The Forge is a better scope. I never have been bothered by the size or weight of a 50mm optic - I use a scope so I can see my target animal more closely, hence I prefer enough magnification to well place my POA at any hunted range - for 30-06, I’m about 0-700 yards - which for me means I want something on the order of 16x top end magnification. As my eyes get older, I have started struggling with scopes getting dim for any exit pupil below 3mm, especially in the low light of a hunting dawn or dusk, so having a 44mm or 50mm optic is a big advantage for low light brightness.
So for me, 1) a 3.5-10x40mm doesn’t suit my preference for magnification for a 30-06 anyway, giving favor to the 2.5-15x50 regardless of brand, but in this case, it’s the Bushnell. 2) The Forge is a better optic for resolution, brightness, color aberration, clarity, and features than the Leupold VX3i, again giving favor to the Bushnell.