From what I've read here by different posters a number of times a post 2012 mfg. VX2 is the "best for the $$$". They're all over e-bay new for around $300.
I've owned a lot of Leupolds over the past thirty plus years and still have some. For decent glass, maybe the best eye relief , light weight, and great service they're hard to beat. I've got an 1989, Vari-X III 3.5-10x40 that's been used a lot on several different rifles. It's got some scuffs and scratches but it's glass, adjustments and ability to hold zero are as good as new.
