old vari x iii vs new vx1

[greyling22]

Old vari x iii vs new vx1. Which would you choose?

Specifically a vari x iii 1.5-5x20 or a vx1 rimfire 2-7x28

They're about the same price size weight and power.

I know a vx3 is better than a vx1, but what does 25 years do to that difference?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

If they were equal power, I would take the older scope. Out of those two, I would take the newer one...Matter of fact I have the 2-7 rimfire on a CZ 455 and really like it.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

the glass quality and coatings should be about the same for both if your talking the newest vx1. ive got a newer vx1 3x9 and a couple 2x7s and they compare real well with my older varix IIIs in low light

 

[AKElroy]

It would come down to aesthetics for me; unless you need this for a rim fire. The newer model will likely be parallax adjusted for 50yds, the older vx3 for 100. I really like the look of some of the high-gloss older vari x models.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Leupold will adjust parallax to your distance for about 15 bucks.

 

[jmr40]

Not even close.

The VX-III's were discontinued years ago and the Leupold lineup has been upgraded 3-4 times since then. The current production VX-1's and VX-2's are far better than any of the roman numeral marked scopes. A current production VX-2, is a better scope than a 5 year old VX-3.

If the VX-1 was made prior to 2012, it is about a toss up in glass quality. But remember, a 25 year old scope has 25 year old seals in it. Even the best built scopes can have rubber seals dry rot over time. Leupold will fix it, but it is something to consider.

The older VX-1's had friction elevation and windage adjustments. If it has click adjustments it is a new scope and a far better choice.

 

[greyling22]

I called leupold friday and asked them about it. They said that the new vx-1's were better than the vari-x iii's. Not just the glass, but all the metals of the springs and stuff inside. Of course, the tech had to spend a minute or 2 flipping back through pages to get to the info on a scope that old ('87) to see how the coating and transmission compared.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would like to buy a pile off III's at junk prices.

 

[eastbank]

ME TO, eastbank.

 

[dook]

I called leupold friday and asked them about it. They said that the new vx-1's were better than the vari-x iii's. Not just the glass, but all the metals of the springs and stuff inside. Of course, the tech had to spend a minute or 2 flipping back through pages to get to the info on a scope that old ('87) to see how the coating and transmission compared.

If this is true, that the newer Asian made Leupolds are better than the older US made ones, it certainly goes against the pattern of most other kinds of merchandise. All of my scopes are older Leupolds with which I am very satisfied. I haven't used any of the newer ones. My eyes are very old and I find that most scopes that young people rave about are junk.

 

[Fredo0621]

Generally you want to go with the newest technology for scopes(just about anything for that matter). They have learned from the older models what items need to be upgraded and what can be tweaked. Then you have to worry more about the seals on the older scopes failing. Always go newer if you can.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Dang, now I gotta throw my Unertls in the trash...

 

[greyling22]

nobody said anything was bad, just apparently newer is better. manufacturing capability in every industry is better now than it was in days of yore. (as long as they are trying to make a quality product and not just being cheap. Just because the capability is there is no guaranty the effort was put forth)

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I KNEW I would be able to use this, someday!

VX-III
• The VX-III line was new for 2004, and uses ¼-MOA, low-profile, finger-adjustable adjustments and a fast-focus eyepiece. VX-III’s are fully multicoated and Index Matched to ensure that each lens has the best possible coating, producing total light transmission values higher than ever seen before.

• The Vari-X III line (discontinued for 2004 with introduction of VX-III) has seen little change and is still optically the same as those produced in the 90s. Vari-X III’s utilize ¼-MOA click adjustments and are fully multicoated with Multicoat 4.

VX-I
• The VX-I also utilizes a combination of Vari-X III and Vari-X II technology, utilizing ¼-MOA friction (non-clicking) adjustments. The external lenses are multicoated and the internal lenses use magnesium fluoride

Mark H.

 

[scottishkat]

I own a VX III 3.5-10 purcahsed in the 80's and 1 purchased post 2004 same scope IMHO the old one is better.

 

[gamestalker]

I have old one's, and new one's. I just bought a new Leupold 2x7 last week for one of my Ruger 22lr. I haven't shot it yet, waiting to get some more ammunition from my Son. But the clarity, and the range of eye relief seems much better than my older glass.

GS