VX3 thoughts

[icon308win]

I saw a VX3 and was quite impressed by it Im looking for one to go on my 308
Im considering the 2.5X8x36 or the 3.5 X10 x40 where I hunt is mostly in the woods average shot be around 50 to 75 yds any recommendations

 

[lhead71]

If most of your shots are 50 to 75 yards go with a fixed power 4X or a 1.5-4X variable. You don't need that much power in a scope for those distances. I have a 1.5-4x on my .35 Whelen and I can ring a 6" steel gong at 400 yards with it. I have a 3.5-10X on my .260 Rem and I am beginning to believe that 4x is plenty for shooting game out to 400 yards. If you are looking to make small holes then a larger variable is the way to go.

 

[icon308win]

ihead I had thought of that it just concerns me if I was to go elsewhere and hunt it might be more open

 

[a-sheepdog]

I think that you will be happy with a VX-3, but you might also look at the Zeiss Conquest line in a 3-9x40. I like Zeiss and seldom ever shoot above 6 power no matter the distance.

 

[JDGray]

Like my 2 VXIII scopes Either size would work, but the 2.5-8 would be better in the woods.

 

[rbernie]

My favorite hunting optic was the VX3 1.75x-6x/32. It might be worth a call to Leupold to see if it's still available from their custom shop.

 

[Walkalong]

Im considering the 2.5X8x36

I have an older Vari X III 2.5X8X36 on my .308 and I love it.

This VX-3 1.75-6x 32 is on my gotta have one day list. It would be sweet on my Marlin .35 Remington.

where I hunt is mostly in the woods average shot be around 50 to 75 yds any recommendations

Definitely the lower power scopes.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Im considering the 2.5X8x36 or the 3.5 X10 x40 where I hunt is mostly in the woods average shot be around 50 to 75 yds any recommendations

I have a VX-II 4-12x on my .375 RUM and a VX-III 4.5-14x on my .25-06, but out here, cross-canyon or open plains shots can easily reach over 400 yards.

One of the reasons I like higher magnification is that I prefer fairly compact binoculars for glassing until I spot something, then use the riflescope to determine finer details (number of points or even presence of antlers, for example).

That said, I'm running the 2-7x US-made Redfield that came with my 8mm mag for a season or two before I decide whether or not to upgrade.

If I were equipping for dense woods and under 100 yard shots, well, I'd probably stick with open sights, to be honest. But if you think you may end up hunting somewhere that 200 or 300 yards shots might be necessary, I think the 2.5-8x would be a good bet. Compact unit, 2.5x is low enough for the closest of shots, and 8x will take you out there pretty far.

 

[icon308win]

I do like the 2.5 _8 x36 how would it perform in low light being just 36 mm? My only concern is like lining up at 100 yds not the best eyes

 

[jmr40]

The 2.5-8X is about perfect. While a fixed 4X or a 1.5-4X variable sounds good a fixed 4X it is too much power for close in work. The only problem I have with 1.5-4X variables is that most have only a 20mm front objective. The 36mm objective will let in more light than you can use until well past legal shooting time. Not so with 20mm objectives.

I have that exact scope on several rifles, have used them for years and consider them the perfect all around scope.

 

[OhioChief]

I've got a Vortex Viper 1-4x24. Love it.

 

[Walkalong]

I do like the 2.5 _8 x36 how would it perform in low light being just 36 mm?

http://www.shootingtimes.com/2011/01/03/optics_opticpupil_061907/

http://www.nikon.com/products/sportoptics/how_to/guide/binoculars/basic/basic_05.htm

14.4 MM exit pupil at 2.5X and 4.5MM at 8X

At 5X you have a 7.2MM exit pupil, and 7MM is all the human eye can take advantage of, according to the experts.

That, coupled with the excellent Leupold glass, should be plenty good enough.

 

[45crittergitter]

I have a couple of Vari-X III scopes in 2.5-8x36 and absolutely love them. They're not supposed to be as good as the VX-III or VX-3. At the time, this scope was reportedly the brightest made by Leupold, so quit worrying about low light. They are very bright and will easily work past legal shooting time. Also, I've killed deer in heavy brush at under 10 yards with them, so they're not too much power for close range, but are also very effective beyond my (and most people's) abilities at long range. FWIW, I sent them back to Leupold for the heavy duplex reticle (for low light visibility), which wasn't offered in this scope from the factory. A bonus is they're small and light and don't make your rifle clunky and top heavy, and you get to mount them very low for easy eye alignment and cheekweld.

 

[icon308win]

thank you really what im leaning towards just wasn't sure about low light

 

[boltgunner93]

I've got a Vortex DiamondBack 3-9x40 on my Icon chambered in .308. I hunt in similar situations most of the time. I agree with a-sheepdog, when hunting in the woods I keep mine set at 6x so that I still get a crystal clear sight picture from around 10 yards (or less) but still enough magnification to shoot out to 150 yards if the opportunity presents itself.

Good Hunting.

(sweet gun by the way!)