What’s your preference and why?
I’m having a tough time thinking why I wouldnt be better off with the vx-freedom for similar $$ for my kids rifles. Am I wrong?

For your kids rifles Freedom will be fine, I personally prefer older models because I have been using then for decades and don't like their new stuff, I traded VX3hd for older VX3, don't like their zero lock either.

I’d take the older vari x 3 over any of the new freedom or rifleman series.

I would take the older Vari x III or VX 3 over the Freedom. I believe they are more reliable and made to last. They have cheapened up so much on the newer scopes, reliability is a problem. The older scopes are rock solid.

Why would a kids rifle be any different than your own rifle?

The scope doesn't know whose rifle it's mounted upon.

VX III........Better scope.

VX III........Better scope.

I love getting shaken down by someone who doesn’t understand that it’s not wise to put a $1500 Swarovski on a 9 yr olds rifle lol

I agree, even the older Vari-X IIc is better. If you have to have Leupold, just for the name. For a real good user scope, I'd look at the simple, yet effective Burris FFII 3-9x40 with ballistic plex reticle. Teach them right with a scope that has useable hash marks for reaching further out. Excellent for hunting. JMHO

I would go with an older VX 3 or Vari xiii.