I don’t know much about scopes. Looking for a scope on a budget 308. Budget is around $300. I was looking a the Leupold VX Freedom 3-9x40. The reason for this one is it seems like this one is mostly American made. The uses would be shooting paper and rocks, 100-200 yards and maybe hunting someday. I really have a hard time putting a Chinese scope on an American rifle. Let me know if I should be shopping for something else.
Leupold VX freedom
- Thread starter dodo bird
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Leupold is about the only USA made option. If it has to be USA made, then buy a Leupold. The Freedom line is their cheapest budget scope, but they are a decent scope. I'll say this, even the budget Leupold scopes are never a mistake. But IMO for less money, you can get a better scope from the Phillippines, Tiawan, or Europe. I'm not aware of anything out of China that is a decent scope.
I've taken Leupold scopes off some rifles, sold them and replaced them with Burris FF-II's. I like the reticle better on the Burris scopes and I can get them focused to my eyes better. Unless something has changed they are made in the Philippines. IMO this is a BETTER scope than the low end Leupold at 1/2 the price.
I have 3-9X40's and 4.5-14X42's on several rifles.
https://www.amazon.com/Burris-Fullf...7768588&sprefix=burris+ff,aps,114&sr=8-2&th=1
Nature Boy
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$299
horsemen61
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I’m a gold ring man myself I’d go Leupold and I wouldn’t think twice about it again
Thanks you have given me something to think about.
In the sub 300 price range ill usually go for Philippines made scopes (aforementioned burris) given an option. Ive had a few Vx-Fs they are fine scopes, but none have stayed. I currently have a vx-3i and vx-3hd which are about 100-150 more, and at least IMO worth the cost if sticking with leupold.
Nature Boy
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I would concur
I have a VX3i. It was on my .30-06, worked fine (3.5-10X).
Its now waiting to go on a different rifle LOL
Maybe my .22 mag bolt rig (wears a VX1 3-9X).
Unfortunately all the newer VX3HD have the CDS elevation turret.
The VX3HD line looks to have the newer turret body (same as VX3i) and it has some bevels/angles that make it kind of harsh looking.
They lost the classic look of the older Vari X line, but were tolerable................until they did the CDS turret.
Who in the heck needs to dial on a 1.5-5X?
So yeah, I'm on the hunt for a like new VX3i 1.5-5X. Trying to find a non CDS scope for a Ruger #1.
I dunno if the VX3i turret is the same as the VX3HD internally or not.
Its now waiting to go on a different rifle LOL
Maybe my .22 mag bolt rig (wears a VX1 3-9X).
Unfortunately all the newer VX3HD have the CDS elevation turret.
The VX3HD line looks to have the newer turret body (same as VX3i) and it has some bevels/angles that make it kind of harsh looking.
They lost the classic look of the older Vari X line, but were tolerable................until they did the CDS turret.
Who in the heck needs to dial on a 1.5-5X?
So yeah, I'm on the hunt for a like new VX3i 1.5-5X. Trying to find a non CDS scope for a Ruger #1.
I dunno if the VX3i turret is the same as the VX3HD internally or not.
luv2safari
Member
I was always a Leupold guy, but greed took over for about ten years, and quality that built their success and reputation was disregarded by the relatives who took over. They cranked out junk that sold on their past reputation. During the same period Burris figured out the medium price market and produced good scopes for less off shore.
I got my first Leupold 64 years ago. It went on top of a Wby 7mm Mag that was lost in a burglary when I was 19. All I have is the original box. The last four scopes I bought and mounted are two Burris FFII 3-9X40s and two 4.5-14X42s. I'm completely satisfied with the Burris scopes. I'm a set it and forget it shooter and don't dial after my initial sight in. 350 yards is my in the field limit and don't shoot beyond that as a rule.
I got my first Leupold 64 years ago. It went on top of a Wby 7mm Mag that was lost in a burglary when I was 19. All I have is the original box. The last four scopes I bought and mounted are two Burris FFII 3-9X40s and two 4.5-14X42s. I'm completely satisfied with the Burris scopes. I'm a set it and forget it shooter and don't dial after my initial sight in. 350 yards is my in the field limit and don't shoot beyond that as a rule.
troy fairweather
Member
What's the rifle if it's a normal hunting style rifle the 3-9 will do well and i like leupolds, if it's a more target/bench type gun some more power would be nice for paper shooting. Burris are great for the money tho last I looked I didn't see any ff2 for some reason so my have to go with the e1 which I believe are still Phillipines. The ff-lv are Chinese and some others are to, it's getting hard to figure out were the Burris are made anymore. Leupolds don't track to well or the Burris, there find for sighting in and leaving tho just not scopes to be cranking on the turrets all day on.
For a little more or on sale look at the sightron s-tac if you want higher power and some really good turrets cheap, the reticle on the 4-16 is pretty fine tho like like for the paper shooting I've been doing with my 6arc. Otherwise go with the 6-20 if you need more scope. There made in the Phillipines in there own factory and there Japanese scopes are really good for the money. The s-tac share the same design for there turrets as the higher end Japanese scopes.
For a little more or on sale look at the sightron s-tac if you want higher power and some really good turrets cheap, the reticle on the 4-16 is pretty fine tho like like for the paper shooting I've been doing with my 6arc. Otherwise go with the 6-20 if you need more scope. There made in the Phillipines in there own factory and there Japanese scopes are really good for the money. The s-tac share the same design for there turrets as the higher end Japanese scopes.
LiveLife
Member
I thought my Leupold American Marksman 3-9x40mm (I believe on par/slightly below vxii) was "OK" compared to other scopes until I had my cataract surgery done. With 100% light transmission Vivity IOL implants, view through Marksman produced VERY BRIGHT field of view compared to other scopes at same power, especially in dark shade.
I test scopes from back porch at 100 yards reading small prints on power transformer and at 50 yards reading Coffee Mate container under the dark shadows of chicken house in 150' redwood trees.
Marksman produced brighter field of view at 100 yards and clear visibility of small prints on power transformer and surprisingly, I was able to better visualize Coffee Mate container in dark shadow than Burris FF II 6.5-20x50mm, Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50mm, Strike Eagle 4-24x50mm and Athlon Argos BTR 10-40x56mm at same 9x power.
Brightness and clarity of Marksman was impressive and I am renewed fan of Leupold.
Yes.
Peoples eyes can see things differently.
My eyes used to be really good, but not anymore.
Even so, my bud's higher end Leupold VH6 was impressive. Could see very well in the shadows w great color.
Just not sure for my hunting I need to drop 1600 for a scope.
My issues with the new Freedom line are two:
#1............the ocular lock ring looks cheap. It should be like the old Vari X stuff and fine knurled.
#2............since the turret bodies have an angular look/bevel...............cant change it. Is what it is.
The turret caps are square/blocky. Reportedly they can be replaced with others that have a more pleasing look (to me).
Read about it, saw pics, on another forum. Would it be worth 50 bucks to change em on a 300 dollar scope?
Kinda defeats the purpose of going entry level.
Like another poster here said, if you want a little nicer, in feature/look...........just go with VX3.
On an AR or synth stock bolt rig of non classic look, I'd slap a VX Freedom on it and go hunt.
Peoples eyes can see things differently.
My eyes used to be really good, but not anymore.
Even so, my bud's higher end Leupold VH6 was impressive. Could see very well in the shadows w great color.
Just not sure for my hunting I need to drop 1600 for a scope.
My issues with the new Freedom line are two:
#1............the ocular lock ring looks cheap. It should be like the old Vari X stuff and fine knurled.
#2............since the turret bodies have an angular look/bevel...............cant change it. Is what it is.
The turret caps are square/blocky. Reportedly they can be replaced with others that have a more pleasing look (to me).
Read about it, saw pics, on another forum. Would it be worth 50 bucks to change em on a 300 dollar scope?
Kinda defeats the purpose of going entry level.
Like another poster here said, if you want a little nicer, in feature/look...........just go with VX3.
On an AR or synth stock bolt rig of non classic look, I'd slap a VX Freedom on it and go hunt.
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luv2safari
Member
Good analysis and appreciated.
Captains1911
Member
I have several VX-Freedoms and have never had any issues with them. I think they're a good choice for the price point.
CoalTrain49
Member
I think the Freedom scope components are produced offshore and assembled here in the US. It's like Mossberg saying all their shotguns are made in the US. Assembled in the US is more accurate.
Have read Leupold's lenses come from Japan ( info was not stated by Leupold ).
Also have read their turret internals may be as well.
A 6-18X Freedom is on my Savage .22 lr. It works well but isn't pretty.
I'll upgrade to a 6-18X Mark3 HD maybe next month.
Also have read their turret internals may be as well.
A 6-18X Freedom is on my Savage .22 lr. It works well but isn't pretty.
I'll upgrade to a 6-18X Mark3 HD maybe next month.
Captains1911
Member
You might also consider a Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40, similar price point.
There's nothing magic about Leupold scopes. For similar money or slightly less you can get equivalent glass quality in other makes. Maybe it doesn't matter to you, but when I research comparable models Leupold stuff always weighs less. That matters to me on my hunting rifles for the style of hunting that I do. For example, I have a Weaver Super Slam 2-10 x 42 that is every bit the scope that my son's Vari-Xiii 3.5-10 x 40 is, at half the price. Thing is, it weighs something like 6 oz. more. I have it mounted on a M700 BDL 25-06 that is pretty heavy to start out with (there's probably a pound of polyurethane in the stock). A couple of weeks ago I did a fair amount of walking doe hunting, and at the end of the day helping my son find a deer that he had shot. It was a relief putting that rifle back in the safe.
As long as I'm venting, I have a 4.5-14 Burris FF2 that is a great scope for what I paid. What scalds me is the power selection moves the entire ocular housing which is a terrible design if you use flip up lens caps. BTW the last time that I checked, Burris doesn't give weight in the specs on their web sight.
I keep buying Leupold hunting scopes and never regret it.
As long as I'm venting, I have a 4.5-14 Burris FF2 that is a great scope for what I paid. What scalds me is the power selection moves the entire ocular housing which is a terrible design if you use flip up lens caps. BTW the last time that I checked, Burris doesn't give weight in the specs on their web sight.
I keep buying Leupold hunting scopes and never regret it.
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