Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36 vs VX-R 2-7x33

[DAP90]

I need a couple of scopes for my Encore (.223 and .243 barrels). The .223 is for fun/practice/coyotes and the .243 is for deer.

I’ve been considering the Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36 and VX-R 2-7x33 models. Does anyone have any experience with or opinions on these or similar scopes?

I’m leaning towards the VX-3 but the illuminated VX-R seems like a cool option; I’m just not sure it’s worth $100 more.

 

[Akita1]

I have a VX3 4-10x40mm (it's an older one) on my Encore .243 and I love it. Also have a CQT on my AR and it's awesome. Big Leupold fan - excellent product for the $. IMHO the step up from here is Swarovski (for me), which is $1200+!

 

[oldandslow]

DAP, 2/14/13

I've got three of the Leupold VX-3 2-8 power scopes set up on my rifles and my slug gun. They work great and take a lot of abuse. They work well in low light. My only complaint is with Leupold's customer service. I had some problems with one of their Aluminum lens covers which cost $40 apiece, meaning $80 for the front and back covers. One of mine kept falling apart with use. I emailed Leupold twice over a three month timespan and sent a USPS letter to their customer service department but got no reply. When I'm looking for my next scope I'll probably take a look at the Zeiss brand. I have no experience with the Leupold R scopes. Good luck.

best wishes- oldandslow

 

[Gordon]

I think Leupold has big troubles with their high buck lens covers, all the ones I've bought are not right.
Their scopes are really good and their customer service on them is the best.
The VX3 2.5-8x scopes are great compact hunting scopes and are vastly popular with many big game hunters. I have two bought 20 years apart and they are good IMHO.
I have the new VXR 2-7x33 on my Noveske AR and am absolutely thrilled with it! I cannot afford the $2000 scopes that can best it.

 

[Coltdriver]

You can shoot coyotes at night in Colorado. If you plan to do any of that shooting then the lighted reticle could be a real plus.

Otherwise I agree with the other posters, the next step up from a VX3 is $1000 or more. Leupold has really stepped up to the Euro competition who brought in some great glass.

 

[DAP90]

Thanks for the replies. I was originally going to get the same scope for both barrels; no real reason other than I thought it might give me a degree of familiarity but the two are probably close enough. Now I’m thinking I might go VX-R for the 223 and VX-3 for the 243 (same magnification as mentioned above).

I handled both in the store and they seemed about the same to me clarity and brightness wise. Supposedly the VX-3 is better. To be honest I really couldn’t tell the difference between the VX-2 and the VX-3 in the store either.

The VX-3 had two sets of numbers where the magnification setting was. Closest to the eyepiece was the mag settings. Above that was a different set of number; similar but slightly higher. For instance where it said 2.5 mag above the dial it said 3. The sales guy had no idea what they were. The Leupold website says “Tactile Power Indicator with Range Estimation”. Any idea what that means? It wasn’t on the VX-R or VX-2.