Leupold Scopes: Which model is the best value?

D

DaisyCutter

New member
I'm finally going to buy some decent glass for my hunting rifle, and I'm convinced that Leupold effectively sets the standard.

I'm looking at a typical 3-9X40mm matte finish scope, but don't know whether VXI, VXII, or VXIII is the best value. It's hard to think I'm skimping and only getting a bottom end VXI for $200. Then it's even tougher to get the middle of the road VXII for $300. What justifies buying a 3-9X40mm VXIII for $400+??

Which of these product levels is the best value (bang per buck)? Actual price is less of a consideration then actual value. However, I'd rather spend $200 then $400... and most of all, I want to be satisfied regardless of price. My most expensive scope to date has been a Bushnell Banner ~$75 scope, so this is a big step.

Is there really that much of a difference in glass quality? From what I can tell, the extra hundred dollars only gets a different coating and "click" adjusters??

FWIW, this scope is for a basic Savage .308 accutrigger rifle.
 
I own a VXII and a VXIII, my buddy owns a VXI. IMO not much difference in what you see, all are very good quality glass. If you can get what you want in a VXI, that's the way to go. My $.02 worth.
 
The VX-II's has always been my choice for the best bang for your buck. I use the 4-12's & 6-18's OA's and if a new rifle shows up always have the right scope for it.
 
I think it's OK to spend a bit more on good optics when the manufacturer stands behind it as well as Leupold, and when it's a scope that will last a long time. I've had my Gold Ring Leupold for 30 years.
Besides remember that scopes can be moved from rifle to rifle or barrel to barrel.

My only thought would be whether you want more power or a 50mm Objective or some special reticle.
 
hello, i had the chance to look thru a buddys vx111 on sunday 1st time for me in the field to check one out, its a fine scope honestly didn't see much difference between that & my other buddys xv-1 . i have a hunch where the value of this scope would show itself is that last few minutes of light or just before sunup. i would like one don't get me wrong i just wonder if a average guy is going to use a vx111 to its potential ? i'm probably going to get a vx1 or vx11 soon & use the extra for reloading stuff......
 
I like the VXII scopes well enough, after all they are supposed to have the same glass as the older VARI-XIII series did. The new VXIII series have "indexed" lenses and better coatings for better light transmission. Whichever you choose you can't go wrong.
 
I've got VX ll in 4-12 and 6-18 I really like them both.
I opted for the 'fine reticle' which makes for 'more satisfactory' (to me) shooting.
I had a VX lll and couldn't see the benefits of it!
The VX l seems a lesser scope due to the friction turrets etc.
Go for a VX ll in 4-12 you'll be happy with that model.
UKF.
 
I have an older Vari X 2 which is the same as the current Vari X 1. Other than not having click adjustments, it has been a great scope. If you can afford it, you might try the new Vari X 2 with the Ballistic Aiming Reticle which is similar to Burris' Ballistiplex. With any Leupold, you can't go wrong.

Mike
 
My brother has a Vari X I in 3-9x50. I have nothing bad to say about the scope. But depending on what rifle and purpose you intend to use it higher maginfaction might be called for. I have a Nikon 4-12x50 Buckmaster, IMO this is the best buy for the buck in glass. Nice to see the target more up close and nothing better then taking fleas off varmits. Leupold is just alil more pricy. Check out the Nikon line you may find something that you like for a decent price.
 
I ordered a Leupold VXII 3-9X40mm today. My rational is that I even if it's a bit overpriced, at least I know it's decent. The majority of guys I know who are serious hunters, who don't fool around... use Leupold. I've looked at Nikons with marginally better glass, but far less eye relief.


FWIW, I ordered it at www.riflescopes.com , they are offering free shipping and Leupold rings & bases with purchase of most Leupold scopes. So I'm all set for $299.95. (Actually, I also ordered a spotting scope too, but I'm not telling the wife).
 
I think you made the right choice. The VX-II model is basically the same scope as the old Vari-X III models, so the quality is very good for the price among the Leupold line of scopes.
 
I was told by the Leupold custom shop that there is no internal difference between the VX 1s, 2s, or 3s. The difference is in the adjustments and the glass. If that's true, then reliability should be the same for all of them. My VX-1s seem to be just as rugged as the 3s.
 
Let us know what you think of it when you get it. I was planning on ordering this scope next for one of my wifes rifles. I decided awhile back to rescope most of what I have with Leupold. Nothing against some of the other scopes out there as they are fine optics but I kept hearing the same feed back - "my _________ is just as clear as a Leupold", " my __________ has as good of eye releif as a Leupold", etc. I started to figure that since they are comparable in price why not buy the benchmark and own the Leupold.
 
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