VX-3 vs. new VX-2 CDS

SDCoyoteCaller

SDCoyoteCaller

Active member
Hey guys,

I have been saving up for a new VX-3 4.5-14 X 40 CDS scope. I see now that Leupold has re-vamped the VX-II line-up into the VX-2 and now offer it with the CDS option. They offer a 4-12 X 50 AO model in the VX-2 that looks pretty good for $529.99. The VX-3 model I was looking at has increased price by $50 since the beginning of the year and is now at $589.99. My slight issue with the VX-3 is the fact it isn't an adjustable objective. According to the Cabela's website, they do look like they will be offering an AO model, but the price is $650 on that one in the 4.5-14 X 40 model. I am just not sure I want to pay that much for the added feature of the AO on the VX-3.

In a coyote hunting scope, will not having the AO make that much difference at longer range? Also, I was wondering how repeatable the adjustments are on the VX-2, if anyone has any experience with them yet. If the repeatability is similar to the VX-3, I might be inclined to go with the VX-2 instead. If the AO issue won't matter much, I may just stick with the VX-3, since there is only a $60 difference in the non-AO VX-3 model and the AO VX-2 model I am looking at.

Let me know what your thoughts are guys. Thanks.
 
Mark,
For whatever this is worth, I've always liked the VX3's over the VX2's. But I don't hunt anymore either and the eyes aren't what they once were. I couldn't give up shooting and reloading and just bought me a Leupold Competition 35X for use at the range and accuracy shooting. If I might suggest if you haven't already, take a look at SWFA.com and OpticsPlanet.com to compare prices you already have. Somewhere between these places and Cabela's might be where you find the best deal.
 
Shynloco,

I agree that the choice between the VX-3 and previous VX-IIs would be in favor of the VX-3. However, the new VX-2 line-up is supposedly "new and improved" over the previous VX-IIs. Clarity wise, I think the VX-2 would do me just fine. However, I want to make sure it is repeatable in its adjustment before going that route, since this will be crucial with the CDS system.

I agree that shopping elsewhere I could probably find a better deal. The only reason I am going with Cabela's with this purchase is because I have a bunch of gift cards and points on my cabela card saved up to make this purchase. Otherwise, I always look for the best deal, which generally isn't Cabelas.
 
Yes, you DO want to pay for the parallax adjustment on the VX3 4.5-14x40. They SUCK beyond 10X-11X IMO. The non-AO model should not even be in production IMO.

If you go VX2, pass on the 50mm and go with a 40mm.........
 
I have VX3 non AO. works great never needed AO coyote hunting most shots are in the 100 and 150 range so not really needing to change it.
 
The ones I have known were sorely lacking when cranked up to higher powers. Maybe they are better now, don't know.

There is, however, a reason why 14X scopes almost always come with adjustable parallax. For a couple hundred yards it may not be needed, but neither is 14X, for that matter.......
 
4.5-14x seems kind of high for coyotes. What's your plan?

I spent some time with the new VX-2 scopes at SHOT. I did not like the new fast diopter adjustment. There is a lot of play in the threads and no locking ring. When I put a small pressure on the diopter ring, the point of aim shifted - a lot. I talked to a Leupold engineer, who acknowledged the issue and said, "the point of aim will come back when you stop pushing."

Not confidence inspiring. There is way too much play for my taste. What if the brim of your hat touches the diopter ring when you aim? What if you use a scopecoat to protect the scope, or your rifle case puts pressure on the diopter ring during transport? Will the thread grease flow and cause the diopter ring settle in a different position? What if...?
 
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Bruce,

Thanks for the input on the new VX-2. What you describe sure doesn't sound real promising. I will probably stick with the VX-3 based on that.

I am going to be using this scope on a rifle I use when I hunt out in western SD where things are pretty wide open and you can see them coming from quite a distance. For this purpose, 4.5X should be about perfect on the low end for the usual 100-150 yard shot, but I will have a bit more magnification in case they hang-up out there aways. Generally, I like to stick with a good 3-9X on my coyote hunting scopes.
 
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