Skopia,
Both, in my opinion, are good solid scopes with very good optics and tracking. They are pretty subdued in appearance - plainer than many, not glitzy with lettering, etc. but bespeak quality. I have seen both of these models listed as "compact". I disagree with that. The 4X32 certainly is a compact scope, but the 6X42 is full sized by any standard.
The 4X32 I have used on shorter, "woods type" rifles. I like 4X scopes for (hunting) up to 200 yards or so. I had it on a Ruger#1 RSI, now on a #1 .45/70. The eye relief is longer at 4.5", FOV is wider (25'), and the reticle is heavier (1/2" at 100 yds.). Like any short scope, make sure it will mount and work well for you on the rifle you intend to use it on. You do not have a lot of room on the tube to adjust for eye relief. This scope does have 4.5" of ER, so that helps a lot with such a short tube. I have to use Ruger extension rings on #1's for my build, but that's me.
The 6X42's I like for my "longer range" hunting rifles (up to 300 yards) - right now one sits on a .30-06 Mauser. ER is 3.6", FOV is 20'. The scope is 3" longer than the 4X32 and has much more room for mounting adjustment. The reticle subtends .33".
I still like fixed power scopes for much of my hunting, although most people use higher magnifications nowdays. I'm old enough to remember when 4X was more of a standard for "high power" rifles. Before I started hunting deer and elk, I read a lot of Jack O'Connor (funny, I have never owned a .270) and recall reading about the 2.5X Lymans. Noskes, etc. and fairly long shots made with these scopes. I shot a lot of animals with iron sights (can't do that anymore!) and so a scope - any scope, was a big boost for me. I also believed that fixed is simpler, clearer, and less prone to problems. I don't think that is too arguable, but the quality of good variables nowdays makes that a moot point. ( I just bought a new - closeout Leupold VXIII 4.5X14 with VH reticle to mount on my new .25-06 for antelope, even though I KNOW, that my 6X's will get the job done for most all of my shots.) Some of the mid-priced 3X9's nowdays offer great versatility and outstanding value for less than a good fixed power, and scopes like the Bushnell 6500 (NOT MID-PRICED) have incredible versatility, and I believe great optics and durability.
Still, a 4X32 Sightron on a carbine sized woods rifle is a perfect match to me, and the 6X42 takes me out farther in open country.
Don't know if I helped, but that's the way I look at it. Good luck!
edited to clarify that the 6500 is not a mid-priced scope - not to me anyway.
