Leupold

boxhitch said:
so no fault of the Leu, it just an 'I dont like it' ?
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Correct. Nothing wrong with the "feature". Just not something I want or am looking for in most hunting optics.

For the vast majority of my hunting rifles I want something trim, light, dependable, nice looking, with decent glass - which I think the VX-3 series does better than most on the market.

I think the CDS is driven by the long range/PRS trend, which is more suitable to bigger, bulkier scopes than the VX-3 series.
 
diemaco said:
Correct. Nothing wrong with the "feature". Just not something I want or am looking for in most hunting optics.

For the vast majority of my hunting rifles I want something trim, light, dependable, nice looking, with decent glass - which I think the VX-3 series does better than most on the market.

I think the CDS is driven by the long range/PRS trend, which is more suitable to bigger, bulkier scopes than the VX-3 series.
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I had the CDS on a couple of 6.5-20-x40 varmint scopes and it wasn`t worth crap because it wouldn`t track properly.
 
I still have not had a custom CDS dial cut for any of my Leupolds, but I prefer the simplicity of the B&C reticle, which most of my Leupolds have, other than a few with the Firedot reticle on rifles that are meant for closer range hunting (300 yards or less). And a couple of those won't be hunted past 150 yards due to the cartridge limitations. I haven't even dialed the turret on my VX-5 or 6HD scopes as they have the B&C or Firedot reticles, depending on the cartridge of the rifle they are mounted on. (Who knows...I may eventually try one for the 6.5 or 7mm PRC...but as I can only practice to 500 yards on my local range, and 400 on a neighbouring range I use, I really do not have the need, unless I want to practice further in the backcountry where I have a suitable backstop.)

After 38 years of hunting big game, from the dark timber to the open plains and alpine, and shots as close as 5 yards and out to as far as 475, my average shot distance is just 132 yards. I have only taken 5 animals at 300 yards or further. As most of my scopes are zeroed for 200 yards, and a few for 100 yards, it is only on the rare occasion that I need the B&C reticle, but it is nice to have if needed, and for the practice to build skill and confidence and keep it sharp.

In the end, I too am a set it and forget it practitioner. (And it has been a long time since I performed a tracking exercise on any scope, or felt compelled to do so.)
 
I have a vx3, three vx3i’s , and a vx3 hd. The vx3i’s have capped turrets, which is what I prefer, because I don’t really need to be cranking on them. I hated the original dial on the vx3 because it didn’t have a zero stop, and you could crank it a full turn in either direction and you’d have no idea. I ordered the custom dial for it, which has a zero stop, and it’s not a bother now. I do fiddle with it once in a while when I go to the range, and it always returns to zero. I’m well pleased with them, and will buy more.
 
Awhile back I got sick of the tiny Allan screws on the CDS dials and drilled and tapped the dials to the next bigger screw. Since I was already on a roll, I used the original screws to convert the original MOA dials to zero stop. Its not particularly hard to do and cost exactly nothing.
 
Dogleg said:
Awhile back I got sick of the tiny Allan screws on the CDS dials and drilled and tapped the dials to the next bigger screw. Since I was already on a roll, I used the original screws to convert the original MOA dials to zero stop. Its not particularly hard to do and cost exactly nothing.
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We need a tutorial with pictures!!
 
For the most part I have quit buying leupolds. Have a few older ones that have worked great. By older I mean 4-5 yrs old.

Bought a vx3hd recently and just didn't like the feel of it. Sold that in no time.

I have started to use more of the burris HD line up, as I like to set my rifles at 100 m and then dial when I need to. Especially when using larger caliber, heavier bullets that drop like a sack of potatoes. 250 yard drop of 16", you need a dial or you will never hit anything.

Its too bad, because I do like smaller footprint scopes, but just not liking the current leu line up for the $$ and what you get compared to others out there.
 
The problem with most if not all other brands is they are heavy and bulky! I don’t crank turrets, I set them and leave them!
A nice 3.5-10x 40 at 12-14oz is quite nice
 
To preface; I’m 57, my eyes have always been poor and they aren’t getting better.
I have and have had most mainstream affordable scope brands.
On hunting rifles I prefer a basic duplex reticle and avoid target turrets for hunting.
Leupold has been my hunting scope preference for some time.
Currently I have the VX3, VX3i, VX3HD and a VX5HD. I also know people with and have shot multiple VXIII’s.
Why?
1) all of them have been 100% reliable on hunts.
2) all of the ones I know of are still working perfectly after decades of use.
3) I only have ever had one warranty issue and it was a new in the box damaged one that was very quick and easy to get rectified.
4) the gold tinge in certain light of their reticle is far better than the basic black of everyone else.
5) their aluminum flip covers are the best and nicest looking covers I’ve used.

As for the glass the VX5 really stands out as better for my poor eyes, as does the fire dot, but all of the others are good enough for me. I didn’t find the differences between the VX3’s all that much but the newer they get they do seem to be marginally better. But I don’t think the older scopes would place a guy at a disadvantage, I doubt any of them would be a limiting factor if opportunity struck even with my eyes the way they are. As the light lowers everything starts looking black through any scope and even with a clear target a black reticle on a dark or black animal disappears but the Leupold reticle turns gold and really stands out as does a little red dot.
I haven’t used the CDS yet but look forward to playing with it but I doubt I’ll ever use it in the field, for it to be effective is likely past the distance I usually need.

Biggest drawback to them; cost.
But if you’ve ever chosen a cheaper scope and spent all the money needed to do a hunt only to be presented with opportunity to raise the rifle to find out it is so internally fogged you can’t see anything is hardly a value…ask me how I know…and that scope manufacturer was great with their warranty but it only covered the scope, the rest was on me.
No value there.
 
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I mentioned earlier the advantages of the VX-3 HD is the glass. The extended twilight on the HD is great. When looking thru the scope at twilight the crosshairs turn to a visible gold. They seem to be thicker than my VX-3i and brighter. The center of the crosshairs become narrow but still able to pin point the target. Another feature I like is the throw lever. At first I was concerned it would catch on things and considered removing it as that is an option because they give you the shorter piece but I found it didn't and was perfect. I like it. I find the HD cuts the sun glare a tad better as well.

Yes, the vertical turret I don't care for, the allen key is a nuisance alright and I'm not one to be cranking on the turrets once they're set. I do like the B/C reticles on my VX-3's best of all and wish the HD had them but the HD wins me over.
 
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Clarity and eye relief improve with each step up the ladder and each new update. I still have older VariX ii and iii on my father's rifles but they just sit in the locker. The older scopes work but every new incarnation is much better. I have a few VXII, VXIII, VX2, VX3, and Mark4 but I am amazed at the clarity and eye relief of the new VX Freedom line. Great scopes considering they are considered an economy line. I had a VX3 2-5-8X36; nice scope but I prefer the Swarovski compacts. Although I still have a selection of Leupold scopes, all of my higher end hunting rifles have a Swarovski on top.
 
I have either vx-3’s, 3i’s or hd’s on all of my rifles. I know there’s better out there for sure, but I’ve had good luck with them and am happy with them. They seem to be fairly rugged. I dropped a rifle yesterday from about 3 feet onto a laminate floor 🤦‍♂️…end of the barrel hit first and then down on the scope. Bounced a time or two. Went to the range with it today and everything was perfect.
 
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My favorite Leupold scope is my 30 mm tube VX-7, 2.5-10x45. It's an amazing scope for hunting with a very wide field of view with a generous forgiving eyepiece and the ET (extended twilight) is a feature I do like. If memory is correct the FOV on the low setting is 38ft.

The scope weighs 19.2 oz in 30mm PRW2 rings sitting on Leupold steel bases mounted on a 1955 M70 F/W in 30-06.
 
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I've never owned a Leupold scope as it seemed like I could get enough scope in other brands that costed less. I found that the older Bushnell 3200 (and up) were good scopes for their price point. Never had one fail or loose zero over the course of years. And Burris has served me well in the same fashion. I've looked through many Leupold scopes and find the glass to be good. I would consider a VX 3 or higher quality. One can see the difference in the VX6. I've read that Leupolds can be lighter then some other brands. Yet I've also read that the Leupolds are sometimes thinner and can dent (Ring marks) somewhat easier then other brands. I do like the 150 yard parallax on some of the Leupold scopes. But it's usually the price that keeps me away.
 
Highwind said:
I've never owned a Leupold scope as it seemed like I could get enough scope in other brands that costed less. I found that the older Bushnell 3200 (and up) were good scopes for their price point. Never had one fail or loose zero over the course of years. And Burris has served me well in the same fashion. I've looked through many Leupold scopes and find the glass to be good. I would consider a VX 3 or higher quality. One can see the difference in the VX6. I've read that Leupolds can be lighter then some other brands. Yet I've also read that the Leupolds are sometimes thinner and can dent (Ring marks) somewhat easier then other brands. I do like the 150 yard parallax on some of the Leupold scopes. But it's usually the price that keeps me away.
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I don't doubt the satisfaction of the Leupold scope will stay with you a lot longer than the price you paid for it. Actually Leupold scopes are reasonably priced and hold their value and sell on the used market quickly. Your concern over Leupold scopes denting, they usually don;t. They can take the normal bumps and bruises as well as and I think better than most others. Some years back I had two rifles leaning against the back of a sofa downstairs. Had just run a coat Renaissance Wax over them when I bumped the sofa and the rifles fell towards each other with the scopes colliding. One was a steel tube high end Swavroski and the other a VX- ll Leupold. The Swavroski dented slightly but the Leupold didn't. Might have been the angle of dangle but I haven't had a Leupold scope showing any noticeable ring marks either.
 
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time4t said:
I currently have several in the vx3 and vx3i line, 2 are 2.5-8x36mm. As much as I really like the scopes, I have sent 4 of the newer ones back to korth warranty for tracking issues in the past 3 years. Of my older scopes, some vx 11, and fx 2's , they have held well for more than 20 years. I sent one for service last year as it was getting a bit hazy and the tracking failed after many thousands of rounds on several rifles. As good as the warranty is- having to send scopes in for defective erector systems is problematic.
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And there you have it.
 
Must be why Leupold scopes hold their value and sell quickly on the EE or GP. In all my years of owning Leupold products I've only sent two scopes and one set of binoculars into Korth for warranty work. They replaced the binoculars with an upgrade and one of the scopes was an old worn Vari-x ll I bought used in the early 90's. The friction adjustment let go on the windage turret. I sent it in and they sent me a brand new VX-Freedom in the serial numbered unopened box. The second scope was a VX-3 also with a very stiff windage adjustment. I specifically asked to please repair it and not replace it because it's a B/C. They did a wonderful complete restoration. I'm more than happy with Leupold and their service. I keep buying their products.

With Leupold they're always improving and moving their models up in quality. What folks are complaining about now is being considered in their new models. Nothing and no one is perfect; the difference is prompt repair with no excuses or hidden limitations.
 
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