Scope Quality Question

[doublelung]

I currently have a vortex diamondback mounted on my Browning X-Bolt. I like the glass and it has never served me wrong. However I have an
opportunity to trade my crossbow to a hunting partner of mine for his like new Leupold VX3 4.5x14 with the Leupold alumina flip up covers. Having never actually had the opportunity to own/use a scope of a quality better than a Bushnell 3200 or Vortex Diamondback, my question to you is; is the step up in quality worth the price, or in my case the trade? I plan on keeping my x-bolt forever and it is my main hunting rifle so i don't mind making the trade if itis actually worth it. Just looking for opinions on the VX3 and whether or not the step up is well worth it... Lastly am i right in putting the trade value of alike new VX3 4.5x14 with alumina flip up covers at about $800 ?? Thanks gents..

 

[AP]

I would do a side by side comparison and speak with folks that have used both scopes. I am NOT as impressed with Leupold as many are ... they are very expensive in Canada and based on the 3 I have had and 2 I still have ... there are many options equal in performance and much better priced fwiw although to be fair Leupolds are among the lighter options which is very important in the field when hunting.

But you may be stepping up in "name" only. I have used Bushnell Scopechief lV 's in low magnification variables that were far superior optically to a similar vintage Leupold Vari X III 1.5-5x,20 (which I got rid of) ... unfortunately people who purchase the higher priced "spread" will claim differently and for some this may be true... wasnt for me.

I mentioned my experiences once on an optics forum that had a resident Leupold expert (and employee) who shrieked at me like a raving queen when I brought this observation up ... .. course that falls under the heading of "methinks he doth protest too much!"....

 

[7.62Nato]

I would do a side by side comparison and speak with folks that have used both scopes. I am NOT as impressed with Leupold as many are ... they are very expensive in Canada and based on the 3 I have had and 2 I still have ... there are many options equal in performance and much better priced

x2 on this one! I totally agree. I have had two Leupold VX2 and a VX3 before as well and compared side by side fall slightly short to my Elites & Elite 4200 in terms of clarity. The VX 3's are much better than the Diamondback and Elite 3200 though....but then again although they are very good scopes, I don't think they are worth their price tag.

 

[canadaman30]

I currently have a vortex diamondback mounted on my Browning X-Bolt. I like the glass and it has never served me wrong. However I have an
opportunity to trade my crossbow to a hunting partner of mine for his like new Leupold VX3 4.5x14 with the Leupold alumina flip up covers. Having never actually had the opportunity to own/use a scope of a quality better than a Bushnell 3200 or Vortex Diamondback, my question to you is; is the step up in quality worth the price, or in my case the trade? I plan on keeping my x-bolt forever and it is my main hunting rifle so i don't mind making the trade if itis actually worth it. Just looking for opinions on the VX3 and whether or not the step up is well worth it... Lastly am i right in putting the trade value of alike new VX3 4.5x14 with alumina flip up covers at about $800 ?? Thanks gents..

Sounds like your getting hosed on that deal. Elites can be had for alot less than $800. 4.5-14 seems like alot of power for a hunting scope, depending on your hunting terrain.

 

[Slaymoar]

The price point where I no longer see a real difference is in the $100 to $250 range.. I'm sure things are better quality as you go up, but visually, I can't justify it for myself. I have looked at countless scopes in the last year, and other than outside construction and turret adjustment systems, the only difference between a Diamondback and a Leupold VX3 - to my eyes - is the reticle. In fact, the largest difference I can see in most scopes in the $150 and $1000 range are the reticles. But again, I'm no expert, just a guy who likes taking my rifle in the bush, and occasional bench.

If my cheap $175 scope breaks, then I can buy another one and not feel like my life ended. On the plus side, I might even have access to a new model or version, or something from another line I would like to try. The $100-$250 market is incredibly saturated.