Leupold question

[Scarface26]

Gents,

I'm trying to decide between the VX-6 HD 3-18 or the VX-3 6.5-20. Obviously the 6.5-20 is about half the price, but is the difference due only to the innards required to get a 6X zoom, or is it also due to glass quality? Anyone have any experience with glass quality between Leupold's last year VX-6 model and the new VX-6HD? Electronic levels and blue tooth capabilities don't really blow my skirt up. I think if you have a blue tooth you need to see a dentist! I just want good glass and zero retention without the angst that a 3K SB produces around the house.

Thanks in advance and God bless America,

Scarface 26

 

[ken158]

Good question and I think you need to consider what you are going to use the scope for, how much would a vx-3 be in today's money and how minuscule particular you are about your optics. Been there many times and have ponied up for some high $$$ glass only to have conditions (heat, mirage) prevent me from using my scopes to their ultimate potential. Varmint and prairie dog shooting with a little competition thrown in are my vices. I just can't see the difference in dollars when comparing any of my Nightforce, Zeiss, Leupolds to each other although I do have a Swarovski that I consider to be the best, but not by a lot and with perfect conditions. As long as people buy the new HD and other dressed up descriptions, they will continue to make them. If you can find a Cabelas, Bass Pro or high end store that stock the model you are leaning toward, they will usually let you compare. I even had a Cabelas employee take me out a back door with a few rangefinders and let me test for about 15 minutes.

 

[JRS]

The VX-6 is fitted with a more expensive grade of glass and different coatings.

 

[bobinpa]

Gents,

I'm trying to decide between the VX-6 HD 3-18 or the VX-3 6.5-20. Obviously the 6.5-20 is about half the price, but is the difference due only to the innards required to get a 6X zoom, or is it also due to glass quality? Anyone have any experience with glass quality between Leupold's last year VX-6 model and the new VX-6HD? Electronic levels and blue tooth capabilities don't really blow my skirt up. I think if you have a blue tooth you need to see a dentist! I just want good glass and zero retention without the angst that a 3K SB produces around the house.

Thanks in advance and God bless America,

Scarface 26

I bought my first Leupold in 1990. I still have it and I continue to buy them. I've got over 30 of them and I've owned Vari-x lll, VX-lll, VX-3 and VX-6. I have 20/20 vision and I don't wear any kind of eyeglasses and my vision isn't good enough for me to say that I have to have the latest VX-6 because the glass is better. Maybe it is better and maybe some people can see a difference looking through the different coatings, but I can't. In my opinion, as stated before, the conditions will limit me way before a Vari-x lll will. My Vari-x lll's still allow me to see and kill groundhogs at 800 yards plus, so how is that holding me back???? Buy a clean used Leupold (since it carries a full lifetime warranty) and spend the rest on components or gas to get you to the hunt/shoot. Don't let yourself get wrapped up in the latest and greatest.... Been there.

 

[Scarface26]

Gentlemen,

Thank you very much for your thoughtful responses. I guess scopes are a lot like hot rods - that last quarter second costs the most. Bobinpa, good shooting on the groundhogs and good advice. Thanks.

God bless America

 

[warbird2006]

I just send 2 Vari-X III 6.5-20x40 to Leupold for maintenance. Registered on website, shipped. Got email back that they receiced both scopes.
It took 3.5 weeks to get them back. They reworked erector system, replaced erector spring, adjustment windage and adjustment elevation.
I am very impressed. I know my next scope will be Leupold.