Recommendations for budget-friendly Leupold scope

[matechakeric]

What $250-450 rifle scope would you recommend? For elk and deer preferably with CDS option

 

[huntandfly]

@schmalts is your subject matter expert. If you send him a PM he can get you squared away

 

[Boarmaster]

I never felt like I went wrong with any of the VX3 variants. Always seemed to be my huckleberry in price and quality.

 

[BackofBeyond]

Love my VX3i 3.5-10.

 

[Henry22]

My brother and I both have VX-2 3-9 and love them.

 

[OleRedbeard]

Im not sure about it being CDS compatible.. but this is a great all around scope for elk and deer.
Also.. I don't know if you know this or not but you get a free CDS turret with each CDS compatible scope you buy. 80 bucks for any thereafter.
Like others have said above this though.. @schmalts is the go to guru on this topic.

FX Series (Fixed Power) | Leupold

We’ve been making world-class optics that bear our family name for over 100 years. We honor that legacy every day as we design, machine and assemble…

www.leupold.com

 

[morley.tyler]

I've always loved the 2.5-8x

 

[Ben Lamb]

Another vote for the VX3 line. 2.5x8 or 3.5x10 are my favorites. Best glass for the money out there.

 

[EKYHunter]

Love my VX3i 3.5-10.

I’d like to have one of those. I like that magnification range. Is that a 40 MM objective?

 

[Chama Grande]

A friend talked me into this and it was a solid move. The windage turret isn't the highest quality but the elevation is great. Once I got the windage squared away, I don't touch it anyway. The Freedom series has been a major step above the Vortex Diamondback I had on there.

VX-Freedom 4-12x40 CDS Side Focus Tri-MOA

The VX®-Freedom® 4-12x40mm delivers legendary Leupold® performance and dependability in a versatile magnification range that's ideal for mid to long-range shots. This rugged and lightweight riflescope can get the job done on whatever rifle you have in your safe.

www.leupold.com

 

[BackofBeyond]

I’d like to have one of those. I like that magnification range. Is that a 40 MM objective?

Yes, but also, my mistake - it's a Vx3HD...

https://www.leupold.com/shop/riflescopes/series/vx-3hd-rifle-scopes

 

[EKYHunter]

Yes, but also, my mistake - it's a Vx3HD...

https://www.leupold.com/shop/riflescopes/series/vx-3hd-rifle-scopes

Good scope, no doubt. I’m just starting to get into Leupold. I’ve got a VX5 HD and it’s sweet. I’d like the VX 3 on a cheap Savage Axis I have.

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

My only complaint/regret was just getting the duplex reticle on my VX2 3x9. Not that there is anything wrong with it, just kind of boring... Wish I would have gone with something with MOA dots or the like.

But would I trade it for another brand, nah. It's not really that big of a draw back at the end of the day.

 

[EastTNHunter]

I wish that Luepold still made the VX2. Always thought that it was the best intersection of quality and value… but VX3 line is good for the money, too

 

[prhunter]

Leupold VX-3

 

[buffybr]

Leupold VX-3 or VX-Freedom

I have 6 of these on my rifles. I especially like the CDS turret and side focus.

 

[.270]

No hesitation in purchasing a VX3 in that price range. I prefer the 4.5-14 myself but coues deer hunting is what I focus on.

 

[noharleyyet]

A VX3i 4.5x14x40 30mm tube might be my favorite scope, and I have a passel of glass that cost more.

@schmalts is the real deal

 

[Don Fischer]

Hate it when someone asks about "budget friendly" and then doesn't give a price range. Guy making $300K a year may think $2K is budget friendly. On the other side of that is guy's like me, I live off a bit above average social security check, $200 is a lot of money to me. I seldom have ever paid that much for a scope!

 

[MaddH]

Hate it when someone asks about "budget friendly" and then doesn't give a price range. Guy making $300K a year may think $2K is budget friendly. On the other side of that is guy's like me, I live off a bit above average social security check, $200 is a lot of money to me. I seldom have ever paid that much for a scope!

The OP said $250-450