VXI vs. VXII

[Redrider]

I want to get a Leupold scope, my budget will permiit about $250. I'm shooting a 30-06 at everything from predators to elk so a long shot could possibly come up, 300 yards would be long for me. The VXI in 4-12 for $250, or the VXII in 3-9 for $270, those are the choices I've been looking pretty hard at. I like the higher power of the 4-12X but does the higher optical quality of the VXII 3-9X outweigh the extra 3-power of the VXI??? I have a M8-4X now but want something with more magnification, I don't have the best vision. Thanks, look forward to your comments!!!

 

[Bottom Gun]

I have one of each in 3-9 power and am hard pressed to see any difference. I haven't compared them in low light yet though. Maybe the difference will be more apparent then.

 

[SADshooter]

Redrider:

I've been in a similar boat. I've been shooting a Rem. 700 in .243 with a 3x9 VX-II. My vision isn't great, and about a month ago I shot a spike buck I genuinely thought was a doe at 100 yds. I decided I need more glass. I'm going to get a VX-II 6x18 or VX-III 6.5X20 as funds permit.

I would suggest that you save the additional money and get more scope than you think you need. Perhaps 4x14?

 

[cratz2]

Lots of people have been very well served with 3x or 4x scopes let alone 2-7x or 3-9x. The best shooter I am personal friends with uses a 6x fixed power at 400 yards in his primary benchrest rifle and can keep his shots inside 3" at 400 yards almost all the time. His 6.5x284 that he has competed with at 1,000 yards has a 10x scope.

If you can see what you want to see at the distances you are planning on hunting at with your scope, get a pair of binoculars. There are a lot of drawbacks to a 14x scope on an elk/predator rifle.

My best advice is a Weaver Grand Slam 3-10x40. Comparable (better to my eyes) to VariX III. Available from BearBasin or SWFA for under $250.

 

[TooTech]

You should be able to find a Nikon Monarch scope on eBay that's in your price range.

Great scopes!

 

[YodaVader]

If I understand correctly - the VX-I still uses the old style friction style adjustments. Also has magnesium fluoride lens coatings. The VX-II uses click adjustments and Multi-Coat 4 lens coatings which is the same used on the Vari-X IIIs. Some of the VX-IIs also available with adjustable objective.