Leupold help

AdamT

AdamT

Well-known member
Looking at two different Leupold scopes. What's the difference in the VX-III, and the VX-3i. Here's the two models I'm considering.

VX-III 4.5-14x50 LR, 30mm tube, side focus, model # 57170, has varmint reticle

VX-3i 4.5-14x40, 30mm tube, side focus, model # 170699, duplex reticle

Other than the difference in objective sizes and reticles, is there any other difference in the III vs the 3i?
 
VX- III or VX-3 ?

There is both plus VX-3i

Basicly all the same series scope with a few upgrades along the way. The 3i being the newest, which normally is better,but I've not played with one yet.

I have a 4.5-14x40 LR ,it is a nice scope.

What is the main purpose ?
 
The 50mm is the VX-III, the 40mm is the VX-3i.

It's going on a 243 bolt action. It's main purpose is coyote hunting, but I will take it after groundhogs on occasion and whitetails of opportunity when rifle season is in for when I decide to call coyotes instead of hitting the deer stand.
 
Is the VX-III new ?

I have scopes in both VX-III and VX-3 , they have treated me well over the years. Don't believe I've ever had a Leupold in 50mm so I can give a comparison between them.

 
Originally Posted By: Tim NeitzkeIs the VX-III new ?

No it is used.

I was originally wanting to get a VX-6 but I think something in the III/3/3i range will be good enough.
 
They will all work just fine for what you want. Budget is the biggest factor,though.

I really like the VX6 2-12 for a general hunting scope. I've handled a few of them and shot with one on a friends rifle.
 
I have a few of the 4.5x14x40/50s III and 3s and they are great optics and you wont be disappointed with either one! I would think that the 3i should be just as good but i have never hunted or looked thru one. the VXR 4-12 is another choice and i like the ZS feature on them!
 
The chronological order of manufacture.

Vari-X III
VX-III
VX-3
VX-3i

The VX-III line is where all of the scopes had the Twin Spring Erector System installed. Before this - the Vari-X III scopes - target models were the only ones having the TSES. Vari-X III scopes can have the TSES installed for $45. Money well spent.

I don't remember the difference between the VX-III and VX-3.

I have not tried a VX-3i yet.

Above info was given to me by Leupold custom shop awhile back and I hope I rememberd it all correctly.
 
Well I found a decent deal ($310 shipped) on a new in box VX3i 3.5-10x40 so I got it. Once it gets here I'm going to try it out and if I like the optics, I'm going to put it on my .270 deer rifle and get the VX3i 4.5-14x40 30mm SF model for my 243.
 
Originally Posted By: coyotezapper I don't remember the difference between the VX-III and VX-3.

Wasn't the index matched lenses at the time of the III to 3?

At any rate...the VX-3i is an improved version. I think the OP will be more than pleased with it.
 
Maybe it's just me and only a sample of one, but I actually prefer my VX3 3.5-10x40 to the VX3i model. Both are great scopes but I just like the 3 better.
 
Well, I got the VX3i 3.5-10x40 in today. I'm very pleased with the scope. Compared it to a Bushnell 6500 Elite 2.5-16x42 I have and the VX3i has more FOV on the same magnification and a much better image. Looks like I'll pull the trigger on the 4.5-14x40 30mm SF. The only trouble will be deciding on weather to put in on my 243 and move the 3.5-10 to my 270, or keep the 3.5-10 on the 243 and put the 4.5-14 on my 22-250.
 
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Originally Posted By: coyotezapperThe chronological order of manufacture.

Vari-X III
VX-III
VX-3
VX-3i

The VX-III line is where all of the scopes had the Twin Spring Erector System installed. Before this - the Vari-X III scopes - target models were the only ones having the TSES. Vari-X III scopes can have the TSES installed for $45. Money well spent.

I don't remember the difference between the VX-III and VX-3.

I have not tried a VX-3i yet.

Above info was given to me by Leupold custom shop awhile back and I hope I rememberd it all correctly.

Okay, found my notes from the conversation I had with the custom shop tech.

Above info is not entirely correct. VX-III and newer models with a side focus adjustment are the only ones that are guaranteed to have the TSES. If a scope with single spring system has been sent in for any type of work they will usually upgrade to the TSES and this info can be verified by the serial number.

As far as none side focus models in the VX-3 and VX-3i line I am not sure if they have TSES. I only asked questions about the models I owned.

FWIW I have a new - as of last year VX-2 6-18x40 with the CDS dial and single spring system and so far it has tracked 100%. Its on a big game rifle so it won't get the wear and tear that my varmint rifles get with dials being twisted all day long.
 
Originally Posted By: AdamTWell, I got the VX3i 3.5-10x40 in today. I'm very pleased with the scope. Compared it to a Bushnell 6500 Elite 2.5-16x42 I have and the VX3i has more FOV on the same magnification and a much better image. Looks like I'll pull the trigger on the 4.5-14x40 30mm SF. The only trouble will be deciding on weather to put in on my 243 and move the 3.5-10 to my 270, or keep the 3.5-10 on the 243 and put the 4.5-14 on my 22-250.

The TS-X32 reticle in the 4.5-14 SF model is awesome. Only available new as a custom shop order or can be installed on older models.
 


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