Leupold VARI X-III or VX-3
- Thread starter rock_o
- Start date
Terry Perkins
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Bruce County
Age. VARI-X-III is the predecessor to the VX-3.
Wrong Way
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
close....but not quite. The Vari-X-III is the predecessor to the VX-III which is the predecessor to the VX-3
And there ARE differences besides age...for example, the Vari-X scopes do not have click turrets...turning them is smooth lie a volume knob...adjusting is done by eye.
Wrong Way
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
when the vx3 was introduced, these are some of the changes they mentioned.
Leupold is making the following claims for the new vx3 scopes:
-The Xtended Twilight Lens System™ optimizes the transmission of low-light wavelengths, so you see the details of low-light scenes in greater, brighter detail than with any other riflescope available.
-DiamondCoat 2™ lens coatings on exterior lens surfaces provide the highest level of scratch resistance Leupold has ever offered.
-The twin bias spring exerts up to 30 percent more holding force on the erector, virtually eliminating erector system backlash and stress on the vital internal workings of the scope, for longer life.
-Blackened lens edges reduce light diffusion, so more usable light reaches the shooter’s eye, for a brighter image with increased contrast.
Illuminated models feature second generation LED technology, nearly twice as bright as previous models, with multiple intensity settings for precise shot placement in low-light situations.
-A durable Leupold Scope Cover is included to protect your valuable VX-3 riflescope during transport or when not in use.
-Incredibly rugged, with absolute waterproof integrity using Leupold's proprietary Argon/Krypton gas blend.
Leupold is making the following claims for the new vx3 scopes:
-The Xtended Twilight Lens System™ optimizes the transmission of low-light wavelengths, so you see the details of low-light scenes in greater, brighter detail than with any other riflescope available.
-DiamondCoat 2™ lens coatings on exterior lens surfaces provide the highest level of scratch resistance Leupold has ever offered.
-The twin bias spring exerts up to 30 percent more holding force on the erector, virtually eliminating erector system backlash and stress on the vital internal workings of the scope, for longer life.
-Blackened lens edges reduce light diffusion, so more usable light reaches the shooter’s eye, for a brighter image with increased contrast.
Illuminated models feature second generation LED technology, nearly twice as bright as previous models, with multiple intensity settings for precise shot placement in low-light situations.
-A durable Leupold Scope Cover is included to protect your valuable VX-3 riflescope during transport or when not in use.
-Incredibly rugged, with absolute waterproof integrity using Leupold's proprietary Argon/Krypton gas blend.
Wrong Way
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Huh....turns out we're both right (or wrong if you are a pessimist ) 
My google foo tells me that the III's did switch to clicks about 1/3 into production....so it's a crapshoot when buying used unless you ask.
My google foo tells me that the III's did switch to clicks about 1/3 into production....so it's a crapshoot when buying used unless you ask.
Last edited:
Yep, just like it says on the dial 1 click = 1/4 min
Wrong Way
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
ALBERTA BOY
Regular
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
Damn right.
"http://leupold.com/resources/faqs/
•Though the Rifleman line of scopes uses a different maintube (for aesthetic reasons), it is optically the same as the Vari-X II (discontinued for 2001). The adjustments are exactly the same as the Vari-X II (MOA friction) as are the lenses and coatings. All lenses, internal and external, are coated with magnesium fluoride. Basically, the Rifleman is a newer-looking matte finish version of the Vari-X II that helped build the Leupold reputation. It is important to note that Custom Shop options (reticle changes, target adjustment installation, etc.) are not available for the Rifleman line of scopes."
The new VX-1 (number not numeral) is far ahead of these (and the rifleman) scopes. Blackened edge lead free lenses, lighter, click adjustments, supports CDS, better coatings, etc etc etc
If you note that the VX-1 is superior then obviously the VX-3 will be too. It features the fast focus eye piece, diamond guard coating, and dual erectors.
Mostly because people don't know the difference. They look at WSS site and see a VX3 going for $750, so they ask $450 for their used vari-x, and someone else that knows no better, pays it.
Knowing the differences, I wouldn't pay more than $200 shipped for ANY vari-x III and wouldnt even buy a vari-x II anymore, as the new VX1 can be had for $269.
slow down boys!! the older vari-x scopes were better than the newer vx scopes that followed by a long shot. Leupold went through a stage of we must compete with Bushnell for price!! The vx's had better specs on the glass but the internal mechanics were #### and frought with problems. If you want a scope that you can bang around in the truck, throw in the gun scabbord on the quad then boot around the forest and not loose aimpoint, buy an old vari-x and that is why an old whitetop like me will pay more for an old one :>))) To many of the hunting Leupold crowd were finding this out hence the introduction of the most recent line, VX something or other? The new line of scopes I'm sure will be the best of all 3, but time will tell. You can always tell by reading between the marketing lines what problems were fixed, the one liner about internal components says it all. IMHO
