Leupold vs Vortex Viper

Everyday on this forum we all respond to the same question about which scope is better. Obviously we cant compare a nightforce to a vortex viper pst and so on and so forth. I think every scope is different to every person. I have a viper pst,mark 4 and a vx3 8.5/25 thats brand new. I was out shooting the other day and my dad and one of his friends stop by to run there mouths like usual. I told him i just got the vx3 and they wanted to look through it. As a comparison we all looked through every scope several times at a target at 600 yards with the highest magnification. The conclusion was quite interesting. Everyone here would assume the mark4 would be the winner. My dad picked the viper pst,his friend picked the mark 4 and i thought the vx3 and the mark 4 were almost the same. So i think its just up to you looking through every scope. I think the best scope to look through would be a schmidt and bender but then again its like comparing apples to oranges with my scopes.
 
Originally Posted By: Redleg84Not sure if the PST scopes have different glass in them but I liked the 1-4 that I had, and really like the 2.5-10x32. I have a vx3 coming next week that I can compare it to.
Honestly, I bought the vx3 from recommendations here on this site so I have high hopes for it. What turned me away from Leupold before were the reticles and magnification ranges. I love the TMR reticle in my mk6, but I'm less enthusiastic about the duplex reticle I have coming in the vx3. Perhaps I'll change my mind when I get my hands on it.

The downside to the Vortex in my eyes is the weight. If they could lighten up their offerings, perhaps ditch the illumination, they would be more competitive. I don't think anyone has Leupold beat in that area.

If ever you are not happy with the reticle in your Leupold, a trip to the Custom Shop and a few bucks and you will have the reticle you want.
 
Originally Posted By: PriMeR450 ... I think the best scope to look through would be a schmidt and bender but then again its like comparing apples to oranges with my scopes.

Don't look through a Schmidt & Bender if you are happy with your scopes!

If you do you will find your scopes wanting, usually wanting a lot.

There are few, usually specific, uses where a scope the quality (and cost) of a S&B is required, but requirements for most uses are pretty well met by middle of the road scopes.

JPK
 
First of all I misspoke/ typed I have a VX-III 4-14.5x40. not a VX III. I have been doing some research and have found some of the Vari X III have tracking issues with turrets. Is this something I should be concerned about with this scope?
 
Originally Posted By: versdogFirst of all I misspoke/ typed I have a VX-III 4-14.5x40. not a VX III. I have been doing some research and have found some of the Vari X III have tracking issues with turrets. Is this something I should be concerned about with this scope?

The red part doesnt make sense.

Is it aVari-X III, VX-III or a VX-3? The "-" means nothing.
 
If it were to have tracking issues. Leupold would still take care of the issue.

If it were me, I would sell the Vari-X and get a newer generation VX-3 or even a VX-2, both will be better scopes than the older Vari-X, IMO...
 
Originally Posted By: pahntr760Originally Posted By: Redleg84Not sure if the PST scopes have different glass in them but I liked the 1-4 that I had, and really like the 2.5-10x32. I have a vx3 coming next week that I can compare it to.
Honestly, I bought the vx3 from recommendations here on this site so I have high hopes for it. What turned me away from Leupold before were the reticles and magnification ranges. I love the TMR reticle in my mk6, but I'm less enthusiastic about the duplex reticle I have coming in the vx3. Perhaps I'll change my mind when I get my hands on it.

The downside to the Vortex in my eyes is the weight. If they could lighten up their offerings, perhaps ditch the illumination, they would be more competitive. I don't think anyone has Leupold beat in that area.

If ever you are not happy with the reticle in your Leupold, a trip to the Custom Shop and a few bucks and you will have the reticle you want.


Do you happen to know which ones I could have put in it?
I wish I could find an Aero mount to put it in, [beeep] things sold out everywhere.
 
You can get the Boone and Crocket, Mil Dot, or TMR in the VX3. While I like the TMR, I woul donly get that reticle if you choose to have your turrets changed to Mil turrets as well. If you decide to stick with MOA, the B&C is a very servicable reticle...and its cheaper.
 
Tasco scope from Walmart blows them all out of the water. Center point scope is even better. Lol I prefer my Vortex scopes over anything. Vipers an Diamondback are what top my guns. I do have a Redfield 4x16 on my AR that is pretty good. But honestly, I have never looked thru a Leupold scope. I think it's preference.
 
Originally Posted By: EWashDogChaser72Tasco scope from Walmart blows them all out of the water. Center point scope is even better. Lol I prefer my Vortex scopes over anything. Vipers an Diamondback are what top my guns. I do have a Redfield 4x16 on my AR that is pretty good. But honestly, I have never looked thru a Leupold scope. I think it's preference.

Rather strong assumption for having zero experience...I've tried the Vortex Riflescope Kool Aid...didn't like the taste. They are not up to snuff...
 
I think you read into that a little to much. I said I prefer vortex, I never said anything bad about Leupold. I'm sure there a great scope. I've never had one. All I have ever owned is vortex. So that's what I prefer. Simple
 
I have a Leupold VXII in 4-12 and a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10. The Leupold I bought about 6yr ago or so. Never owned one but thought I would try one. Little disappointing. Edge to edge clarity is awful. My viper is clear all the way to the edges and is just as bright in low light. My old Monarchs beat em both optically. I do like the clean lines of the Leo and the size of the scope though. Tracks no better than any my Monarchs or my PST. I would like to try a VXIII though.
 
There is a big difference in the VX-II and the VX-2. The latter being amazingly better. I won't touch a Vari-X or VX-II (Roman numerals).
 
Yes, the VX-3 is a better scope. However. I feel the current VX-2 is outstanding for the asking price. Easily beating a Diamondback and right along side a Viper, IMO. And the VX-1 isn't too bad, but cheaper by design. 2 piece tube and such, but a good value for a casual hunting scope. For resolution, fit, finish, size and weight...the VX-2 is as solid as it gets in the price point.
 
I'm not usually one to bad mouth a product, but in this case I feel I would be doing someone a favor.

I've been a life long satisfied Leupold consumer of more than 30 yrs, but over the last year and a half I managed to get wrapped up in all the hype with Vortex, and began buying some of their optics.

I started with spotting scopes and binoculars, to which both seemed to be decent, though not Leupold quality, IMO and experience. So I then decided to give the rifle scopes a try, what a disaster. I currently have 3 different scopes, each being a Viper version. Other than the glass, which is clearly short of Leupold quality, reticle shift and extremely short eye relief are beyond just annoying. All 3 have been sent in for service, to which Vortex has been unable to rectify the problems, stating that the glass is performing as designed.

GS2
 
Well I have a Viper PST 2.5-10x32 on a rifle, and its every bit as clear as my previous Zeiss Conquests and my Leupold VX 6 which I just bought. Big complaint is the eye relief on the Viper PST but it seems to make you get the proper cheek wield every time which makes for consistent shooting. Im also not a fan of how easy the turrets move.
I have a Vortex Diamondback HP and the glass on it is very poor but it was 1/2 the price of the Viper PST.
I can't speak for the other Viper PST models but the 2.5-10x32 is very crisp and clear.
 
My Viper is a PST 2.5-10. Optically it is very nice but alot of scopes can be clear when their only a 2-10 or 3-9. However, my friend a has 4-16PST and it is not good optically. Above about 10-12x is horrible. I personally like my Vortex scope but I will not buy another.
 


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