Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics 2015 Leupold VX2 3-9x33 vs VX2 3-9x40

The weight difference is 2 ounces. Is the difference in optics worth the weight in a mountain rifle? I'm kind of a weight weenie, but I also want the scope to be good at the end of the day, so if there's a significant difference, I'd like the better scope for 2 extra ounces.

I'd look at the 6x36, 2-7 and 2.5-8

I read that the updated VX2 3-9 are really good, and they're quite light, and it comes with CDS.

I have a couple of older 3-9x33s. VX-IIs from 2006/2007, and don't have any issues with them, but some folks feel that the eye box is too small. I'm a big 2-7x user, so I would probably go that way in lieu of almost any 3-9x option.

I've got several pre-64 fwts. and the 3-9X33 compact really comes in good (with the somewhat smaller occular) when it comes to being able to mount the scope as low as I like it without the bolt handle hitting the scope. I've got an older Vari-X on one of them and a VXII from right at the end of the II period on another and low light perfomance has been excellent with both.
They are a great choice when wanting to keep weight down and stay with the trim profile of a lightweight gun, but on the other hand, you can NEVER go wrong with a 2.5-8X36- probably my favorite all around scope ever.

John

The bigger objective is noticeable to me on higher powers in low light. I sold my 33 objectives because of it.

IIRC, the optimal magnification for a 40mm objective lens falls between 5x and 6x and between 4x and 5x for a 33mm objective lens.

There's no way I'd use the 33 unless the 40 would absolutely not work.

I like light weight of 33mm, but the trade off in low light is not worth it.

It's the less than optimum eye relief characteristics that nix it for me.

^^^THIS

I don't like the 2.5-8x much at all.

From the OP's choice, I'd go with the VX-2 3-9x40 CDS. That's a fine scope. It's sleek, light and trim. I'm not a fan of the Compact series.

DF

I see this is an old post, nevertheless here is some perspective based on LONG term experiece. I put a Leupold compact 3-9 on a M 70 fwt 270 about 30 yrs ago for the same reasons you mention, and have never felt handiecapped re: light gathering etc. But my hunting has been mostly been western mtn and open great plains landscapes where light gathering issues are not an issue, at least for me. I have killed alot of elk in the the timber with this set up and never felt wanting for more light. The only thing I see as a negative for this scope is the eye relief is a bit on the short side. If you are mounting a compact,or ultalight as they are now known, on a short action you are likely OK. On a long action there are some mounting issues to consider. I have mine in reversible front and rear bases to allow a bit more room to slide the scope rearward. The result is the bases hang over the action opening a bit. This doesn't cause any real issues, just an aesthetic deal if you are obcessive about such things. Comments above re: 2.5-8's should be considered, and note that some do NOT like the the VX-2 3-9 with the quick adjust, non lock ring eyepiece. As i have commented previously, I do not get the whole quick adjustment eyepiece deal. I have adjusted the eyepiece on the above mentionesd 3-9 compact exactly twice in over 30 years! Good luck!!

I have just one older 3-9 Ultralight EFR that has lived on several of my guns including an air rifle, a .22 LR, and lastly on a lightweight ..243. I recently removed it ?from the .243 as to go back on a .22. I put a new Elite 4200 3-9 on the .243. I had to go to medium rings to clear the bolt with that change. I'm not sure that I'm happy about that.

Back to the UL 3-9 EFR. I did not realize there were light or eye box handicaps associated with the use of said scope until you good folks educated me. (Ignorance is bliss).

I think the real reason that the eye box was a non-issue is that the scope and rifle fit me. No need to hunt the reticle, it was there and ready to go at throw up. The light was always plentiful for the job at hand. I do need a parallax adjustable scope on the .22. I think my next purchase will be a new UL 3-9 EFR. They are reported to be much better than my twenty five-year old model!