Reticle change worth it?

freddyfour

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I have a Leupold VX3i 2.5-8 with CDS turret and a German #1 Reticle. I pounced on this scope on the EE a while ago because I really wanted a 2.5-8 with the CDS, which is rare. I was not familiar with the German #1 at all but thought why not. I do not hate the reticle but it isn't perfect (it is a lot thicker then I thought it would be). I just got an email back from Korth and they can swap out the #1 for a B&C for roughly $300.

Wondering what the collective CGN thought is on this, worth the $300 or just stick with the #1?
 
I have a Leupold VX3i 2.5-8 with CDS turret and a German #1 Reticle. I pounced on this scope on the EE a while ago because I really wanted a 2.5-8 with the CDS, which is rare. I was not familiar with the German #1 at all but thought why not. I do not hate the reticle but it isn't perfect (it is a lot thicker then I thought it would be). I just got an email back from Korth and they can swap out the #1 for a B&C for roughly $300.

Wondering what the collective CGN thought is on this, worth the $300 or just stick with the #1?

You might be better off to just resell the scope and buy what you want new.
 
2.5-8 is not offered with CDS or B&C new according to the website. Kinda why I grabbed this when I did because it was close to what I wanted.

Perhaps they do custom orders?

If it makes a difference it is for a win 70 WE 270wsm
 
I had contemplated that before I found this one actually. But I like the 2-5-8 a bit better, plus it is lighter.

I'm on the other side. The vx2 3-9x40 is a better scope than the 2.5-8. Mounts easier as well with a slightly longer tube. Cheaper. Just as bright. Cds is as repeatable too. Couple oz heavier yes.
 
I'm on the other side. The vx2 3-9x40 is a better scope than the 2.5-8. Mounts easier as well with a slightly longer tube. Cheaper. Just as bright. Cds is as repeatable too. Couple oz heavier yes.

Also looked at the VX2 2-7 Canadian, found one at Crappy tire in Belleville on sale but when I came back it was gone. Seems the consensus is a hard no on $300 for a reticle change.

Is the VX3i not a better glass then the VX2? I. Relatively new to Leupold optics. Everything I've had up till this point has been Burris and Vortex
 
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Also looked at the VX2 2-7 Canadian, found one at Crappy tire in Belleville on sale but when I came back it was gone. Seems the consensus is a hard no on $300 for a reticle change.

Is the VX3i not a better glass then the VX2? I. Relatively new to Leupold optics. Everything I've had up till this point has been Burris and Vortex

They say it is but I cannot see the difference. They don't make the vx2 anymore. And the vx3i have gone down in price compared to the vx3's.
 
$300 to just change the reticle is IMHO way too much to spend on a scope such as that.

Agreed. The did a reticle swap for me about 5 yrs ago. Total cost $107

That $107 is about what I was quoted as well 3-4 years ago by Korth and in hindsight I wish I had of gone ahead with the reticle change at that time. I wanted to change the reticle in my VX-2 2-7 to something with subtensions from the standard duplex.
I'm not positive but I think the cost of a reticle change depends on the model of scope and the reticle you choose to have installed but it has definitely gone way up in price to the point where in my opinion it makes it not really worth the cost on cheaper Leupold scopes. If you have a high end, high dollar Leupold that is a different question but when the reticle change cost is 40-50% or more of the replacement cost of the scope I can't justify it in my mind.
 
I have a Leupold VX3i 2.5-8 with CDS turret and a German #1 Reticle. I pounced on this scope on the EE a while ago because I really wanted a 2.5-8 with the CDS, which is rare. I was not familiar with the German #1 at all but thought why not. I do not hate the reticle but it isn't perfect (it is a lot thicker then I thought it would be). I just got an email back from Korth and they can swap out the #1 for a B&C for roughly $300.

Wondering what the collective CGN thought is on this, worth the $300 or just stick with the #1?

There is a joke in here somewhere...

Reticle changes most often occur for those that are set on making an heirloom scope (passed down from the last generation) a bit more modern/useful, or for those that are dead set on a particular reticle (personal preference).

Another option is to opt for a new VX-3i 2.5-8, and have us install the CDS turret on the elevation. You are looking at $200.63 for the turret change. You will save $67 over a reticle change.

What the hell!?

We were as surprised as you. Leupold upped the cost for most custom work at the beginning of this year.

Hope this helps,
KGL
 
Thanks for stopping in KGL. I thinkni will just work with what I have now and maybe keep my eye open for exactly what no want. I got this unit for $400 shipped in perfect condition, it's a great scope but more suited for something like a lever gun with this reticle.
 
Thanks for stopping in KGL. I thinkni will just work with what I have now and maybe keep my eye open for exactly what no want. I got this unit for $400 shipped in perfect condition, it's a great scope but more suited for something like a lever gun with this reticle.

Great price for that optic with CDS!

Let us know when you decide to make any changes.

KGL
 
If it makes any difference to your decision, I have always opted for a reticle with some kind of subtensions vs a dial up turret due to my eyesight. With target guns I can wear my glasses to see the turret numbers, but in the field it becomes a pain to see the turrets rather than concentrating on the critter through the scope.
Those reticles are worth the money for me.
I used to have them custom built by Premier Reticles when they dealt with Leopold scopes...alas, times have changed. But more scopes offer good reticles such as B&C or even the less fancy Long Range reticle offered by Leupold.

For me, I would change the reticle.
 
If it makes any difference to your decision, I have always opted for a reticle with some kind of subtensions vs a dial up turret due to my eyesight. With target guns I can wear my glasses to see the turret numbers, but in the field it becomes a pain to see the turrets rather than concentrating on the critter through the scope.
Those reticles are worth the money for me.
I used to have them custom built by Premier Reticles when they dealt with Leopold scopes...alas, times have changed. But more scopes offer good reticles such as B&C or even the less fancy Long Range reticle offered by Leupold.

For me, I would change the reticle.

I was hoping to have both.....best of both worlds
 
To change to a B&C or Varmint reticle is pricey because they are etched glass reticles..I think. If you were changing to a duplex, German #4, or something that is wire based, I think its a lot more reasonable.
 
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