I still have a bunch of older Vari-X IIIs that never need to be touched and older Mk4s with M1, M2 and M3 that all spin great, never had an issue. These were all 100% US made scopes and even in way back then dollars the Vari-X IIIs cost more than $237 new.
Just my opinion, but this is the start of the death nose dive for Leupy.
I've wondered if maybe these aren't the start of depletion of inventory on Leupold's part (2nd deep discount in 3 months). And the end of the VX iii series - similar to how the VX 1 and VX2 have been discontinued. I don't think Leupold is going anywhere, but the market isn't what is was 20-30 years ago. Lots of manufacturers selling good enough quality scopes that folks don't care what name is on them, nor how long they've been in business. I'm partial to Leupold because that's what dad always put on everything.
