Low Power Optic: Weaver V3 vs. Leupold VX1 vs. VX2

[hawk45]

Hi everyone,

Looking for a low power optic for my Marlin 336 30/30.
I've got it narrowed to the Weaver V3 1-3x, Leupold VX1 or one of the VX2 flavors in 1-4x. Price wise the Weaver is the best deal, but not sure on the optic quality and eyebox compared to the higher priced Leupolds. Not looking to go to a 2-7x or larger.

Thanks,
Hawk

 

[jmr40]

Never used the Weaver, but have read good things about it. I do have a couple of VX-1's and like them a lot. They offer it with 3 different reticle choices and I prefer the heavy duplex. The extra 1" of eye relief is something important to me.

For my money the VX-2 isn't enough better to justify the added costs, especially on the 1-4X's. About 4 years ago Leupold upgraded their entire line of VX scopes. A VX-1 made since then is essentially a pre 2012 VX-2. They now have click adjustments as well as some other improvements.

I think you'll really like that size. I've found 1X to be much faster to use than 2X, dot sights or irons. On 3X or 4X you have more magnification than you can use on that rifle anyway. No reason to have a larger heavier scope. The 2-7X's have is more options at sub $200 prices but I like the 1-4X's better.

 

[Bartojc]

I bought a VX-1 a couple years ago to go on top of a cheaper rifle, and was not one bit disappointed. In fact it is one of my favorite optics. You will not be disappointed with that choice.

-Jeff

 

[cdb1]

I don't think there is a lot of difference between the glass in a VX-2 and a VX-3, but think there is a big distance between a VX-1 and a VX-2. Only your eyes and your eyes only can tell you what is best for you. If possible why not look through all three and let your eyes tell you?

 

[greyling22]

I don't have the 1-4x leupolds, but I have a 2-7x vx1 and the weaver 1-3. Honestly, I really like the weaver classic scopes better than the vx1 series. It may not be true for everybody, but to my eyes they look better. I actually have a lot of different brands of scopes in the 150-250 range, and I really think that, other than form factor, there is nothing special about leupold glass. I don't think they are worth the price premium they command. Now, they do offer a lot of stuff other companies don't (for example, the 2.5x20 fx2 semi-long-eye -relief scope, or gloss scopes) but if weaver or vortex or some other outfits offer the same item, I think they are a better value.

ps: I have a burris timberline 2-7x on my 336, and it works and fits awesome.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

ive got a 1x3 weaver and compared to my newest leupolds id say its equivalent to the vx1

 

[mcduck]

I have a Weaver V3 mounted on a .416 Ruger, and it has performed flawlessly. I think these scopes are a very good buy. I know nothing of the VX1 line. The VX2's, of course are very fine scopes, but significantly more expensive than the Weaver.

 

[hawk45]

Thanks everyone.