Before I bought my first VX-3, 3-5-10x40, I had Vari-X 2's and 3's and a few Redfields but for serious hunting I used two Swarovski's, 30 mm 2.2-10x42. They were one heavy scope, and after a few hours they became heavier, but they cut the glare of the sun, let in plenty of light with good definition. Then I bought my first VX-3 Boone & Crockett and discovered it did everything and more than my two Swarovski's at half the weight and soon discovered the Alumina lens covers. I was hooked and both Swarovki's were gone along with the older Leupolds and all but one Redfield on a Savage 99F. My pre-64 M70's all wear Leupolds with Alumina covers except the 220 Swift. I don't have the heart to replace the Lyman 15X SuperTarget Spot scope.
Leupold VX3 scope quality
- Thread starter Rickib
- Start date
The Vari-X line was an excellent scope at that time and still a decent scope today but the VX-3 is a big step up. Improved glass with an improved coating . It cuts the sun glare much better. Better adjustment on the turrets, no need to use a coin. The matt finish is more durable and resistant to finger prints. Both bells are inside threaded to accept alumina lens covers. They are quite a step up from the Vari-X line.
I have SEVERAL VX3i s Leupolds and find them Very Good
what was BAD about yours ?
Maybe Better-certainly not Junk - But look thru a V4 Zeiss and I think better then a Vx5 - just my opinion and the V4s are less $ all just our OpinionsVX3 is junk once you look thru a VX5
I have SEVERAL VX3i s Leupolds and find them Very Good
It was perhaps the darkest scope I have ever looked through.
Even darker than the Redfield’s or bushnell elites I had back in those days.
I also found the fixed paralax to be extremely narrow in depth of field.
Maybe I had a lemon.
But i live and hunt in the Pac NW and scopes need to be as bright as possible.
My shooting partner has adjust the parallax on many a center fire scope for his 22's over the years.
Leupold are the best value for the $$ and an outstanding warranty center here in Canada..Korth Ind are great.
That is of course should you need it (very rare, but not unheard of).
Tight Groups,
Rob
Big JD-From the hills
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Saskatchewan.
was it a genuine unit, or a knockoff?
It was genuine.
I’m thinking a BAD scope
I have three different scopes I use to check rifles with shooting issues I can't readily pinpoint, usually in the form of unexplainable flyers or wandering groups.
The 35 year old VXIII, fixed 4X, is one the scopes set aside because its 40 mm Objective will easily clear most barrels in low or medium rings, with 1 inch bores.
I also have a fixed 4X Burriss, with a 30 mm tube and a Zeiss with a 34mm tube.
All three of these are set aside because they just don't fail under any extremes, from heavy recoil to weather.
Of all three of these scopes, the Leupold likely has the least light transmission capabilities, but more than adequate for "legal light conditions."
When I purchased this scope, it had severe parallax issues, and sent it to Korth for replacement or repair. They replaced the Ocular lens and adjusted the angle on the Objective lens, which they believed was likely set up wrong in the factory. It happens.
I've had a few dozen VXIII scopes over the years, sold most of them, because I just had more than I would need. The units I've kept will be part of my inheritance legacy when I pass.
The tech in the VXIII scopes is very old. The lens quality is quite good, but they haven't upgraded the lenses with the rare earth coatings that allow better light transmission.
Even some of the newer scopes of lesser quality than the Leupolds have more rare earth coatings or glass made along with rare earth supplements. That being said, those lenses may not be as finely ground for sharper clarity, and the uninitiated observer may not be able to discern the differences because of the brighter image.
The 35 year old VXIII, fixed 4X, is one the scopes set aside because its 40 mm Objective will easily clear most barrels in low or medium rings, with 1 inch bores.
I also have a fixed 4X Burriss, with a 30 mm tube and a Zeiss with a 34mm tube.
All three of these are set aside because they just don't fail under any extremes, from heavy recoil to weather.
Of all three of these scopes, the Leupold likely has the least light transmission capabilities, but more than adequate for "legal light conditions."
When I purchased this scope, it had severe parallax issues, and sent it to Korth for replacement or repair. They replaced the Ocular lens and adjusted the angle on the Objective lens, which they believed was likely set up wrong in the factory. It happens.
I've had a few dozen VXIII scopes over the years, sold most of them, because I just had more than I would need. The units I've kept will be part of my inheritance legacy when I pass.
The tech in the VXIII scopes is very old. The lens quality is quite good, but they haven't upgraded the lenses with the rare earth coatings that allow better light transmission.
Even some of the newer scopes of lesser quality than the Leupolds have more rare earth coatings or glass made along with rare earth supplements. That being said, those lenses may not be as finely ground for sharper clarity, and the uninitiated observer may not be able to discern the differences because of the brighter image.
I love them all, vxIII, varix3, Varix3i, varix3hd(I don’t care for the elevation turret on the hd one).
Never had an issue with any of them so far, they seem clear enough for me. I wish they would offer more low magnification scopes like 2.5-8 2-7 1.5-6 etc and no1 German reticle my favorite for hunting. Oh a few gloss scopes options would be great. I like a glossy scope!!
Never had an issue with any of them so far, they seem clear enough for me. I wish they would offer more low magnification scopes like 2.5-8 2-7 1.5-6 etc and no1 German reticle my favorite for hunting. Oh a few gloss scopes options would be great. I like a glossy scope!!
Not junk but better quality lenses; and way more money.VX3 is junk once you look thru a VX5
If you have 1 or 2 guns its not so bad buying 2x 5s ... but if you have several or more, glass price adds up.
To each His Own - what you can afford and/or want or choose to spend. pretty simple
lebluedragon
New member
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
The new VX4HD is a good looking addition, I've been told by Leupold it has VX3HD glass with the VX5HD body.
One thing I know about the VX5HD scope is that it seems to make any rifle look good and I think the glass is solid. The perfect do it all , get it done scope IMO. Is there better, yes.
This new VX4HD seems like a solid choice for a lifetime scope with alot of size options to choose from also. Personally I would say get the VX5HD, buy once, cry once.
I used to be a Leupold hater , but I used to be a Liberal also. Eventually you grow up and see the light lol.
The newer leupold glass is much improved compared to their older stuff.
https://www.leupold.com/shop/riflescopes/series/vx-4hd-rifle-scopes
One thing I know about the VX5HD scope is that it seems to make any rifle look good and I think the glass is solid. The perfect do it all , get it done scope IMO. Is there better, yes.
This new VX4HD seems like a solid choice for a lifetime scope with alot of size options to choose from also. Personally I would say get the VX5HD, buy once, cry once.
I used to be a Leupold hater , but I used to be a Liberal also. Eventually you grow up and see the light lol.
The newer leupold glass is much improved compared to their older stuff.
https://www.leupold.com/shop/riflescopes/series/vx-4hd-rifle-scopes
