcement. We have been calling meth heads "zombies" for 25+ years. (Their skin looks like zombie skin.) The term finally went mainstream and grew past its orig. usage.

January 27, 2016, 12:55 AM	#1
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,314	Why "PIG PLEX", why why? I'm in the market for an affordable low power variable, and am a Leupold fan. So Leupold has the Hog Scope, and some shopping will yield a fair price if you want one. So WHY did Leupold see fit to lable "PIG PLEX" on the reticle???? Might as well put "read me first every time before you shoot" on it. Because of this label, I am shopping for a Leupold shotgun 1-4x, or am considering a brand swap, either a Nikon 1-4x(looks big & heavy) or a Weaver 1-3x (import, what about durability?) Rant over, your comments, or comments on the two options listed welcome.

January 27, 2016, 01:03 AM	#2
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,427	My only defense of their choice is that it is a reminder, every time you look through the scope, that it was designed with a specific purpose in mind and the 'holdover' points do not correspond with other scopes. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

January 27, 2016, 01:50 AM	#3
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,250	Well you can buy the same scope in a simple duplex reticle so I don't see an issue. __________________ NRA Life Member

January 27, 2016, 08:37 PM	#9
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,238	Pigs, Hogs, Boar related items are to Hunting as TACTICAL is to the non-hunting community. Pigs have been elevated to mythical beast status and some think hunting them makes you a legendary folk hero. It's a fairly fun activity that I took part in for a few years and I've killed several hundred. It is devoid of most of the standard game rules, and many times akin to shooting fish in a barrel. It requires no magic bullets or specialty weapon, however short rifles do help at times. But you don't need any RIG specific to hogs. I started out with a ratty old NO4 Enfield, but moved down to .223. PigPlex is comical. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

February 2, 2016, 01:07 PM	#16
Guv Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2012 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,126	Gimmick, Gimmick! I can't imagine how a "Pig Plex" could work any better than a good old heavy duplex for hog hunting. __________________ Walnut and Gloss Blue, mostly!

January 27, 2016, 08:00 AM	#4
agtman Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2001 Location: midwest Posts: 2,374	Pig/hog/feral swine hunting is a hot gun-sport right now, and has been for some years. Hogs are invasive, destructive, and sometimes dangerous. Every state which has them wants them eradicated, year-round, no bag limit - and as a huntable predator species, hogs can make for an exciting, adrenaline-filled hunt. So "Pig Plex" is purely a marketing ploy to increase the profit margin on an otherwise mediocre Leupy scope that doesn't really do anything more or better than other scopes in the same magnification range for its intended purpose: a short-range rifle or slug gun optic.

January 27, 2016, 08:02 AM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,810	They offer the same identical scope with 3 reticle options. I prefer the heavy duplex, but there isn't anything wrong with the pig scope. You can also get a standard duplex. Hogs/pigs are often shot up close,fast, and on the move You have built aiming points to help establish lead on crossing shots. http://swfa.com/images/leupold_heavyduplex_popup.jpg Many people find the circle in the middle is faster to get on target with and I really like Leupolds long range dots. On a hunting rifle who cares if the dots aren't perfectly calibrated for a specific load. All modern rifles are close enough in trajectory to simply use the 200, 300, or even 400 yard dots on any big game animal, and with any cartridge and still hit in the kill zone at those ranges. A 300 magnum might hit 1-2" above the dot, a 308 1-2" below. Very few rifles and shooters are good enough to worry about a bullet that impacts 1-2" away from the aiming point at 300-400 yards. Especially on animals that have 12-18" kill zones. On a varmint rifle, or a target rifle it might matter. Not on a big game rifle.

January 27, 2016, 08:19 AM	#6
Dranrab Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2016 Location: NOLA Posts: 203	Where have you seen good prices on the pig plex? I found a good price from an online vendor on a turkey plex, but the vendor had some reviews that left me uncomfortable.

January 27, 2016, 08:26 AM	#7
us920669 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2016 Posts: 181	I agree with the OP, it's like, "What, I'm not allowed to shoot a deer with it?" I don't like words on cars either. I've had a Nikon Monarch 1.5 - 4.5 with "Turkeyplex" I think they call it for many years. It's got crosshairs all the way to the center as well as the zone. It's been on a number of big bores and has given me no trouble. I'm not a PH and I guess I really don't shoot all that much, but safari rifles can be tough on optics and that scope doesn't do anything except what it's supposed to.

January 29, 2016, 05:03 AM	#10
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	If you're active duty or LEO, contact Leupold and they will send you a listing of discounted items. The VX-HOG right now is 212 with shipping.

January 29, 2016, 09:01 AM	#11
Dranrab Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2016 Location: NOLA Posts: 203	That's a good price Sailor, but I am retired so I don't qualify.

January 29, 2016, 09:29 AM	#12
hammie Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Location: Temple, TX Posts: 959	@"fanken M", taylorforce, and jmr40: As always, you guys are the voices of reason and knowledge. However, on this one, I have to agree with bamaranger and likely the whole bama-family. I wish the Hog plex marketing gimmick had been left off the scope. I bought a savage 11, hog hunter, added an AAC flash suppressor, and mounted a leupold hog plex scope with quick detachable rings, and replaced the cheap stock with a boyd's. The rifle serves as my poor man's scout rifle. But, still, I wish the porcine references were missing. Same with the green slime colored, zombie scopes and stocks.

January 31, 2016, 10:31 PM	#13
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	It is labeled "pig plex" because that is what it is designed for. I have one on my 450 Bushmaster and love the scope.

February 1, 2016, 07:37 AM	#14
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	I saw a great deal on a returned/discounted Leupold and was reaching for my wallet until I realized it was a pig flex. Just so stupid..... Needless to say it is still there. We dont even have pigs around here. I bet it was purchased by mistake and returned. Do, I have a point? Only that resale may suffer on any gimmick cross hair.

February 1, 2016, 08:00 AM	#15
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	I would venture to say a lot of what we buy around the gun world is marketing ploy in some sense or other. They design stuff to get us to buy it, that's basically the bottom line. How about handguns in O.D, flat earth, grey colors? How about small replaceable parts of rifles and handguns with slogans printed on them? Punisher insignias? All designed to get a person interested and maybe attract attention and admiration from others....sorta like fancy wheels on your vehicle. I have a hog plex on one of my rifles just for something different and have shot hogs with it, but I would have bought it if hogs were not on the shooting menu nonetheless.

February 2, 2016, 09:38 PM	#17
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	The name is a gimmick. The reticle is pretty unique. It is a German reticle with elevation hashes added.

February 3, 2016, 07:34 AM	#18
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	I guess the manufacturer is pandering to a particular market.

February 4, 2016, 06:55 AM	#19
Snyper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2013 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 3,047	I wouldn't let the lettering bother me since I'd be concentrating on the center anyway __________________ One shot, one kill

February 4, 2016, 02:59 PM	#20
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,314	next new thing I hear Leupold's next step is to incorporate this aspect (printing in their reticle) to the rest of their scopes, moose plex, coyote plex, bear plex, etc. Are you ready for "wapiti plex", has a certain ring to it, don't you think?

February 4, 2016, 08:30 PM	#21
Guv Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2012 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,126	Lot's of scope competition these days, I guess anything that may stimulate sales is good for the manufactures. Maybe an AR scope with a Low Life Scuzzbag Plex?? __________________ Walnut and Gloss Blue, mostly!

February 4, 2016, 11:52 PM	#22
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	I am sure the "Zombie plex" is sure to come out before long. "Zombie" is a synonym for low life scum bag. The whole zombie craze started in law enforcement. We have been calling meth heads "zombies" for 25+ years. (Their skin looks like zombie skin.) The term finally went mainstream and grew past its orig. usage.