I have owned many VXII, VXIII, VX2, VX3, and Mark 4 models. The VXIII was my mainstay for hunting. Great optics and I recommend them to any of my friends and colleagues that ask for input. Most of my main hunting rifles are now topped with a Swarovski but I still keep an older VariX on a Husky. I am a huge fan of the Swarovski Z3 and Z5 lines. Excellent quality and clarity. I like the simplicity of the Leupold and Swarovski hunting optics. Some companies put too much emphasis on knobs, turrets, and complicated reticles that are aimed at the trailer-park snipers. Those design traits have their place on a real tactical optic.
Leupold Scopes
- Thread starter powdergun
- Start date
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
When you boil the water off, this is pretty much 100%.
I have always found that, at any given price point, Leupolds tend to have better eye relief and lighter weight than most of the competition, and optical quality that is at least competitive. They also tend to have shorter and slimmer eyepiece assemblies, allowing for more forward placement to take advantage of the eye relief and also less interference with bolt handles. And, yes, they haven't resonated with the long-range hunters as well as some other brands. They have reticles designed for hunters; you don't need to consult an app on your phone to aim with one, and it isn't like looking at a map of Brooklyn.
Every time I read about a "long-range hunter" who is assembling a lightweight sniping/mountain rifle, and is uncertain if dropping down to a 5-25x scope with a 56mm objective will be too much of an optical compromise....it makes me want to get another 2.5-8x or 3.5-10x Leupold.
Every time I read about a "long-range hunter" who is assembling a lightweight sniping/mountain rifle, and is uncertain if dropping down to a 5-25x scope with a 56mm objective will be too much of an optical compromise....it makes me want to get another 2.5-8x or 3.5-10x Leupold.
and..... gun shows - I've seen a few like a brand new Vx3i 3.5-10x40 for $250.00 with an "all sales final notice" on his table.
as others have said buy from a reputable dealer - those that get burned buying a fake Leupold are usually the one's that are looking for a smoking deal (too good to be true) scenario.
I seem to recall a thread from a few years ago that talked about a major retailer (Bass Pro?) that was selling legitimate Leupold products...but ones which had not been imported by the correct factory-authorized distributor, and which were therefore not covered by Leupold's Canadian warranty service.
I'm not sure what the current status is- haven't bought Leupold anything for years- but Prophet River purchased Leupold scopes were in similar limbo for a time there.
I seem to recall a thread from a few years ago that talked about a major retailer (Bass Pro?) that was selling legitimate Leupold products...but ones which had not been imported by the correct factory-authorized distributor, and which were therefore not covered by Leupold's Canadian warranty service.
I believe that is no longer the case. As far as I know Korth will now repair any Leupold scope they get into their shop. It doesn't matter where it came from or if you purchased it new or used. As long as it isn't counterfeit they will take care of it for you. I have had good luck with them and had my scope back in about a week, repaired at no cost.
I can't fault the Leopold's I have and have had, whatsoever. Last few I put on have been Zeiss and Swaro, and in comparison to my 30yrs old Leupold's they blew the doors off them. I have a 2-7x36 and a 3-9x40 that are "Gold Rings" as far as I remember, both have taken a beating and kept on ticking. I picked up a V3i and a Z3 together last year in 2.5-10x42, the Z3 leaves the V3i in the dust so to speak, I put the Z3 on a #1 in 7-08, V3i is on the shelf waiting something to be put onto, maybe my other 7-08. This year I picked up a Delta Stryker 4.5-30x56, haven't seen it yet, I expect good things from it though. Leupold wasn't really even a consideration for me though, this time around. There really is a heck of a lot of good stuff out there.
