Any of you guys have any experience with this scope. I sent a scope (Vari-X III 3.5-10 x 50 AO) to Leupold for repair. They didn't have parts to repair it so they offered me this 30mm scope. I've never owned a scope with a 30mm tube or side focus.

I'm mostly a deer & elk hunter with over 40 Leupold scopes. I've already got numerous VX-3i 3.5-10 x 40 and VX-3i 4.5-14 x 40 scopes which I like. Just not sure about the side focus and 30mm tube. They are kinda spendy so the Leupold Lifetime Warranty worked out good in this situation as the scope they offered me will be no-charge.

Any comments or advice?

if you have that many Leupolds and like them, why would you think this one would be any different?

Well it is different as I explained. 30mm tube vs 1", side focus vs rear focus. 30mm is a little heavier too. I expect quality would be the same, I usually just stick to what has worked well for me in the past. I wondered if the 30mm tube would look "bulky". I've always liked the "sleekness" of Leupold scopes. And that side focus won't get used much...I set it for me and generally never touch it again.

Just thought I'd ask for opinions of this one Leupold wants to send me. Thinking I might change my mind and see if they'd offer a 1" tube version.

You will love this scope!!! Try it and you will want another one! Sorta like "bet you can't eat just one potato chip!"

I don't think you understand what that side adjustment is for.

mathman:
Yeah, I did state that wrong, thanks for the correction. I realize the side adjustment is the parallax adjustment...my error. The guy at Leupold referred to it as a "focus" knob when we spoke. After I looked at their website I realized he was talking about parallax adjustment.

Maybe I'll just take this one they offered me. I've got a nice M70 .308Win Sporter Varmint Heavy Barrel that needs a scope. I guess this scope would be good for that rifle. Been kinda wanting to start doing some longer range shooting with it from my bench.

I find the 30mm 4.5-14X scope with side focus to be superior optically to my eyes than the 1" 4.5-14X with AO...and I have several of each. The 30mm is a dandy in my estimation. Good luck with it.

If you have a VX-3i 4.5-14x40 as you state you will notice there is a parallax issue that you cant dial out at 12x to 14x ( because there is no AO or side focus), I know because I have 2 of them. The 30mm scope with side focus model is a better scope in every way, and you will like it better than the scope you sent in.

I have a couple, I like them. I’ll have to count mine. You may have more if you have 40.

Thats a big up grade.You best snap it up!!!