Need help picking Leupold VX-3 2.5x-8x or 3.5x-10x

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homers

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Just picked up a new Ruger in 270 for my son. Got some gift cards for Bass Pro and the gun needs a scope. I'm trying to decide between the Leupold Golden Ring VX-3 Rifle Scope 2.5X - 8X for $350 or the VX-3 3.5X - 10X (SKU: 1589240) for $379. 36mm vs 40mm, probably not much difference. Gun will be used for targets and some hunting (out to 300 yards).
 
I have used an older 2.5-8X36 for years. Light weight, low mounted, and really good field of view on low power. Should be great for out to 300.
 
I just went through the exact same thing. I decided that I'd notice the lighter weight of the 8x more than the extra 10x magnification. I've never missed a shot due to having 2x less zoom but I sure notice less weight while walking all day.
 
There is 1 1/4 oz difference in weight. Down loading the magazine by one round will make more difference in weight. Be aware that mounting the shorter 2.5-8X scope might be difficult on a long action rifle. They fit on some with no special rings, but leave very little room to adjust for proper fit. Others need extension rings. The longer 3.5-10X fits long actions better.

I've never owned the 3.5-10X40 , but have had several 2.5-8X36's over the years. Both are good scopes but anymore I'd save $100 and buy the 3-9X40 VX-2. Leupold upgraded the entire line of VX scopes in 2012 and current VX-2's are very good scopes. Essentially the same technology and features of pre-2012 VX-3.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x40-VX-2-Riflescope-P51796.aspx

For $350 you can get the VX-2 with either long range dots or with a custom dial for longer range shots. Those features will cost you $500-$600 on the VX-3.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x40-VX-2-Riflescope-P78916.aspx
http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x40-VX-2-Riflescope-P51800.aspx

Or just buy this and have a better scope than either. For less money

http://www.eurooptic.com/zeiss-conq...e-hunting-turrets-matte-black-5214609920.aspx
 
Didn't think about the scope fit a long action rifle and having mounting difficulties. The 2.5-8x36 tube length is 5.10 inches while the 3.5-10x40 is 6.0.

I was leaning towards the 2.5-8, but now have more to think about. :banghead:
 
Though my favorite scope is a Leupold VariX III 2.5-8x which resides on a Remington Mod-7 7mm08; my choice for your rifle will be the 3.5-10x.
My .270 wears a Leupold VariX II 3-9 40mm, which is essentially the same size and weight as the 3.5-10. My rifle is a 24"bbl MkX Mauser so the scope mounts nicely and is well balanced.
I think it comes down to your personal preference. You can't go wrong with either choice.
 
The 2.5-8x fits on my magnum length M70 just fine. There was not much fore/aft travel left but it was enough. I would not worry about it on a standard long action. I've found the low to mid power to be perfect for where I hunt and am extremely happy with my 2.5-8 VX3.
 
Yeah, for only $29 more bucks, I'd also go with the 10x.
(but, that Zeiss recommended by jmr40 would be very tempting, but it'd also be hard to bypass that bullet-proof Leupold warranty.)
 
The 40mm objective of the higher powered scope means that at a given magnification, you're potentially 23% brighter than you would be with the 36mm objective. A slightly larger exit pupil also means your eye position is slightly less critical.

In my own opinion, within reason, the higher the magnification, the better. The 10x top mag of the larger 'scope is more important to me than the 2.5x bottom mag of the smaller 'scope.

You won't actually go wrong with either - except for a Bushnell on a .22, ALL of my 'scopes are Leupolds - but for the small difference in price, IMHO the 3.5x - 10x is the better choice.
 
Go with the 3.5-10. My wife has a .243 lady hunter with the 2.5-8 and a .30-06 lady hunter with the 3.5-10. I prefer the optical quality of the bigger objective lens as well as the added length for scope ring spacing. The 2.5-8 is a great scope but I could barely get it on my wife's short action rifle without going to a rail mount. There was no room to move the scope. On the 3.5-10 I did have to go with the rail mount due to the ultra long action that savage rifles have. They are both very light scopes so I doubt you will notice the difference in handling/carrying.
 
homers said:
Just picked up a new Ruger in 270 for my son. Got some gift cards for Bass Pro and the gun needs a scope. I'm trying to decide between the Leupold Golden Ring VX-3 Rifle Scope 2.5X - 8X for $350 or the VX-3 3.5X - 10X (SKU: 1589240) for $379. 36mm vs 40mm, probably not much difference. Gun will be used for targets and some hunting (out to 300 yards).
Click to expand...

I have Leupold scopes in both magnifications ranges. For ranges even a bit past 500 yards, the difference in magnification is inconsequential. That said, I'd probably pick the 3.5-10X version.
 
Thanks everyone for your responses. Just ordered the VX-3 3.5-10x40mm with CDS for $379. Looking forward to shooting with it!
 
Now I need suggestions for rings. Looking at the Burris Zee Rings 1-Inch, Low, Matte Black or Leupolds.

Will low rings work?
 
You've already ordered it, but I just wanted to support your decision. I have both scopes and the VX 3 3.5-10X is the finest scope I own....crystal clear and rock solid. And $379 is a very good price. That said, I just bought a Remington 700 .270 and put a Burris Fullfield II 4-12X on it. I feel like I need the added magnification for longer shots. I have 4 other rifles with more magnification than the 4-12X and don't feel over-powered by any of them, including a Mach 2 rimfire with a 4-16X. You'll love the scope.
 
homers said:
Now I need suggestions for rings. Looking at the Burris Zee Rings 1-Inch, Low, Matte Black or Leupolds.

Will low rings work?
Click to expand...
I tried Z rings a few years ago and wasn't impressed.

My only experience with Leupold rings was with their QD version which shot loose on a 375 H&H Magnum so I don't use Leupold ringes. They might be fine for your application though.

I use Warne bases/rings on most of my rifles.

If you go to the MidwayUSA site and look up the rings you choose, even if you don't buy them there, there will be a chart that should guide you to proper ring height.
 
Good choice ,Id rather have the extra magnification and not use it ,then need it and not have it. Leupold also great choice,I use them on every gun I have since starting shooting at 16 yrs old.:)
 
I have both in the VX-4 model, I have to say I like the smaller 2.5-8x 36mm better. Lighter, handier, I cannot tell the difference between 8x and 10x except at very long ranges which I don't shoot.

I also much prefe the lower low power for shorter shots.

OOPS sorry didn't see op already picked. No bad choice here, good luck!
 
Last edited:
Mounted the scope with Burris Zee rings (low, black matte); Very, very pleased. Thanks everyone!
 
I just put a VX-3, 3.5-10X on a BAR .243. Very, very nice scope. If you stay in a power range with a max of around 10, you won't be messing with adjusting the parallax/focus. Good for a hunting rifle I think.
 
What about the VX3i? What is the difference between the VX3 and VX3i besides the VX3i being less expensive than the VX3?
 
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