Leupold Freedom vs Rifleman vs VX3i

Olympus · Jun 22, 2020

I'm looking for a scope to put on my Kimber Classic Select 7mm-08. Honestly, the gun is so pretty that I probably won't ever hunt with it or if I do, it will only be from some cushy box blind where I can carry the gun out in a case and only take it out when I'm up in the stand. So the scope in all likelihood won't see much action except from the bench. But I've had the gun for a year with no scope on it and I've yet to even shoot the thing. I'm definitely set on a Leupold though and 4-12x40 is pretty much my favorite magnification.

I can get a VX Freedom 4-12x40 for $181.
I can get a Rifleman 4-12x40 for $215.
I can get a VX3i 3.5-10x40 for $273.
I can get a VX3i 4.5-14x40 for 361.

I know the VX3i is the better scope. I just don't know if it's worth twice the money as the cheapest model for the purposes that I would be using it for. What say you, THR?

horsemen61 · Jun 22, 2020

Buy once cry once I’d never tell anyone to skimp on glass is it worth it to you to risk a shot at a once in a lifetime trophy over saving some money in the short term?

also why do guys get cheap glass on nice guns it’s money well spent imho ymmv

Olympus · Jun 22, 2020

horsemen61 said:
Buy once cry once I’d never tell anyone to skimp on glass is it worth it to you to risk a shot at a once in a lifetime trophy over saving some money in the short term?

also why do guys get cheap glass on nice guns it’s money well spent imho ymmv

In my mind, everything is relative. Is a $1000 Leupold considered cheaping out on glass when you compare it to a $3000 Swarovski? And is it really likely that I’ll miss out on a shot of a lifetime because of the quality of any of the scopes I listed?

horsemen61 · Jun 22, 2020

Olympus said:
In my mind, everything is relative. Is a $1000 Leupold considered cheaping out on glass when you compare it to a $3000 Swarovski? And is it really likely that I’ll miss out on a shot of a lifetime because of the quality of any of the scopes I listed?

Law of diminishing returns becomes a factor at a certain point if it were me I’d buy the best I could afford

LoonWulf · Jun 23, 2020

Vx-3i is a noticeable step above the Freedom, and worth the cost.
Im mildly surprised the rifleman is more expensive than the freedom, unless its got AO or side focus, as I thought they were Leupys starter model.

Honestly, most folks know im not a huge leupy fan. BUT I feel im im being honest when i say the vx-3I is probably what id WANT on that rifle.
Its not a fantastic scope, but ifs a very good scope, and light. With what your quoting, I think youll be hard pressed to better the 3.5-10 (I personally wouldnt want the 4.5-14 unless it had an ao or side focus), at twice the cost.

WisBorn · Jun 23, 2020

I like the 3.5-10 VX3i, great scope that is sized right for your Kimber 7 mm-08. You won't be disappointed.

Chuck R. · Jun 23, 2020

I've got a VX3i 3.5-10x40 with CDS on a REM M7 in .223 that I use as a walking varminter and practice rifle.

It's a nice compact scope that won't overwhelm a small rifle.

Legionnaire · Jun 23, 2020

I like the VX3i line. The 3.5-10x40 is perfectly adequate for hunting out to ethical distances; in fact, my 7mm-08 wears a 2.5-8x36 and I'm very happy with it.

Yes, the added cost of the VX3i is worth it.

mcb · Jun 23, 2020

Olympus said:
I'm looking for a scope to put on my Kimber Classic Select 7mm-08. Honestly, the gun is so pretty that I probably won't ever hunt with it or if I do, it will only be from some cushy box blind where I can carry the gun out in a case and only take it out when I'm up in the stand. So the scope in all likelihood won't see much action except from the bench. But I've had the gun for a year with no scope on it and I've yet to even shoot the thing. I'm definitely set on a Leupold though and 4-12x40 is pretty much my favorite magnification.

I can get a VX Freedom 4-12x40 for $181.
I can get a Rifleman 4-12x40 for $215.
I can get a VX3i 3.5-10x40 for $273.
I can get a VX3i 4.5-14x40 for 361.

I know the VX3i is the better scope. I just don't know if it's worth twice the money as the cheapest model for the purposes that I would be using it for. What say you, THR?

Where are you getting a VX3i 4.5-14x40 for $361. MSRP is $714, it $499 on Optics Planet. That is a heck of a deal. Of those I would buy the VX3i 4.5-14x40 if I could afford it.

The idea of a gun being two pretty to hunt with sort of makes me sad. Pretty guns like to hunt too.

Chuck R. · Jun 23, 2020

mcb said:
Where are you getting a VX3i 4.5-14x40 for $361. MSRP is $714, it $499 on Optics Planet. That is a heck of a deal. Of those I would buy the VX3i 4.5-14x40 if I could afford it.

The idea of a gun being two pretty to hunt with sort of makes me sad. Pretty guns like to hunt too.

It is a screaming deal. With my .GOV discount from Leupold I can get the straight (non-CDS) VX3i 4.5-14x40 for $393.24, side focus is $428.99 and the VX3i 3.5-10x40 for $285.99, both before shipping.

I've also got a 2.5-8x36 on my Rem M7 in .260 and it's perfectly adequate for big game at the normal ranges encountered around here,

Olympus · Jun 23, 2020

I think I’m going to order the VX3i in the 3-5-10x40.

WisBorn · Jun 23, 2020

Olympus said:
I think I’m going to order the VX3i in the 3-5-10x40.

I don't think you will be disappointed!
That will fit on your Kimber like it was made just for it.

rabid wombat · Jun 23, 2020

Olympus said:
I think I’m going to order the VX3i in the 3-5-10x40.

of the four, that was my choice. Good balance of price, exit pupil, power....you should be set. Enjoy!

Olympus · Jun 23, 2020

Thanks everyone!

jmr40 · Jun 28, 2020

The 3.5-10X40 VX3i for under $300 is a no brainer. You don't need more magnification.

redneck2 · Jun 29, 2020

I’ve got a VX3 4-14 on my CZ .22. It’s my only target grade rifle, so although 14x may seem a lot, IMO you can only shoot as well as you can see.

I feel Leupold has exceptional glass particularly in the VX-3 line. I haven’t looked at any other brands in The past few years.

berettaprofessor · Jun 29, 2020

As soon as you order yours, can you tell us where you got those deals???? Please????

Olympus · Jul 7, 2020

Scope arrived a few days ago and it’s fantastic! Slim and light and fits the overall style of the Kimber great! Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. Now I just have to sight it in.

Megawatt maker · Jul 14, 2020

Go with the most expensive Leupold you can.

Like others have said...cry once.

The pain goes away..but the joy of a good scope is eternal.

Woolecox · Jul 14, 2020

Olympus said:
In my mind, everything is relative. Is a $1000 Leupold considered cheaping out on glass when you compare it to a $3000 Swarovski? And is it really likely that I’ll miss out on a shot of a lifetime because of the quality of any of the scopes I listed?

Likely? Probably not. Possible? Yes, a scope that won't track properly or hold zero is worthless. There is also the issue of the quality of glass. Clarity at high magnification and light transmission. Can you really see clearly enough to determine if the buck is legal, or the one you're after? I despise crappy glass.

Sniper66 · Jul 21, 2020

I have two of the VX3i 3.5-10X. And are my favorites for my 17HMRs. But, if I could get the VX3i 4.5-14X for that cheap and on that rifle, I would jump on it. Looks like you've already decided, but just wanted to throw in my thoughts.

Hookeye · Jul 23, 2020

New vx3i just arrived.....black blobs on lower edge of image. Going back to factory.
So much for shooting this weekend.

Hookeye · Jul 23, 2020

Oregon....black crud matters lol

dranrab · Jul 24, 2020

Chuck R. said:
It is a screaming deal. With my .GOV discount from Leupold I can get the straight (non-CDS) VX3i 4.5-14x40 for $393.24, side focus is $428.99 and the VX3i 3.5-10x40 for $285.99, both before shipping.

I've also got a 2.5-8x36 on my Rem M7 in .260 and it's perfectly adequate for big game at the normal ranges encountered around here,

I can't find where Leupold is still doing that. Do you have a link?

Chuck R. · Jul 24, 2020

dranrab said:
I can't find where Leupold is still doing that. Do you have a link?

Go to the Leupold Core Tab on the left side of the website:

https://www.leupold.com/leupold-core/vip-programs

At the top of that page, you'll select your category. You'll have to provide documentation with your application. In my case I qualified as veteran and Federal employee, the Fed Emp, was the better deal, so I went with that.

Once approved, you'll see the discounted prices when you log in.

Leupold Freedom vs Rifleman vs VX3i

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