Leupold VX-3i with NO side focus?

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evan the cdn

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Do you have an opinion on or experience with Leupold VX-3i scopes that don't have side focus? I'm looking for a small, light scope with good quality glass for my bush gun (CZ527 in 7.62x39). I've already got a set of 1" rings and since there aren't a lot of ring options for the dovetails on this rifle I'd prefer to stick with a 1" tube. I'm considering the either 3.5-10x50mm or 4.5-14x50mm.

www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-3i-3-5-10x50mm

www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-3i-4-5-14x50mm
 
If you are hunting bush it will never be off 3.5, if you want a bush scope go 1 to 4 power:)
 
I'd be happy with the 3.5-10, I'd also encourage you to look at the 2.5-8x36 if you want to stay with the VX3 line. It is among my favorite hunting scopes, although a 2-7 would make me just as happy. I wouldn't sweat the lack of side focus.
 
evan the cdn said:
Do you have an opinion on or experience with Leupold VX-3i scopes that don't have side focus? I'm looking for a small, light scope with good quality glass for my bush gun (CZ527 in 7.62x39). I've already got a set of 1" rings and since there aren't a lot of ring options for the dovetails on this rifle I'd prefer to stick with a 1" tube. I'm considering the either 3.5-10x50mm or 4.5-14x50mm.

www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-3i-3-5-10x50mm

www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-3i-4-5-14x50mm
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I own several Leupold scope and wouldn't hesitate purchasing another one should the time come. I also own scopes with and without a side or front focus.

As for the side focus or front focus... it is used strictly to correct parallax. If you are new to the term parallax then google is your friend and will result in many many articles on this subject. Bottom line is if parallax is not corrected it will be very difficult to get consistent tight groups. If your a precision long range target shooter and OCD on tight groups then side focus is good. BUT if your application is strictly hunting 200 yards or less then stick to a fixed parallax scope.

Leupold is fixed at 150 yards with some exceptions:

45754672615_a2b1aaaac5_b.jpg
 
The ROC said:
... Leupold is fixed at 150 yards with some exceptions: ...
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That's helpful. Thanks.

This rifle is chambered in 7.62x39 so I don't expect to be doing anything beyond 200m other than lobbing bullets at steel every once in a while. I'm going to try the VX-3i 3.5-10x50 (no parallax adjustment). I'll report back here if it's particularly good or bad.
 
I’ve got several of those scopes, they’re great. I would stick with a 40mm objective, especially on a handy 7.62x39 bush carbine.
 
bcsteve said:
I’ve got several of those scopes, they’re great. I would stick with a 40mm objective, especially on a handy 7.62x39 bush carbine.
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With the design of the action on the CZ527, the bolt handle ends up being the limiting factor for how low you can mount a scope. The medium rings necessary to clear the bolt handle mean there's room for a 50mm objective lens as-is. I suppose a 40mm would have made the package 5mm shorter in height but I'm willing to sacrifice that 5mm to have slightly brighter glass. ...or at least that's the idea. We'll see how it goes when it arrives.
 
For my 308 Tikka T3x Battue I mounted a Leupold VX2 2-7 x 33 under 200 yards as well as plinking gongs. No issues with parallax.
 
I mounted a 2-7x33 Leupold lightweight on a Ruger 77 Compact 7.62x39. I was able to mount it nice and low with a great cheek weld and used the combo to drop a whitetail at just over 300 yards.
 
propliner said:
I mounted a 2-7x33 Leupold lightweight on a Ruger 77 Compact 7.62x39. I was able to mount it nice and low with a great cheek weld and used the combo to drop a whitetail at just over 300 yards.
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I had a VX-3 on a model 7 in 6mm and it was a nice setup but the extra size and weight seemed unnecessary compared to the smaller lightweight. Oops, it's too early, didn't mean to quote myself lol.
 
propliner said:
I mounted a 2-7x33 Leupold lightweight on a Ruger 77 Compact 7.62x39. I was able to mount it nice and low with a great cheek weld and used the combo to drop a whitetail at just over 300 yards.
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I wouldn't recommend that for most people. The minimum energy most people consider ethical for mid size game is 1,200 ft/lbs, some go as low as 1,000 ft/lbs. At 300 yards with most 7.62x39 your under 700 ft/lbs.
 
evan the cdn said:
I wouldn't recommend that for most people. The minimum energy most people consider ethical for mid size game is 1,200 ft/lbs, some go as low as 1,000 ft/lbs. At 300 yards with most 7.62x39 your under 700 ft/lbs.
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I wouldn't recommend it either but it was a one-shot kill through both lungs. I hunt deer with a .260 now because long shots do present themselves in the bush from time to time. It's still a Ruger Compact with a Leupold 3-9x33 ultralight, however.
 
Do some research and learn what parallax is and what causes it. An adjustable objective is worthwhile on a high-magnification scope mounted on a long-range outfit. Your gun is about the exact opposite of that. At the ranges you will be shooting an adjustable parallax setting is nothing but a waste of time.

Remember that parallax error is not always present; it is introduced when your eye is not properly centered behind the scope eyepiece. If your eye is centered and you see a round image surrounded by a round black circle (in other words, if you have good form) then parallax error does not exist. Properly positioning your head behind a properly-mounted scope on a rifle that fits you reasonably well...or, in other words, shooting correctly...eliminates parallax.
 
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