Thread: Leupold VX3

If it helps, by way of comparison I own VXIII's in 1.5-5x (x2), 1.75-6x, 2.5-8x, 3.5-10x (x3 all with CDS) and 4.5-14x (both x40 and x50 versions one with CDS and one with M4 turrets).

In terms of some general comments (based on experience and personal preference):

- the 1.5-5x is a brilliant scope and my clear favourite. Always amazing how well you can shoot with a comparatively low powered scope (I have mine on a L46 Vixen 222 and a Kimber custom 375 H&H);

- the 1.75-6x was very disappointing. The factory duplex reticule was terrible (almost no space at all between the respective thicker bars - i.e. the 'inner cross' of the Duplex was tiny). Sent it back and got a wide duplex fitted but it is now a bit the other extreme (currently sitting on a shelf);

- the 2.5-8x is a very good scope. Duplex reticule does suffer slightly as per the 1.75-6x but still very good. If you are putting the scope on a smaller rifle (Model 7/Kimber etc) and a choosing between this and the 3.5-10x would definitely choose the 2.5-8x (I have mine on a Sako L461 222);

- the 3.5-10x is probably my second favourite in the range - very useful magnification range which is probably the best compromise in terms of reticule appearance, weight, size and is a good all round scope (I have mine on a Weatherby Mark V 30 Gibbs, a Tikka T3 6.5x284 and a Remington 700 6.5 Rem Mag custom);

- the 4.5-14x is marginal as an all round scope. Does suffer from a narrower field of view (or more correctly the actual field of view is probably ok but the size of the image in the scope is relatively small - does that make sense?). Not good at short range but excellent at getting the job done for medium to longish range applications (I have mine on a 22-250 and a 6.5WSM).

Hopefully that is useful.

If you are not going to dial and are not going to go to the 'next level again' in terms of cost I would still save up my pennies and buy a Swarvoski 3-9 over either the 3.5-10x or the 2.5-8x above...