Leupold VX-3 or VX-3L?

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VinnyQC

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I can get either the Leupold VX-3 (3.5-10x50) for 800$ or the VX-3L (4.5-14x50) for 880$. The VX-3L has a much higher MSRP than that, but it looks weird (I guess they didn't sell super well due to their weird shape). Any opinion on the choice between the two? I'm gonna use it for hunting on a tikka T3, 300WSM. I expect to pretty be using the low end of magnification (3-6X), so the higher magnification of the VX3L isn't really relevant.

Al Flaherty offers what seems like a sweet deal for a Bushnell 4500 with rings and a sling for 570$ (let's suppose scope by itself is 550$). Also offers a Bushnell Elite 6500 for 735$. Lower price range but similar quality? I've checked them in a local store but there's so much light in that place that even a cheap airsoft scope seems perfect, can't make any difference between a 2000$ piece and a 100$ piece when in there.

Both Leupold are at the upper end of my price range (I paid less than 700$ for the rifle, tax and shipping included, so paying roughly the same for the scope seems reasonnable), but I'd be willing to hear suggestion if you have any in my price range (or a bit less).

Thanks everyone.


Vinny
 
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Of the options and prices you listed, I'd go with the bushnell 6500. I'd actually choose the 2.5-16x42 for $705 as its 3 ounces lighter, you can mount it lower, and the field of view is nearly identical. I can't see any improvement in the 50mm objective over the 42mm in the magnification range you are looking at.

My first option for $800 or less would likely be a used Leupold 4.5-14 off the EE. Lifetime warranty, I haven't had many brand new Leupold s over the years.
 
Dogleg said:
If you want a 50 mm objective lens I'd go with the VXL. They are friggen
awesome, and mount in low rings.
Click to expand...

What dogleg said,
you will notice the diff in the 50mm bell in low light , I think there to big for the diff and the odd time you need the extra light
EXCEPT with the vxL , all it takes is once
 
When you install the VX-3L in the barrel-scraping low way it's capable of, it doesn't look weird...it looks awesome!
 
So I went to the local store to check the VX-3 and the VX-3L. There seems to be absolutely 0 downside to the L serie. Other than the price. The objective is actually a bit larger on the VX-3L than on the VX-3, so it compensates for the "notch" that is removed.

The 50mm looks like a minimum to me. In a forest, even daylight can be a bit dark, so 30 minutes after sundown can be almost pitch black. Maybe I'm crazy, maybe my eyes just aren't so good anymore. Weight isn't much of a concern though, I'm big enough that even when carrying the 26'' barrel of the tikka I look like King Kong waving a tooth pick.

I've checked the EE, and there's a boatload of VX2, not so many VX3. I'll keep checking though, since there's the lifetime guarantee, used might be a good idea.
 
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