Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Scoping the Tikka: Leupold or Minox?

I have the choice between a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10 x 40 or a Minox ZA-3 3-9 to go on my new Tikka '06.

Which would you choose?


P

leupold. not real impressed wth minox

What problems have you had with your minox? Did you have one that you had to return? I have had the 3x9 since it came out, glass pretty good about like conquest, adjustments solid and it has stayed zeroed, the focus ring is easy to turn that's not a huge issue but it could be a little stiffer. Nothing wrong with the Leup's either, flip a coin its 50:50 in my opinion. I do like Leupolds repair service however.

I now have 3 Minox - 1 ZA5 and 2 of the ZA3 3-9. Good clear bright glass. Agree with Jimmyp - adjustments are solid and they hold their zero/setting.

No requirement for any warranty service (knock on wood)

Minox - not real impressed with Leupold, however I'd choose a Zeiss Conquest over either

With Doug's open box specials on the Minox......no contest. Minox.

It depends on what your eye likes.

Of what I own I prefer these:

No. 1 Zeiss Conquest.
No. 2 Kahles.
No. 3 Leupold.
No. 4 Swarovski (May be better than a Leu but so far the jury is out. More shooting required. At least it's something you can brag about.
No. 5. Minox (Good optics however I sent it back as the 3-18 had no parallax adj.)

No i do not owe a minox but have looked through them.(a 5-15 I thinks). When i looked through it the clarity was not there. Maybe I expected to much but I have seen may Leupolds that are better. As far as tracking or staying zerod I dont have a clue.
I am basing my opinion on the clarity and brightness.

zeiss conquest 3-9x40

Amazing how many folks will comment on stuff other than what the OP asks or from one look thru a scope.....flat out amazing.

Own and shoot a few. Nothing wrong with the Leup, but for value right now Minox all the way and I have shot a lot with both.

The question was which would you go with. I would not go with the minox because the clarity and brightness was not there. I have looked through the minox more than one time and I would not buy one. If the question would have been on duribality or tracking I would not have commented. If the Minox suits you than keep shooting one, but thats your opinion.

I have made hits at 1100 yards with the VX-III 3.5-10.

So, Leupold for me.

Great all around scope for an ought-six.

BMT

Leupy for me any day

I would go with the Leupold because I'm familiar with the it. Not saying the Minox isn't good but. I had a T3 stainless 300WSM and was looking to get a 4x12x40 but sold the rifle first. I do know higher mounts aren't easy to find for those.
With all the hooting about the Minox I'll have to check them out. I have four Leupolds of different sizes,models and magnifications and have been happy with all of them. I don't beat the chit out of my gear either.

I put a new Leupold VX 2 3-9 X 40 ( I know not one of the ones you were looking at) on my new to me Tikka 695 270 Win. and I am very happy with it.

I am sure the VX- 3 would even better. IMO - can't go wrong with Leupold.

Plus, living here in Oregon,- you are supporting a Oregon/ USA based company!
I don't make all my buying decisions that way- but when it works out that way, it is nice bonus.

I'd wait until Minox has a bit of a track record myself. They're too new to know how they'll hold up IMO.

I have conquest, leupold and had a minox 3-9 that I returned. Parts of the black coating from the inside of the scope tube got stuck on the inside of the scope lens after 3 shots from my 338 win mag.

I also suggest you make sure your minox has a eye focus piece that doesn't wobble around. I had to look at 3 in the shop before I found one that was solid.

So if I were you I would buy a conquest from Doug or even a used one.

I have 2 Minox ZA5 scopes. They are solid scopes. Never had an issue with holding zero. Turret adjustments are spot on. Glass is clear, bright, and the resolution is amazing for a scope at the price they sell for. Hands down the best bang for the buck scope on the market.

Given the two options listed, I would pass on the Vari-X III. If you meant to say VX3, then I'd be likely to flip a coin.

I do like the 3-9x40 Conquest a whole bunch.

I have Zeiss Conquests ans Bushnell Elite 4200's. Very happy. Don't have a Leupold or Minox scope.