Looking at a NIB VX3 3.5x10. I have a VX3i 3.5x10 I really like.

Anyone know of the differences and/or pros & cons of each?

I have both, can’t tell any difference. I wish all scopes were still gloss.

I have both 3s and 3i in other magnifications, they're very close. Leupold claims better light transmission for the 3i and in my 2.5-8X I think I can see it, but in my 6.5-20Xs I can't. I'd probably buy whichever costs less.

I tried to see a difference. Couldn’t.

I’m guessing they found ways to make them cheaper.

But who knows for sure.

Assembled in the USA. Some parts imported. Glass?

Did someone mention “Pacific Rim”?

DF

I have both models and to my eyes the VX3i seems slightly brighter than my VX3. Its not a huge difference by any means though.

I have VXIII, VX3 AND VX3i and I can't tell hardly any difference between them, The VXIII
damaged by my GS( broke tube) and they said send it to them I explained it was dropped and
they replaced it with a VX 3. The scope was 25 yrs old. Leupold's CS has always been super to me.

Thats my 2cents

I don't see much difference between the two, although I only have one VX-3i. The VX-3's have worked well for me. No dialing though.

In my 2.5-8 and my 3.5-10's there is a very slight difference in brightness, but I can't see it until way past legal light.

I have a Vari-XIII that was made in1984. the glass is truly dreadful and the only reason I keep it is because it was my inheritance from my father, the VXIII was a huge leap forward in quality of glass. the VX3 and VX3i , I can't tell the difference between them.

Interesting that they replaced your scope........I sent my Vari-XIII in just a few years ago for repairs and they replaced the scope tube.......wish they would have replaced it, but zero complaints !!!!!!

I'm so glad you don't get your wish

Own and have owned lots of both models. As mentioned above, there was a quantum leap, glasswise, from the vari-x scopes (or at least the ones I've seen). But from the vx-III to vx-3 to vx-3i, not so much difference, at least that I could see.

I have 3 vx3's and 2 vx3i's
I notice only a very slight difference between them
The 3i is just a little brother brighter. Just enough to be noticeable.
If I could get my hands on enough vx3 2.5-8 scopes in would get rid of all the 3.5-10's

My Freedoms seem brighter to me in low light than my VX3i’s. From Sept-May I spend at least 3 dawn & dusk days per week, some weeks 6 days. The first evening I used a Freedom, I just had to chuckle. We spend way too much money fellas.

A Ruger American, Leupold Freedom, and Federal Blue box will put you on top of the hunting game.

I agree on the first, eh, not so sure on the second.

I have both, and it depends on which one I looked through last...

Wish I could find more 2.5-8's--with the B&C reticle.

I agree about the 2.5-8X, after many years of swapping scopes around I think it's the best combination of size weight and magnification for a hunting rifle. I still have one 3.5-10X on a 26" barrel Weatherby, it's well suited to that rifle but it's not your average hunting rifle.

The "I" meaning Improved, according to Leupold. Had 2 VX3's puke, so I can understand why they needed an improved version. As for aesthetics and not being able to tell the difference. That is laughable. The I is so tacky looking. No wonder guys search out the old ones..

You get dumber by the day… haha

I don't think people are saying they can't tell the difference between models. They are saying the optics seem very similar.