Leupold VX-3i vs VXR???

[13bonatter69]

I am in the process of clearing out some of my scopes and replacing them with the Leupold with CDS system. I am currently trying to decide between two scopes, and am having a hard time deciding. I figure lots of you guys have experience with Leupold scopes and might have some useful input. The two models I am looking at are...
1. VXR 4-12x40 firedot with cds
2. VX-3i 4.5-14x40 with cds

I am aware that the VXR has firedot which is nice, but not sure how practical it is in actual hunting situations, and I don't like the fact that it doesn't have side focus.
I am also a tad concerned that the firedot is just something else to "go wrong" years down the road. I see lots of 20-30 year old scopes going strong, and can't help but wonder if they had been equipped with lighted reticles back then, would they still be working thirty years later....doubtful ....lol

Also the VX-3i supposedly has better glass as well as side focus.
The VX-3i has a slightly smaller duplex which would be better for longer shots, but "may" get washed out in low light in brush. Also not sure if BOTH reticles are etched or not.

right now I think I am leaning towards the VX-3i just for the better glass and side focus as well as not having to worry about if the illumination will fail years down the road.....

I was hoping someone of you guys and gals had some opinions on these two scope that may help me decide between the two. Thanks

 

[bhylton]

I have an older 4.5-14x40 VX-3 CDS. i have never had a problem seeing the reticle in low light. very very good optics regardless of the price. 3-18 x44 vx-6 with the windplex will be my next scope. I run the non customized CDS turret that is just labeled in 1MOA increments. Dial for elevation, use reticle for windage

 

[Broomd]

The case could be made that it isn't apples/apples.
The VX-R is a fabulous scope that in my opinion shines in low light and diminished light situations...fog, rain, dusk, smoke...etc.
The VX-R is also a great point and shoot reticle, my wife has one on her .308 Montana and she flat out kills stuff. She "puts the dot on the vitals" as she says. Easy peasy.

I don't like the vx-r for my shooting because the illuminated dot is too large as you alluded. The smaller duplex makes it easier to see *a hair* on the shoulder. In consistent low light, I'd opt for the "R"....
Aim small, miss small...

For most practical applications (average light, conditions) the CDS vx-3 is the bomb.

 

[Nuke Man]

First the VX-R is not an illuminated reticle. It has a dot that illuminates when you turn it on. If it failed, you still have a usable reticle. I have a VX-R 3-9 X 40 on my coyote gun, and love it! Had it for almost 3 years now, same battery, no problems at all. Glass is good. It's a light scope, but built strong. Lowlight clarity is so so with the 40mm objective, but the firedot makes up for it.
I also have a VX6 and it is an awesome scope! Crystal clear glass, compact and lightweight.

 

[Broomd]

Yes, Didn't mean to confuse.....a center dot with excellent rheostat-like push button adjustment...it turns on and off automatically with a motion sensor. Sweet stuff...

 

[GKPrice]

I am in the process of clearing out some of my scopes and replacing them with the Leupold with CDS system. I am currently trying to decide between two scopes, and am having a hard time deciding. I figure lots of you guys have experience with Leupold scopes and might have some useful input. The two models I am looking at are...
1. VXR 4-12x40 firedot with cds
2. VX-3i 4.5-14x40 with cds

I am aware that the VXR has firedot which is nice, but not sure how practical it is in actual hunting situations, and I don't like the fact that it doesn't have side focus.
I am also a tad concerned that the firedot is just something else to "go wrong" years down the road. I see lots of 20-30 year old scopes going strong, and can't help but wonder if they had been equipped with lighted reticles back then, would they still be working thirty years later....doubtful ....lol

Also the VX-3i supposedly has better glass as well as side focus.
The VX-3i has a slightly smaller duplex which would be better for longer shots, but "may" get washed out in low light in brush. Also not sure if BOTH reticles are etched or not.

right now I think I am leaning towards the VX-3i just for the better glass and side focus as well as not having to worry about if the illumination will fail years down the road.....

I was hoping someone of you guys and gals had some opinions on these two scope that may help me decide between the two. Thanks

another idea would be to call Leupold direct and ask for technical services then ask him/her your questions or worries - they'll answer you honestly

 

[Matt W.]

I have an older 4.5-14x40 VX-3 CDS. i have never had a problem seeing the reticle in low light. very very good optics regardless of the price. 3-18 x44 vx-6 with the windplex will be my next scope. I run the non customized CDS turret that is just labeled in 1MOA increments. Dial for elevation, use reticle for windage

Was this the dial that came with, or one you ordered?