Leupold Vari-X III scopes

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Aabradsh

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Hey guys

I just picked up a Sako Forester in .308 and am looking to top it with a gloss finish Leupold, to keep with the gloss bluing and walnut look.

I’ve seen a few Leupold Vari-X IIIs for sale and am wondering how they compare to the more modern Leupolds? I currently have a VX-3i and and VX-2 (both matte finish) that I’ve had for quite a while and am very pleased with.

Any experience or thoughts would be appreciated.
 
imo they dont compare to the equivalent current model. But its still a decent scope that you can get at a really good price as people upgrade.

I have a varx iii 6.5x20 efr on a 22lr. Its good enough for me to spot hits at 200 on most days. I had a vxiii 6.5x20 that was both brighter and sharper image than the varix.
Not to knock down the varix. Its got a crisp image through the entire magnification range unlike one guys nikon monarch 6x24 that went fuzzy after 20x or so.

From what i've read, the old models glass is supposedly equivalent to 1 level down of the newer model. eg varxiii to vxii.
 
The Vari X-III scopes are good, rugged scopes that have stood the test of time for most that have owned/still own them. I still have two; 1.5-5x20, one mounted on my BLR in 358 and the other mounted on my LH Ruger M77 in 376 Steyr. A scope that has stood the tests of time on many dangerous game rifles in Africa.
Others have been replaced on rifles over the years to VX-111 or VX-3's with the B&C reticles.

As stated above, the older VX-3 is now equivalent to todays VX-2, which is to say that it is still very good glass, in a light weight, fairly compact scope that works well on most hunting rifles. Not lots of bells and whistles, but will get the job done without a lot of fuss.

The main difference is going to be the coatings on the lenses, with the newer versions having better quality coatings, improving light transmission under low light conditions, and scratch resistance. The next difference is going to be in the adjustments. Friction adjustment that requires a screwdriver or a larger coin vs click adjustments you can do with your fingers.
 
Good scopes but guys are asking a lot for them. I honestly think the vx-freedoms are similar in quality. They go quick on the ee if well priced
 
I believe that some of the later Vari-X III models had click adjustments. I'll have to look at mine.

I have Vari-X III and VX3 scopes. They're both my first choice of scopes and can usually be had used for very good prices.
 
I have an early 1980s Vari-X II on top of a contemporary rifle. On paper, the new ones are far superior. In practice at the range and actual hunting I find it the same or better than the new ones. YMMV but I think they're wonderful.
 
I have lots of Leupold scopes, some old fix some variable in the vari x3i some vari x II and III and even a rifleman and to be honest even the rifle man is a good scope or at least for hunting purposes! There is a lot of stuff on paper that looks impressive that in real life is actually marginal/not noticeable! But like other said that is just my opinion and observation! That said I never set eyes through a night force or Swarovski Leica or high end Zeiss…
 
Vari-x III are nice scopes in their time. Pretty reliable and pair up nice with a classic rifle. Getting harder to find in real nice shape so they often bring more than they’re worth. Nice old scope.
 
I like them as much as a vX3i or HD. The early ones had friction turrets, the later had click. Wouldn’t hesitate to use one in any situation.
Gloss ones are indeed hard to find in good condition.
 
I have got myself terribly confused over the years over the various similar sounding names that Leupold gave their various scope lines, over the years. This chart used to be on Internet somewhere - not finding it any more to know exactly where - but I actually refer to it several times a year when looking at scope prices. Maybe others will find it useful for which version had which features. As you can maybe see, a Vari-X II is not same as VX-II, and is not same as VX-2. Was two versions of VX-I and two versions of Vari-X III - different features, depending which year it was made - I do not think they are actually equivalent to each other, although they have the same model name??

I do go to Leupold website under FAQ - can usually find year of manufacture based on letter prefix or suffix of the scope's serial number. Some may not know of that resource?

Leupold Scope Chart.jpg
 

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DGY said:
I have lots of Leupold scopes, some old fix some variable in the vari x3i some vari x II and III and even a rifleman and to be honest even the rifle man is a good scope or at least for hunting purposes! There is a lot of stuff on paper that looks impressive that in real life is actually marginal/not noticeable! But like other said that is just my opinion and observation! That said I never set eyes through a night force or Swarovski Leica or high end Zeiss…
Click to expand...

I agree with most of this. I have used German scopes as well, the glass is better generally. I can see in some hunting situations where that would be a plus. Hasn't happened to me yet in regular hunting situations. Dusk or dawn for varmints though, more light transmission really does help. FWIW - dan
 
DGY said:
I have lots of Leupold scopes, some old fix some variable in the vari x3i some vari x II and III and even a rifleman and to be honest even the rifle man is a good scope or at least for hunting purposes! There is a lot of stuff on paper that looks impressive that in real life is actually marginal/not noticeable! But like other said that is just my opinion and observation! That said I never set eyes through a night force or Swarovski Leica or high end Zeiss…
Click to expand...

I was interested in comparing the Leupolds to Nightforce, Swarovski, Zeiss and Kahles.
I spent some time at the range with my mentor working on several rifles for load development for customers at the LGS, and performing scope assessments of the various scopes mentioned (our own unscientific field test). Scopes used for comparison were of the same configuration (1" tubes with same sized objective lenses - 50mm, set at same magnification levels (7x) for best apples-to-apples comparisons. After a few range sessions lasting hours apiece and covering bright sunny conditions, to cloudy overcast and first and last light scenarios, we found that the Kahles had the best low light resolutions and definition, and that the Swarovskis and Zeiss were very comparable and gave great performance. Just did not give as good as the Kahles. Nightforce and Leupold were definitely not in the same class, but still performed well overall. But it was clear that for twice the price, you were getting the same low light resolution and definition between these two, but not as good as the higher end glass.

For me, I ended up buying 2 Leupolds (VX-L's w/ 50mm objectives) for same price as one Nightforce after this, as I could not afford 2 Kahles or Swarovskis at that time.

Since then, I have purchased Kahles, Swarovski (Z3 and 5) and a Schmidt & Bender. But I still own several Leupold VX-III and VX-3 scopes, and a VX-5HD. All great scopes that have given me years of solid, dependable performance. I have now upgraded most to those w/ B&C reticles, except for the 2, 1.5-5 scopes.
 
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