Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8 x 36 Opinions

Dissenting opinion here. I used to use the VX-3i version, I had two of them until mid-2019. I realized that the objective size was dumb for my use cases - sure the scope was compact but I could never get it mounted low enough to take advantage of the smaller objective. All of my "low" scope rings/mounting solutions have more than enough clearance for 40mm objectives, so dropping down to a 36mm seemed like a waste (including an M70 Featherweight with low Talleys - it's wearing a Burris 2-10x40mm with plenty of clearance) and came with more limited mounting length. With an actual magnification range of 2.6-7.8, it's not much better at short range than a 3-9, and it's worse at long range. The weight difference of a few ounces here or there never bothered me and was more a consideration of my own fitness level than anything - if I wasn't able to carry it all day without huffing and puffing then it's not the scope's fault.

That said, the scope itself as a device is quite nice, the glass is good and the adjustments are nice and tactile without being obnoxiously audible. It's built as well as any Leupold (very well) and has a great warranty that I've never had to use.
 
mikeyb said:
Dissenting opinion here. I used to use the VX-3i version, I had two of them until mid-2019. I realized that the objective size was dumb for my use cases - sure the scope was compact but I could never get it mounted low enough to take advantage of the smaller objective. All of my "low" scope rings/mounting solutions have more than enough clearance for 40mm objectives, so dropping down to a 36mm seemed like a waste (including an M70 Featherweight with low Talleys - it's wearing a Burris 2-10x40mm with plenty of clearance) and came with more limited mounting length. With an actual magnification range of 2.6-7.8, it's not much better at short range than a 3-9, and it's worse at long range. The weight difference of a few ounces here or there never bothered me and was more a consideration of my own fitness level than anything - if I wasn't able to carry it all day without huffing and puffing then it's not the scope's fault.

That said, the scope itself as a device is quite nice, the glass is good and the adjustments are nice and tactile without being obnoxiously audible. It's built as well as any Leupold (very well) and has a great warranty that I've never had to use.
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Thanks Mikeyb, I appreciate your view from the other side
 
I seem to recall thinking that the 2.5-8x36mm would not fit my M70 Long Action as the tube was too short, which is why I bought the 3.5-10x40mm - there may be an offset ring or base that would allow it to fit though - hopefully someone else can chime in and clear this up.
 
time4t said:
Interesting points by Mikeyb. The key is to use what suits your style and requirements. I checked the clearance on my 70 fwt short actions with the vx3i 2.5-8x36 mm scope and- at the bell, near the barrel taper -I have barely 2 mm clearance and at the power adjustment ring I have 1.5 mm- using leupold std mounts and low rings. A 3-9x40 mm leupold vx2 will also fit without contact, due to the longer tube, but it has to be just so to avoid contact. A pleasant and civil thread for a change, regards.
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Looks like it will be a tight fit then but I can always go back to the 3.5-10x40 if necessary.

Thanks for taking the time to measure.
 
I have an older VX3 2.5-8 on a Win Stainless Model 70 in .338 Win. I think it is a perfect scope for most hunting and I like the heavy duplex reticle. I first tried low dual dovetail bases and rings but there was an issue because of the short tube. Leupold was very kind and sent me a set of extended bases which worked perfectly. My featherweight in .308 has a VX3 1.5-5 on Conetrol mounts and I really like it, but with a .270, I'd probably prefer the extra magnification at the top end. That said, most of the time I have the scope set at the lowest magnification and have shot most game at that setting.
 
littlehughey said:
I seem to recall thinking that the 2.5-8x36mm would not fit my M70 Long Action as the tube was too short, which is why I bought the 3.5-10x40mm - there may be an offset ring or base that would allow it to fit though - hopefully someone else can chime in and clear this up.
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Well, we will soon see as I have one on the way.

I guess I can always buy another gun to fit the scope lol.

Thanks for your input littlehughey
 
John_B said:
I have an older VX3 2.5-8 on a Win Stainless Model 70 in .338 Win. I think it is a perfect scope for most hunting and I like the heavy duplex reticle. I first tried low dual dovetail bases and rings but there was an issue because of the short tube. Leupold was very kind and sent me a set of extended bases which worked perfectly. My featherweight in .308 has a VX3 1.5-5 on Conetrol mounts and I really like it, but with a .270, I'd probably prefer the extra magnification at the top end. That said, most of the time I have the scope set at the lowest magnification and have shot most game at that setting.
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Thanks for your input John_B, I have low Talley’s but may have to try another route
 
My featherweights wear either the 2.5-8 or the 3.5-10. I did have to use a weaver rail on a long action featherweight due to the shorter length of the 2.5-8, but other than that I have always been pretty pleased with them. I really don’t think you can go wrong. They are light weight and stand the test of time for any rifle who’s primary intent is hunting.
 
meatsticks said:
My featherweights wear either the 2.5-8 or the 3.5-10. I did have to use a weaver rail on a long action featherweight due to the shorter length of the 2.5-8, but other than that I have always been pretty pleased with them. I really don’t think you can go wrong. They are light weight and stand the test of time for any rifle who’s primary intent is hunting.
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Thanks meatsticks, I will keep that in mind
 
The 2.5-8x36 is my favorite for my hunting rifles. Good out to 500 yards. The new HD is pretty nice because it comes with the CDS. I have the older i and had Korth install a CDS. I have a 3.5-10x40 and it seems giant compared the compact 2.5-8.
 
Jut said:
The 2.5-8x36 is my favorite for my hunting rifles. Good out to 500 yards. The new HD is pretty nice because it comes with the CDS. I have the older i and had Korth install a CDS. I have a 3.5-10x40 and it seems giant compared the compact 2.5-8.
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Thanks Jut
 
if you need low light specs my vx3 not hd is one of the best with a german 4 reticle. the previous varix III in german 1 was better than the other reticles up to the last version of that scope (not the hd) except the one with the 4 on it.
 
medvedqc said:
if you need low light specs my vx3 not hd is one of the best with a german 4 reticle. the previous varix III in german 1 was better than the other reticles up to the last version of that scope (not the hd) except the one with the 4 on it.
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Good to know medvedqc, thanks for your input
 
The old vx3 2.5-8x36 is one of my all time favourite scopes. This fall, I shot a big mulie in northern Alberta (at 370 yards) with it. Both shots landed in the vitals. The second one was not needed, but the deer was still standing and my hunting partner, who was spotting me, told me to shoot again, when he saw the deer flinch. Both shots landed within 3 inches of one another. I never felt the need for more magnification. Great scope!
 
pacobillie said:
The old vx3 2.5-8x36 is one of my all time favourite scopes. This fall, I shot a big mulie in northern Alberta (at 370 yards) with it. Both shots landed in the vitals. The second one was not needed, but the deer was still standing and my hunting partner, who was spotting me, told me to shoot again, when he saw the deer flinch. Both shots landed within 3 inches of one another. I never felt the need for more magnification. Great scope!
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Great to hear and nice shooting pacobillie
 
I ended up getting a VX3i 2.5-8 x 36 non CDS from another Gunnut (Starvin)- thanks again

It seems to just fit and have just enough eye relief in the low Talley/Winchester lightweight rings.

I did notice Talley offers an extra low extended version so may give that a try down the road.

Thanks everyone for you contributions

Good Shooting
 
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