Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Best value 3-9 for under $200...

The Burris 3x9x40 Full Field II is a great value and a very good scope.

Do you mean VX-III rather than 3?

Even so, they wouldn't really be the same. While the index matched lens coatings may be shared, the underlying optical system designs are different.

How so ?

The type and shape of lenses. The VX-2 optical system is a descendant of the Vari-X II with incremental coating updates. Same as the VX-3 is a descendant of the Vari-X III.

Putting fancier coatings on a Vari-X II doesn't turn it into a VX-3 any more than putting Rainguard on it turns it into a Bushnell.

It is not surprising the VX-2 is better than the VX-1.

The OP was asking for scopes under $200.00

Ok. I wasn't sure what you were getting at. I'm not sure if there is a difference between the actual grade of glass itself between them either. I know that I bought a VX2 4-12 from SWFA a little over a year ago and I am happy with the optics in that scope.

My reading comprehension is just fine, however I was pointing out that by spending only $49 more he would take a major step up in quality. If he can afford $200 chances are he can wait another couple of weeks and spend another $49. Cry once.

drover

The question really has nothing to do with what I can afford, I picked $200 because once you get to $300 there are LOTS of great choices and a lot of the guys I know won't spend over $200 for a scope, I've usually recommended the Weaver Classic V9 in the past as it seams a lot of guys are stuck on 3-9 scopes and I still feel it was the best scope for the dollar out there period...unfortunately it is no longer in production.

This is a VX-1. It is the newest model.

I'd save for a bit longer and buy the VX-2 if Leupold was the first choice.

Petro:

The OP was about scopes under $200. Did you see that.

Go back and read some Leupold posts, the new VX-1, is
very close to the VX-2.

And I gave my opinion on a scope under $200. The Burris FF. You said you'd never used one or would ever use one.

You told me it couldn't be better than the VX-1 because it's the best out of a couple of tests (none of which involved the scope I was talking about).

I don't need to read about Leupold VX-1s. I own one. And like I stated I wouldn't own another, especially when I can upgrade many times over for $100.

I was replying to you because you thought I had an older version and I was confirming for you that I did indeed own the newest version.

I hope that clears everything up for you.

In that price range I'm liking the Redfield Revolution. Decent glass, easy to get behind. When sighting in, the adjustments aren't as crisp as some others, but the impact moves when you turn the dial and then stays put after it is set.

I briefly owned a Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 and didn't care for it much. The ones I had looked through in a store setting were nice, but the copy I had showed distortions when looking through it in the field that were distracting to me. So down the road it went.

I have tried the Burris and some Nikons in that price range and have just settled on the Leupold products for my hunting rifles. The 3-9x40 Leupold/Redfields are easy to use, light weight compared to other companies offerings and if you swap, trade and sell scopes like I do sometimes, they are known quantity backed by Leupold's warranty. (which I haven't had to use on a scope yet). And if you have a question or problem on any of their products, you can call and get someone on the phone. Try that with some of the other companies.

Having said that, I do have some friends who are pleased with some of the lower priced Vortex scopes, Crossfire II's and Diamondback's in particular and they come with a Leupold like warranty as well.

Bob.

VX-1 Period !!

Burris

Perhaps I'm lucky. I have at least a dozen Leupolds ranging from about fifteen to thirty years old, mostly variables 2.5-8, 3-9, and 3.5-10. I'm about to send my first one back to the factory. It is a M8 3X and I want a reticle change.

I also have other Brands that are satisfactory. Elite 4200 is great so far. USA made Burris FFII, good glass, but short eye relief. The eye box does not bother me. A Newer Redfield Revolution is surprisingly nice for the money. A thirty year old Zeiss is likely the hardest used one of the bunch and it is still ticking.

The Redfield makes me think the VX-1 may be a good enough scope. (I'm about to get over being a perfectionist.)

Edit: I might add that I got over the magnum stage of my life several years ago. The closest thing to a thumper that I now own is a 9.3x62. The magnums are all gone.

Jack

I saw in another thread where Grice has the Bushnell Elite 3-9X40, normally $299, for $199. With a 1 pc. tube, good glass and 6" of mounting space, I'll take that over a VX1 every time.

John

Or the VX2 as well.

Are you referring to the Si or Sii?

Pieter

Funny how different people have totally different perceptions and experiences with the same scopes. I've had excellent service out of several brands, but generally prefer the Leupolds.

One other option is to sign up for either the Sportsmans Guide buyers' club or an Amazon card. Either will allow you to spread out your purchase over time with no interest. The Amazon card lets you pay for puchases of over $150 in 6 months with no interest at all. $500 and over can be spread over a year. Puts better stuff in reach in time for hunting season. You do have to exercise some discipline of course.

the s1