What are the pro's of the VX3 vs the VX2, besides the extra magnification? Are the pros really worth the extra money. It seems that the VX2 will take me well past legal shooting light. I'd rather save the money and buy more ammo but want to buy once and not regret it.

Both suck

VX3 3.5 x10 is where you want to be

Yep.

For me, add a CDS and you're there...

DF

so what are the advantages of the 3.5x10? I'm a rookie when it comes to scopes. I'm all ears to know what the best is in those categories. I just want a reason as to why you think its the "best"

VX-3 3.5-10 is the the best of the bunch

For durability? Eye relief? Field of view? I hear this a lot and am curious. I like the 4.5-14's and have had no trouble with them (and they get used quite a bit)

Not looking for a pissing match just would like to know.

The 4.5x14 X 40 LR has an eye box that is not as forgiving as the 3.5x10 still usable but better as a varmint or LR paper punching in my opinion, but a lot of guys don't let it bother them!

I've got both. No problem seeing through either of them. The VX3 is slightly brighter, but it won't gain more than a minute or two over the VX2. Either one will get you in trouble if your end of legal hours is a half hour after sunset.

I also have the VX3 3.5-10. great scope, but I see no big advantage with critical eye position over either of the scopes you are considering.

I say get the VX2 and use the saved money on other stuff you need.

The 4-12 has a very large eye relief range. That means that you cannot put your head in the same place on the stock each time from low to high power. It is the worst one Leupie makes for that.

Get a VX3 3.5-10
or a VX2 3-9

Those two are their best attempts in that power range.

The VX-2 3-9X is a tremendous value.

Yep.

I mounted one recently for a friend. I have a coupld of VX-3 3.5-10x40's and frankly, the VX-2 isn't that far behind those VX-3's. I was impressed. It's a big jump from the older Vari-X II and VX-II series.

DF

Have all three, will concur the 3.5 is the best, but I personally really like the 4-12 Leupold.

Agreed. With a CDS it's probably the best value for performance there is.

I think you nailed it...

DF

I don't think that you're going to find a tremendous difference between the two. I use a 4.5x14 and it works great for my purposes. It's not as good of an all around scope as the 3.5x10 (which I use as well), but if you want the added magnification that's how it goes.

I know I sure like mine. Very nice optic for $350!

The biggest difference, to me , is the VX-3 had dual erector springs. If you plan to do a bunch of dialing, this may be a factor. But for my uses. with the CDS, the VX-2 and its single erector springs are sufficient.

Wanted the extra magnification for shooting out too 600+ so I was wanting more than a 3x9. Please help this rookie and explains erector springs are and why they are important. I shoot maybe 2 boxes of ammo a year, manly hunting. So this scope won't be getting the hell beat out of it. It will also be sitting atop my 300 win mag.

You shoot 2 boxes a year and want to shoot game at 600+ yds?

Well last year I shot two blacktails at 659 and 664 with my friends 270wsm with a luepold CDS system, pretty simple to use.... I know shocking compared to all you rifle loonies that shoot 1000's of rounds a year. Id love to shoot more but I mainly use stick and string and I can shoot archery in the backyard.

I guess you got it all figured out might as well just get what your friend has since you're so proficient with it
Still trying to figure out why you are looking to save $ and buy more ammo since you don't shoot it

I really like the 4.5-14 but feel it really requires a 50mm objective to get the most out of the 14X.

If you are going to stick with a 40mm objective and don't shoot a lot then a drop to 10X max might be a very good idea.

Not be the shot police but my personal opinion is that you should never take a shot at an animal you have not proven through extensive prior practice you are capable of making.

Using someone else's gun and dope is not the same thing as setting up your own rifle. Setting up your own rifle, properly, and learning to shoot it in different conditions will require much more than 2 boxes of ammo.

I suspect you know this but your previous post seemed to make light of the totality of what is involved in reliably hitting at distance. Pulling the trigger is usually one of the easier aspects.

Good luck.

Midway has Leupold VX-2 CDS scopes on sale, a 3x9 is $299, it is like getting the CDS for free. They also have other scopes.

Just got a flyer from MidwayUSA, VX-2 3-9x40 CDS for $299. Midway "sales" aren't usually worth talking about, but this one caught my eye.

DF