Thoughts: Leupold VX-3i

[WrongHanded]

So when I got my Tikka T3X Lite Stainless in .30-06, I installed a 1" diameter DNZ Gamer Reaper mount, and then a Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32 scope I had lying around.

That scope is still on the rifle and it's not good enough. Considering my recent positive experience with Leupold glass (rimfire and scout scopes) I thought a VX 3i 3.5-10x40 might work nicely. I previously owned a Mark IV 2.5-10x42 with a 30mm tube, and it was nice but a bit busy and certainly more options than I needed. However I do like the idea of the adjustable elevation turret and Z-lock feature offered on one version of VX 3i. Which seems like a compromise between tactical and set-and-forget.

Anyone have encouraging or discouraging things to say about this model? I'd like to leave the DNZ mount on, which limits me to a 1" tube and about 40mm objective lens. But other similar suggestions are welcome, if there's a good reason to go along with it.

Thanks guys!

 

[CraigC]

The VX3's are among my favorites. I have them in 1.5-5x (multiple), 1.75-6x, 2.5-8x and 3.5-10x. Expecting another 1.5-5x from Midway today.

 

[LoonWulf]

I like mine.
I have the 3.5-10x40cds on my .375, and while ive never ordered the drop compensating turret (just use rhe stock moa), I have dialed drop out to 400 some odd yds and its gone right back to zero just fine.
In use ive been really happy with it.
Its not as optically pleasing as most of my other scopes its tough, reliable, has good eye relief, and is light.
And for what I do with it plenty good enough optically.

 

[Garandimal]

So when I got my Tikka T3X Lite Stainless in .30-06, I installed a 1" diameter DNZ Gamer Reaper mount, and then a Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32 scope I had lying around.

That scope is still on the rifle and it's not good enough. Considering my recent positive experience with Leupold glass (rimfire and scout scopes) I thought a VX 3i 3.5-10x40 might work nicely. I previously owned a Mark IV 2.5-10x42 with a 30mm tube, and it was nice but a bit busy and certainly more options than I needed. However I do like the idea of the adjustable elevation turret and Z-lock feature offered on one version of VX 3i. Which seems like a compromise between tactical and set-and-forget.

Anyone have encouraging or discouraging things to say about this model? I'd like to leave the DNZ mount on, which limits me to a 1" tube and about 40mm objective lens. But other similar suggestions are welcome, if there's a good reason to go along with it.

Thanks guys!

For a hunting rifle scope?

Am quite fond of the Leupold VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm, (as well as the VX-1 2-7x33mm)

Have seen'em round for $325, and got mine for less than that.

The new mdl's look a little "tactical," so a little older might suite better.

This is a good primer b/f buying a scope:

Scopes That Do It All - Wayne van Zwoll




GR

 

[BreechFace]

The VX3i's are great glass for the money, the turrets however are mushy and not very positive. So if it's a set it and forget it type of use, then the VX3i's are great, lightweight, good light transmission, tough, and great warranty.

I own the exact scope you are talking about, it is used on my 308 rifle that I use for hunting from time to time.

 

[WrongHanded]

For a hunting rifle scope?

Am quite fond of the Leupold VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm, (as well as the VX-1 2-7x33mm)

Have seen'em round for $325, and got mine for less than that.

The new mdl's look a little "tactical," so a little older might suite better.

This is a good primer b/f buying a scope:

Scopes That Do It All - Wayne van Zwoll




GR

The rifle was bought for hunting. Though I haven't managed to do anything but walk around with it so far. Still had a good time. But as far as intended purposes go, it's hunting in Rockies. Which means still hunting in lodgepole and around blow down, open meadows, and all that's in between.

I'd considered the 2.5-8x but having not shot particularly tight groups at 200 and 300 yards during sighting-in and practice, I was thinking the extra magnification of 10x might give me just that little bit more to confirm zero at 200, and figure out drop at 300 yards. The 7x just isn't enough for me to do that as well as I would like (though clarity is probably part of the issue).

 

[Garandimal]

The VX3i's are great glass for the money, the turrets however are mushy and not very positive. So if it's a set it and forget it type of use, then the VX3i's are great, lightweight, good light transmission, tough, and great warranty.

I own the exact scope you are talking about, it is used on my 308 rifle that I use for hunting from time to time.

Agree.

I just use the zoom instead.

At 1/2 power, when the knob is straight up TDC (~ 5x)...?

The point-to-point of the fine crosshair subtends 10 MOA.

Really handy for hold corrections.

i.e.

Range at, say, 350 yds.
Point-to-point is 35"
Drop is ~ 11 inches.

Hold ~ 2/3rds over.

Hazah!



GR

 

[Varminterror]

I’m not impressed by the VX3i’s. Certain turrets are better than others, but the standard turret models don’t really “click,” but rather feel like a soggy diaper in adjustment. They’re also not as bright as I feel they should be for the money, and lacking features - I’ve paid less for Bushnell scopes which were brighter with higher resolution and lower CA, and paid the same price for Sig Tango4’s brighter and better resolution images, AND illuminated reticles. The only thing I can say good about the VX3i’s is the fact they are light, but I can’t say I think a buyer gets good value for the money compared to other options in the market.

 

[BreechFace]

The rifle was bought for hunting. Though I haven't managed to do anything but walk around with it so far. Still had a good time. But as far as intended purposes go, it's hunting in Rockies. Which means still hunting in lodgepole and around blow down, open meadows, and all that's in between.

I'd considered the 2.5-8x but having not shot particularly tight groups at 200 and 300 yards during sighting-in and practice, I was thinking the extra magnification of 10x might give me just that little bit more to confirm zero at 200, and figure out drop at 300 yards. The 7x just isn't enough for me to do that as well as I would like (though clarity is probably part of the issue).

For what you describe, I think you'll be happy with the VX3i. It's lightweight and good glass should serve you well.

 

[Garandimal]

The rifle was bought for hunting. Though I haven't managed to do anything but walk around with it so far. Still had a good time. But as far as intended purposes go, it's hunting in Rockies. Which means still hunting in lodgepole and around blow down, open meadows, and all that's in between.

I'd considered the 2.5-8x but having not shot particularly tight groups at 200 and 300 yards during sighting-in and practice, I was thinking the extra magnification of 10x might give me just that little bit more to confirm zero at 200, and figure out drop at 300 yards. The 7x just isn't enough for me to do that as well as I would like (though clarity is probably part of the issue).

My opinion?

You are goin' the wrong way.

Seein' better - is for benchrest shooters.

Holding better - is for hunters.

Shoot from Field Positions - on the Lowest magnification that allows you to accurately locate the target.

Magnification - magnifies the motion, and the corrective motor responses, out of greater proportion.

I can bang away at 300 yards w/ an aperture sighted Service Grade M1 rifle and keep it in 3 MOA w/ ball ammo.

You don't need the magnification... unless you actually do.




GR

 

[WrongHanded]

My opinion?

You are goin' the wrong way.

Seein' better - is for benchrest shooters.

Holding better - is for hunters.

Shoot from Field Positions - on the Lowest magnification that allows you to accuratly locate the target.

Magnification - magnifies the motion, and the corrective motor responses, out of greater proportion.

I can bang away at 300 yards w/ an aperture sighted Service Grade M1 rifle and keep it in 3 MOA w/ ball ammo.

You don't need the magnification... unless you actually do.




GR

Despite a period of time where I shot field positions with an LRB Arms M14-SA and a Turner sling (whilst never knowing of the existence of a "shooting bench"), it's been a while. I never got as tight as 3MOA doing so, though I got close in prone with the sling. Still, I'm not fond of shooting from a bench. Had my little corner of the world not been on fire this summer and fall, I would have been practicing much more from field positions. So I take your point.

Wanting more magnification than I have is less about using it in the field, and more about being confident in the rifle/load combination and zero during range time. I'm not expecting to have it dialed up when out hunting. Actually, I'd been keeping the scope at its lowest setting whilst out hunting, with the thought being that if a target became available far enough away that I needed more magnification, I'd have time to dial it up.

 

[WrongHanded]

I’m not impressed by the VX3i’s. Certain turrets are better than others, but the standard turret models don’t really “click,” but rather feel like a soggy diaper in adjustment. They’re also not as bright as I feel they should be for the money, and lacking features - I’ve paid less for Bushnell scopes which were brighter with higher resolution and lower CA, and paid the same price for Sig Tango4’s brighter and better resolution images, AND illuminated reticles. The only thing I can say good about the VX3i’s is the fact they are light, but I can’t say I think a buyer gets good value for the money compared to other options in the market.

Thanks for the dissenting opinion. What would you suggest instead? A Sig Tango4, or was that just an example?

 

[Varminterror]

@WrongHanded - VX3 and VX3i 4.5-14x50mm scopes had been my go-to hunting scope for several years, but I have a few Tango4’s on my hunting rifles now instead, as I have always been (for 30yrs) a fan of 4-16x44mm scopes. My only remaining VX3i is on my wife’s Savage 12 BVSS in 223rem, and even it might not survive the winter in that role. My Sigs are Gen1’s, just fine scopes and work well. The Gen1’s have a feel of “trying a little too hard” with their aesthetic - the Gen 2’s are a little more conventionally designed. But the glass is crisp and bright bright, the illumination control is intelligent, and they track well. I’m not at all saying I feel the Sig is the best scope in its class, but for the money, I’d buy the Sig Tango4 over the Leupold VX3i every time, and I like the Sig well enough to not look too hard for something “better” just for conventional hunting rigs.

I don’t think they can be found so cheaply anywhere any more, but I also love the Bushnell LRHS 4.5-18x44mm in that class, which I only paid about $100-150 more than the VX3i, and it’s worth that and more to me. I do wish I would have bought 3 of them at the time when they were so cheap.

I’m not and haven’t ever really been a Nikon fan, but I find even the old SF Buckmasters to be brighter than the VX3i. A little more CA, but better resolution and brightness. I just can’t get past the halo headaches Nikons give me. I was thrilled when Leupold announced the “i” versions, improving the glass AND lowering the price point - and I do retain the VX3 2-8x pistol scope remains my favorite handgun scope on the market - but I really think they’re being left behind. EVERYBODY makes good glass these days, and even inexpensive scopes track well, so I’m disappointed the Leupolds haven’t been significantly improved. At least they’re light, and at least they’re cheaper than they used to be.

 

[WrongHanded]

@Varminterror that certainly gives me something to think about. I appreciate the input.

 

[redneck2]

I have multiple VX-3’s. I’ve never really tested them against other brands, but I think the clarity is exceptional. I can usually easily pick out deer before/after legal shooting hours.

Few years back I was hunting a lane in a deep pine woods. It was at the end of shooting time when something came into the lane. Couldn’t tell if it was a cow or deer.

I look through the Leupold, and could not only tell that it was a doe, but I could make out it’s eyes and see the blades of grass and individual weeds around it. Not sure how low light performance could be a lot better than that for the money. As I said, I’ve been impressed with the ruggedness, light weight, and clarity of my VX-3’s so I’ve never searched farther

 

[WrongHanded]

My opinion?

You are goin' the wrong way.

I just tried some snap shooting dry fire with my current set up. On 2x, and then on 3.5x. I've tried this at the 25 yard range before on 2x, and it's comfortable and natural. Same with my Ruger Scout and 2.5x scout scope. Not so comfortable or natural at 3.5x. Both eyes open doesn't seem to work well at that magnification. Which gives more merit to the 2.5-8x scope. Hmmm...

 

[cdb1]

I like VX-3’s a lot. I set and forget though.

 

[Garandimal]

I just tried some snap shooting dry fire with my current set up. On 2x, and then on 3.5x. I've tried this at the 25 yard range before on 2x, and it's comfortable and natural. Same with my Ruger Scout and 2.5x scout scope. Not so comfortable or natural at 3.5x. Both eyes open doesn't seem to work well at that magnification. Which gives more merit to the 2.5-8x scope. Hmmm...

My VX-3i sits on 2.5x... unless I need more.

Then, it usually gets dialed up to ~ 5x (1/2 power/TDC), where the point-to-point fine crosshairs subtend 10 MOA, for wind and range corrections.

A 6" target - is all you really need to hit for precision hunting - and a good hold/shooting position is far more important.




GR

 

[jmr40]

There are better scopes. But Leupold is never a bad choice. Unless you need or want some features available only on a VX3i a $200 VX-Freedom 3-9X40 is the better value. Yes, the VX3i is better, but I'm not sure it's $200-$300 better.

This is actually my favorite hunting scope.

Buy Meopta 3-9x40 MeoPro BDC Rifle Scopes at SWFA.com - SWFA Outdoors

The problem is finding them. They have been out of stock forever. Meopta has been making them for years and have sold them under several brand names. This is the same scope as the discontinued Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40. They still make a Conquest in 3-9X42, but it is a different, much more expensive scope.

At one time Cabelas sold this same scope with their name stamped on it at significantly reduced prices.

Cabela's Instinct HD Rifle Scope | Cabela's

But once again, out of stock.

I have one with Zeiss badging on them and 3 others with Cabelas badging on them. I like them better than Leupold. It might be possible to find one somewhere on the internet with some research. I've seen them show up at times used in the classifieds of various gun forums.

 

[WrongHanded]

I know this would get more attention if I started a new thread with Tijicon in the title, but does anyone have any opinions on the Huron range?

https://www.trijicon.com/products/product-family/trijicon-huron-3-9x40-hunting-riflescope

 

[Ks5shooter]

I have had no issues with the 3i,I own many Leupolds and they have not disappointed.

 

[LoonWulf]

I know this would get more attention if I started a new thread with Tijicon in the title, but does anyone have any opinions on the Huron range?

https://www.trijicon.com/products/product-family/trijicon-huron-3-9x40-hunting-riflescope

My FFL buddy has been trying to convince me to try a Huron....Ive been coming up with reasons not to.

He had an Accupoint for a while, and ive used the Acogs a few times. They are both good optics, but i wasnt thrilled with the image quality given the cost of the scopes.
Hurons are far more affordable, and if the glass is even close to as good as the Accupoint I think they would be a good deal. I WOULD try one but none of them offer an adjustable focus, and thats a deal breaker for me.
The Credo and HX 2.5-15 tho has me intrigued....

 

[WrongHanded]

My FFL buddy has been trying to convince me to try a Huron....Ive been coming up with reasons not to.

He had an Accupoint for a while, and ive used the Acogs a few times. They are both good optics, but i wasnt thrilled with the image quality given the cost of the scopes.
Hurons are far more affordable, and if the glass is even close to as good as the Accupoint I think they would be a good deal. I WOULD try one but none of them offer an adjustable focus, and thats a deal breaker for me.
The Credo and HX 2.5-15 tho has me intrigued....

So... [he said, guiltily] I bought a Huron 3-9X40 with BDC reticle on midway for $520. I found a couple reviews, and decided based on those and what it seems trijicon aimed to accomplish, that it was worth trying out. Based on the specs, it sounds like what I was looking for.

 

[DustyGmt]

There are better scopes. But Leupold is never a bad choice. Unless you need or want some features available only on a VX3i a $200 VX-Freedom 3-9X40 is the better value. Yes, the VX3i is better, but I'm not sure it's $200-$300 better.

This is actually my favorite hunting scope.

Buy Meopta 3-9x40 MeoPro BDC Rifle Scopes at SWFA.com - SWFA Outdoors

The problem is finding them. They have been out of stock forever. Meopta has been making them for years and have sold them under several brand names. This is the same scope as the discontinued Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40. They still make a Conquest in 3-9X42, but it is a different, much more expensive scope.

At one time Cabelas sold this same scope with their name stamped on it at significantly reduced prices.

Cabela's Instinct HD Rifle Scope | Cabela's

But once again, out of stock.

I have one with Zeiss badging on them and 3 others with Cabelas badging on them. I like them better than Leupold. It might be possible to find one somewhere on the internet with some research. I've seen them show up at times used in the classifieds of various gun forums.

Well if anybody sees one of those Instinct HD's for sale let me know. I've been searching for a scope for a while now and it's in my price range, exactly what I want and out of stock. If you find one give me a shout.

 

[LoonWulf]

So... [he said, guiltily] I bought a Huron 3-9X40 with BDC reticle on midway for $520. I found a couple reviews, and decided based on those and what it seems trijicon aimed to accomplish, that it was worth trying out. Based on the specs, it sounds like what I was looking for.

Let me know how you like it. Im really considering buying a Credo.