Leupold VX-3 vs. VX-6

[npaden]

Okay, so I'm about talked into trying a Leupold scope. There are some crazy sale prices going on right now on the VX-3 but my scope budget is closer to the VX-6 and they don't seem to be discounted as much as the VX-3 right now anyway.

So what's the difference between the VX-3 and the VX-6? Better glass in the VX-6? Better quality of components for the CDS turrets? If I step up to the VX-6 should I be looking at Zeiss or Leica or something like that instead?

Anyone that has experience with both of them?

Thanks, Nathan

 

[T Bone]

magnification range is the only difference I'm aware of.

For hunting, I can't imagine needing more glass than a 3.5-10x40 with an elevation turret. The CDS model can be had for $350ish after rebate.

 

[WapitiBob]

I hunt with 22x and will never buy less than 14, been there. Pretty much personal preference.
The VX-3 was never built to spin the turrets. If you go that route send it in and have them upgrade the erector assy. They're adding an additional/upgraded spring to help. My experience with Leupold was not a good one. Others have had good luck with them. If I had to buy one, it would be the -6.
The $1200-$1400 price range is kind of a no mans land. You can get a Vortex PST for less than $1,000 but they're a crap shoot as they're not mechanically tested prior to you getting it. The componants are pretty good though. Next step up is a Nightforce NXS for $1,900. In between are several including the -6 and the Nightforce SHV. I haven't checked on the SHV to see if it's shipped loose and reassembled/bonded, and tested like the NXS. I'm sure Leupold also mechanically tests the -6 but I don't know their specs. I would search youtube for tracking tests on any scope you are looking at. Some are pretty bad.

 

[Washington Hunter]

If I had the money right now I'd be buying the SWFA 3-15x42 for $700. The guys who spin turrets love the SWFA scopes. All I know about them is what I read on the 24 Hour Campfire forum, but apparently they're one of the only scopes that are as reliable as Nightforce. The next scope I buy will be a SWFA.

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-15x42-Tactical-Rifle-Scope-P62238.aspx

 

[npaden]

Wow, that's a heavy scope though. 24 oz compared to 13 oz for the Leupold VX-3.

I would be carting that thing up and down mountains and then spinning the turrets. I guess if I got a light enough rifle it might even itself out.

 

[bigskyblueman]

I have the VX- 3 on my .300 win mag. and it is a great scope.

 

[Washington Hunter]

What's the rifle it's going on and how far do you want to be able to shoot?

If you want lighter, you could go with the 3-9. But it's not a lot lighter.

Do you want to spin turrets or not? That's the deciding factor. If not, then you can go with Leupold.

 

[WapitiBob]

I make scope parts, there's a reason for the weight difference generally starting with the tube wall thickness and on from there.

I cart my 13# hunting rifle all over and spin the turret. I wouldn't buy a scope based on weight.

 

[belly-deep]

Get a VX-3. Its a rifle scope, not a spotting scope. I can't imagine what you could do with a VX-6 that you couldn't do with a VX-3.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Get a VX-3. Its a rifle scope, not a spotting scope. I can't imagine what you could do with a VX-6 that you couldn't do with a VX-3.

gloat.

Get the VX3

 

[Big Fin]

The glass is different. The VX-6 does have a more expensive glass and coating. You will see a new VX-3i coming in 2016 that will have the same glass and coatings the VX-6 has. Given what does into that new glass and coatings, I suspect the VX-3i will be priced at more than the current VX-3.

It does come down to budgets and what you want to spend. The VX-3 is a very good scope, especially for the price you can pick them up right now. In fact, the value (price to performance intersection) of the VX-3 was top in class before the current rebates/pricing.

The VX-6 is even "gooder" and odds are you will not see them on sale, given Leupold is producing as many VX-6 as the Beaverton factory is set up to make and they still are not keeping up to demand on the VX-6.

 

[noharleyyet]

...the x6, less than a lb. 30mm tube, firedot if you are so inclined. Clear, repeatable with the custom dial...and admittedly in your budget.


..no gloat.

 

[Washington Hunter]

I looked up the Leupold VX-6 2-12x42, 30mm tube- 17 ounces.

The SWFA 3-15x42 is 24 ounces. That's only 7 ounces. Really not that much of an increase for a scope that tracks properly. It's made with better components is why it's heavier.

It's also almost half the price of the Leupold.

 

[belly-deep]

...the x6, less than a lb. 30mm tube, firedot if you are so inclined. Clear, repeatable with the custom dial...and admittedly in your budget.


..no gloat.

That is exactly what a Texan would say

 

[noharleyyet]

That is exactly what a Texan would say

Stay on topic belly ache

 

[Bill V]

Leupold VX-3 vs 6

I purchased the VX-3 for my AZ desert sheep hunt. (would love to post a photo if I could send it someone who knows how) I bought mine with the Boone and Crockett reticle and I am comfortable out to 450 to 500 yds which is plenty for me. Glass is clear and bright, but not quite up to my Zeiss Conquest. However, I prefer the reticle on the Leupold over the Zeiss rapid Z. Leupold is noticeably lighter.

Bill

 

[mtmuley]

Look real hard at the VX-2. I've pounded a couple pretty hard. So far, so good. mtmuley

 

[jryoung]

The SWFA 3-15x42 is 24 ounces. That's only 7 ounces. Really not that much of an increase for a scope that tracks properly. It's made with better components is why it's heavier.

Can you quantify that please, and compare and contrast the individual differences?

 

[Dan O]

I have a VX3 4.5 x 14 CDS on my 300. It is clear and bright and I have tested the dial system to 500 yards and it works. Wished I had a couple thousand bucks to buy a bunch of 3.5 x 10 and 4.5 x 14's with CDS.
Dan

 

[mtmuley]

Can you quantify that please, and compare and contrast the individual differences?

You gotta go to the campfire for that info jr. mtmuley