Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics VXI or Elite 3200?

Looking for a good scope for about $200. I am choosing between these two. I am looking at the 4-12X40 due to the fact that I take some fairly long shots. There isn't much bruch country where I hunt and 4X is about as low as I would ever need to go. I do like the looks of the 3200 but I know the history of the Leos. Do any of you guys know anything that would steer me away from the 3200. I have done a little reading but I would like some firsthand knowledge. Thanks, OKH

If between those two it would be a toss-up, I have a VariX-II and a 3200 and dig both of them, the 3200 does seem a bit brighter, but I didn't test them together at twilight.

Contact Rick Bin ... I'm think for just a couple more dead presidents, he could get you into a VX-II.

Good Luck,

The differences between the Leupold VX-I and VX-II are few. Both have MultiCoat4 in exterior lens surfaces. The VX-II has 1/4 MOA click windage and elevation adjustments while the VX-I has 1/4 MOA increments marked on a friction adjustment dial. The VX-II comes in more models and finishes, and with more available reticles.

VX-1, Just check Ebay.

OKH, the elite will do anything you need to do for less than the cost of a loopie. Also you will have the advantage of the rainguard coating. tom

I recently had the same choice. I went with the VX-I because it is lighter, smaller, and has better eye relief. Naturally, there is the Leupold reputation for customer service and the knowledge that something can go wrong with the scope twenty years from now and they will stand behind it.

I do think that the 3200 is actually a little brighter and the rainguard is nice. However, the Leupold will shoot longer than there is legal light and Uncle Mike's scope covers took care of the rain problem.

For me, the size and weight were the big issue (plus the Leupold reputation). Now, in fairness, I was putting a 2x7 on a smallish .270.. The size and weight differences might not be so big on a 4x12.

I found the 3200's for $220, is that about a consistant price or should I do a little more looking around?

That is $20 less than what I found it for. tom

Olkahomahunter : If possible you should personally compare before you buy. I like Bushnell products, and regretfully have to admit that the view through my cheap 4X12 Bushnell Trophy scope compares favorably to my significantly more expensive 12X Leupold M8. However, the two 4X12 Bushnell Elite 3200's that I have looked through both whited out around the fringes at highest power. I found this objectionable. Different models from the same manufacturer may not perform to the same standards. Good luck choosing your scope.

rollinghills

I have the 4x12 3200 on a sporter weight 22-250 and it's one of my favorite scopes. Don't know the size difference between the 3200 and a comparable powered Leupie, but my 3200 3x9 is less than 3/16" longer than my VXII 3x9 despite what the ads say. The 3200 is also brighter, and quite a bit more powerful. Put the VXII on 9 power and the 3200 wil match it at just over 7. Quite a contrast between them to these old eyes. Got 4 elites and 1 leopold. Don't want to change the ratio!

3200

Leupold.

Okie,

Check http://www.natchezss.com/ they have the 3200 on sale for $149.99 plus a fair shipping price. Real nice to deal with too, I just spoke to them today asking the same questions you are. I am going with the 3200. Just my two cents.

Merry Christmas!

I went with the 3200 as well but in the 4-12X40 configuration. I like from what I have seen from them so far. Thanks, OKH

Jackfish,
The VX-1 does not have MultiCoat 4 on the outer lens. It has the older Flouride coating.
Also the VX-1 has 1/2 moa friction adjustments.

The VX-1 is the older Vari X II renamed.

Reguardless, I would stay with Leupold.
GB

GeorgiaBoy,

Actually the Leupold VX-1 has 1/4" friction adjustments, you are thinking about the new Rifleman series with the 1/2" adjustments. Here's a link: http://www.leupold.com/products/Info_Adjustments.htm

Actually friction adjustments are infinitely adjustable, regardless of how they are marked <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Th VX1's that first came out have magnesium flouride coatings, the ones made since June have multicoat 4 on the external lenses, same as the VX2's.

Jackfish,
Sorry for getting it wrong. It was my understanding that the VX-1 was the old Vari X II renamed.

Seems the new VX 1 does have 1/4 " adjustments and MultiCoat 4 on the outter lens as you said. This makes the VX 1 one heck of a good deal for less than $200 bucks.

VX-1 over the 3200 hands down!

GB

GB,
I must ask this question. What is your experience with the 3200 to dismiss it so. Do you have any real world experience with the 3200? tom

Ok, I have a question for everyone. I hear that the Elite 3200 is wonderful, one of the reasons being it has some rain coating on the exterior lenses. My question is this, why couldn't you just put a little Rain-X on a non-coated scope? And before you laugh at me, yes, I am new to scopes and rifles. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Just curious.