Leupold Vx5-HD - 3x15 yes or no?

[D Lee]

I may be beating a dead horse here? Fortunately - or unfortunately?? - I own this scope. Only limited use so far - on the bench - the scope has performed. Third trip to the range @ 100 - loads are all under MOA - can't complain about results at the target.

1. The vertical MOA adjustments - firm clicks can be easily counted for adjusting. Score: B+.
2. Horizontal MOA adjustment: clicks are pure mush. Score: D-. Guess & go. Absolutely Inexcusable for a scope at this price.

With purchse money tight - this rifle and scope were very carefully put together for HUNTING. Now, I'm reading about Leupold failing drop tests - unable to hold zero and whatnot. ??????????????????????

I totally understand that any mechanical device can fail and often do. Typically, we look at dependability before buying. I just trusted Leupold and upgraded over the Vx3 to the 5 HD. Now that the rifle is sighted in and the hunt is upcoming very soon - I'm wondering if I should have purchased another scope????? I realize no purchase comes with guaranteed dependability - but - at this moment - I really don't want to find myself afield and find this scope not doing what it's supposed to. <<IMHO - reasonable expectations.

Budget: $ Very limited if trading.

Your personal experiences please. If you care to express your opinion with another make / model - please do so with your reasons why. I'm tired of reading all the mixed reviews - so pls forgive my bringing this up again. Just trying to make a good decision here and finalize this rifle project. You have my undivided attention.

Thank you kindly.

 

[wyosteve]

I have the same scope on my 6.5 and it has been banged around some and has always maintained it's settings. fwiw

 

[Johnwell]

I personally like having the peace of mind that my scope will retain zero no matter what.

My wife uses an (ab)used Simmons that was probably less than $75 like 30 years ago. She still kills deer with it. I guarantee it won’t pass a drop test. It also is not sealed or argon purged or any of the other features that are standard on even the cheapest scopes now. It all depends on what you expect your gear to withstand.

I think you’ll be fine with that scope as long as you don’t: drop it, ride with it bouncing around, or constantly turn the turrets. How far would you consider shooting at a game animal?

 

[D Lee]

Wyo & John....

Thank you. I very much want to trust this scope for multiple reasons. Made in the USA - seems (?) to have a good rep amongst the majority of users.

I AM careful with my gear including while hunting. With that good care - I expect ALL my gear to hold up / work. Got concerned with too many posts on this scope's problems - both Vx3 & 5.

Right now - the scope is working very well. No reason to let it go and will trust it this hunting season.

How far? TRUSTED - 25 to 500 yards. Accurately - meaning MOA at each yardage - consistently. And yes - I understand - if the gear is working - it's all on me.

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[Formidilosus]

Wyo & John....

Thank you. I very much want to trust this scope for multiple reasons. Made in the USA - seems (?) to have a good rep amongst the majority of users.

I AM careful with my gear including while hunting. With that good care - I expect ALL my gear to hold up / work. Got concerned with too many posts on this scope's problems - both Vx3 & 5.

Right now - the scope is working very well. No reason to let it go and will trust it this hunting season.

How far? TRUSTED - 25 to 500 yards. Accurately - meaning MOA at each yardage - consistently. And yes - I understand - if the gear is working - it's all on me.

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

You have the scope in hand- zero it correctly, walk over to the grass and drop it a few times in the left, right, and top from waist high. Then check zero immediately. Then walk back over to the grass, drop it a couple more times on Al sides, and check again. Then you know.

 

[KenLee]

I personally like having the peace of mind that my scope will retain zero no matter what.

My wife uses an (ab)used Simmons that was probably less than $75 like 30 years ago. She still kills deer with it. I guarantee it won’t pass a drop test. It also is not sealed or argon purged or any of the other features that are standard on even the cheapest scopes now. It all depends on what you expect your gear to withstand.

I think you’ll be fine with that scope as long as you don’t: drop it, ride with it bouncing around, or constantly turn the turrets. How far would you consider shooting at a game animal?

Where do you find these women?
I've been married many times and had long term relationships and not married. Most have hunted, either sitting with me or in separate stands/blinds. If I've bought myself a better scope, I end up buying them one also. When I'm dropping deer 15 minutes after they can make out a deer in their scope and see the reticle, they seem to lose the enthusiasm for the next hunt.

 

[Sneaker]

I’ve had this scope for years and it’s been terrific for me.

 

[DagOtto]

I have this scope.

Bought it last year before discovering rokslide and the drop evals. Mounted to 25 fps with blue loctite to a rukus/proof 6.5 cm.

I too love leupold as a brand. They do right by hunters through conservation giving, and are pnw company etc… i also love the way the scope operates.

When i started reading the drop test i was more surprised to learn that some scopes dont come out of true than I was to learn that mine doesnt hold true. I was raised to believe that all scopes lose zero.

It was an eye opening moment to hear Form say (not quoting exactly) that hunters accept constant product failure as a norm with scopes. And then even more eye opening for him to show some scopes that generally dont lose zero.

Last week while elk hunting I dropped my gun from about 18” onto hard dirt. It had a neoprene cover on it. This week at the range the zero was shifted 2” left and 1 1/2” high and did not correct after firing a few rounds. The gun has held zero and 1.25” 10 shot groups all season.

While it may not be the scope that failed, I expect it is. The rifle is bed set and action screws are torqued and loctited.

I no longer will accept zeros randomly shifting and will be selling this scope and replacing with one that has passed the eval. Im kinda heartbroken about it though. Hope leupold adds some beef and passes these evals some day.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

OP, I have the same scope and it's taken 2500 mile round trips in a 3/4 ton and lots of nasty roads, fell out of the back seat hitting the door frame on the scope bell on the way down, and gone for boat rides in my flat bottom aluminum boat. It's not lost zero. For the same reason you're questioning I also began questioning and switching out other Leupolds for Trijicon scopes. Wife and myself and my son had a big hunt coming up last weekend and we all went to the range to check things as our guns have been on several trips. Wife's Trijicon Huron needed three clicks to the left, my Credo required 4 clicks down, and my son's Vortex freaking Diamondback was dead on. So now I'm second guessing my second guessing. I'll be doing some shooting with the rifle that has the VX5 late next week, not expecting any shifts but I'll definitely post up if it's not zeroed. Now I'm annoyed with questionable confidence in anything. I guess I'll try a Nightforce next.

 

[EdP]

It is impossible for me to discern the difference between actual general experience and fanboy factor on a forum. When bashing a particular mfg or touting another becomes the next hot trend, those with differing opinions tend not to express them.

Forms testing does not adequately control variables to be considered scientific and so some of the results are questionable. What isn't questionable is that Form has shown that many scopes cannot be relied upon to hold zero when exposed to conditions that occur all to often in the field. The only question is to what extent one brand stands up better than another. At a minimum his drop testing raises questions that need to be raised. I am hoping that Form's testing will drive the scope mfgs to develop a standard testing method for robustness akin to the IP68 standard for electronics. This would involve a standard testing methodology and a rating system that consumers could compare between products.

 

[D Lee]

Gentlemen.........

Reading your posts above may (very understandably) not provide hard answers - but are reassuring because your posts are first-hand experience driven. Just good common sense. Thank you!!

EdP - excellent observation!!! You are so 100% correct about scope (& other?) manufacturers developing / issuing a reasonable dependability standard. IMHO - a very fair expectation on our part - long overdue performance project on theirs. Well said Sir.

My decision on this Vx5? TBD.

Cheers.

 

[BigMuleyHunter]

I've had the same scope for several years on a 6.5 PRC that I also purchased before learning about the drop test. Since learning about the drop test, I've kept pretty extensive records and it has retained zero wonderfully for me. Although I do baby it to my best ability. My biggest concern is that it will lose zero on me as a result of riding in the back seat of my truck all hunting season. So, this year when I purchased another rifle, I purchased a Maven RS1.2 to go on top of it. On a spring bear hunt, my gun which was leaning against a tree, fell over straight onto a large rock. Hard enough to dent the elevation cap. Luckily I had already shot my bear so I didn't stress about it and checked zero when I returned home. It was still dead on. I have no doubt that my Leupold would have failed in that circumstance.
All of this to say that I wouldn't purchase the VX5 again knowing what I know now, but also I'm not replacing it until it fails me. In the meantime, I'm aware of the shortcomings of this scope and will treat it accordingly.

 

[kodiak725]

I may be beating a dead horse here? Fortunately - or unfortunately?? - I own this scope. Only limited use so far - on the bench - the scope has performed. Third trip to the range @ 100 - loads are all under MOA - can't complain about results at the target.

1. The vertical MOA adjustments - firm clicks can be easily counted for adjusting. Score: B+.
2. Horizontal MOA adjustment: clicks are pure mush. Score: D-. Guess & go. Absolutely Inexcusable for a scope at this price.

With purchse money tight - this rifle and scope were very carefully put together for HUNTING. Now, I'm reading about Leupold failing drop tests - unable to hold zero and whatnot. ??????????????????????

I totally understand that any mechanical device can fail and often do. Typically, we look at dependability before buying. I just trusted Leupold and upgraded over the Vx3 to the 5 HD. Now that the rifle is sighted in and the hunt is upcoming very soon - I'm wondering if I should have purchased another scope????? I realize no purchase comes with guaranteed dependability - but - at this moment - I really don't want to find myself afield and find this scope not doing what it's supposed to. <<IMHO - reasonable expectations.

Budget: $ Very limited if trading.

Your personal experiences please. If you care to express your opinion with another make / model - please do so with your reasons why. I'm tired of reading all the mixed reviews - so pls forgive my bringing this up again. Just trying to make a good decision here and finalize this rifle project. You have my undivided attention.

Thank you kindly.

I have one VX5 that is great, both elevation and windage knobs are tactile and crisp. I recently put a brand new VX5 on a new build and found the scope to track fine however the windage knob was complete mush. I sent it in to Leupold as I refuse to believe that is normal. (Currently waiting to hear back) If they say thats how they are, I will likely switch to something else.

 

[Dave Thomas]

I've had a vx6hd for quite a few years now. So far it has held zero without any problems. I have not drop tested it. It has taken a few bumps over the years and rides in a soft case in my truck and a kolplin gun boot on my 4 wheeler. I really like the scope but would not trust it to hold zero if dropped after reading about them but for normal use it has been great.

 

[D Lee]

Again...thank you all. Every reply helpful and genuinely appreciated.

I am NOT counting specifically.............but, from too many posters, it appears real Vx3 & 5 confidence is lacking. Right or wrong (??) I regret this. Creates a lot of "personal" mistrust in my Vx5. Maybe unfairly? Crap!!! IDK.

In the meantime, a friend recommended this: Swarovski Z3 with BRH reticle. No doubt the glass will be good. Any thoughts on >> dependability << - field use??

I apologize for belaboring a subject already covered many times. I'm just trying to make a good "dependability" decision and appreciate the reponses here.

Swarovski - Z3 or maybe 5???

TIA.

Cheers and Happy Holidays everyone.

 

[Wildstreak]

I may be beating a dead horse here? Fortunately - or unfortunately?? - I own this scope. Only limited use so far - on the bench - the scope has performed. Third trip to the range @ 100 - loads are all under MOA - can't complain about results at the target.

1. The vertical MOA adjustments - firm clicks can be easily counted for adjusting. Score: B+.
2. Horizontal MOA adjustment: clicks are pure mush. Score: D-. Guess & go. Absolutely Inexcusable for a scope at this price.

With purchse money tight - this rifle and scope were very carefully put together for HUNTING. Now, I'm reading about Leupold failing drop tests - unable to hold zero and whatnot. ??????????????????????

I totally understand that any mechanical device can fail and often do. Typically, we look at dependability before buying. I just trusted Leupold and upgraded over the Vx3 to the 5 HD. Now that the rifle is sighted in and the hunt is upcoming very soon - I'm wondering if I should have purchased another scope????? I realize no purchase comes with guaranteed dependability - but - at this moment - I really don't want to find myself afield and find this scope not doing what it's supposed to. <<IMHO - reasonable expectations.

Budget: $ Very limited if trading.

Your personal experiences please. If you care to express your opinion with another make / model - please do so with your reasons why. I'm tired of reading all the mixed reviews - so pls forgive my bringing this up again. Just trying to make a good decision here and finalize this rifle project. You have my undivided attention.

Thank you kindly.

I have 3 VX6HD scopes, 1 VX5 and I have no idea how many old Vari X 3 models. I dont know what this drop test is but I can tell you that all three of my VX6 models have been banged around in the backcountry, in a horse scabbard, etc and they have performed just fine for me. In the mid 90's I dropped my rifle with a Vari X 3 on it from about 25 feet up in a tree stand. The impact chipped the glass but it never lost zero. I still have it and the glass is still chipped, its currently sitting on top of one of my sons rifles.

 

[_S_R_]

Right now VX5 on my 6ARC gas gun, before that I ran on seekins 7rem mag. No problem whatsoever.

 

[need4sneed]

Again...thank you all. Every reply helpful and genuinely appreciated.

I am NOT counting specifically.............but, from too many posters, it appears real Vx3 & 5 confidence is lacking. Right or wrong (??) I regret this. Creates a lot of "personal" mistrust in my Vx5. Maybe unfairly? Crap!!! IDK.

In the meantime, a friend recommended this: Swarovski Z3 with BRH reticle. No doubt the glass will be good. Any thoughts on >> dependability << - field use??

I apologize for belaboring a subject already covered many times. I'm just trying to make a good "dependability" decision and appreciate the reponses here.

Swarovski - Z3 or maybe 5???

TIA.

Cheers and Happy Holidays everyone.

I started combing info and participating on this Rokslide echo-chamber because everything being brought to attention (or challenged), resonated so strongly with my own hunting experiences.

One of the things I had trouble with was a Z5. The tracking adjustments would slip routinely and the zero would wander.
Two people I know with X8’s: and the guns with those scopes also inexplicably and routinely shoot all over the place for unknown reasons.
None of this is proofed out in any way and I can’t conclude exclusively that the scopes failed. I can tell you that the z5 would not track properly. I can also tell you that I would not put a swaro scope on a gun that requires high level accuracy (because stacking errors, even small errors, can **** up a four car funeral very quickly).

FWIW I also have a vortex diamondback HP 4-16 SFP that had always taken mild beatings and held zero - but when I put it on a gun where I started using tracking a lot, the whole thing fried completely.

Seen an ATACR get ran over by a truck, still works flawlessly

 

[DagOtto]

It is impossible for me to discern the difference between actual general experience and fanboy factor on a forum. When bashing a particular mfg or touting another becomes the next hot trend, those with differing opinions tend not to express them.

Forms testing does not adequately control variables to be considered scientific and so some of the results are questionable. What isn't questionable is that Form has shown that many scopes cannot be relied upon to hold zero when exposed to conditions that occur all to often in the field. The only question is to what extent one brand stands up better than another. At a minimum his drop testing raises questions that need to be raised. I am hoping that Form's testing will drive the scope mfgs to develop a standard testing method for robustness akin to the IP68 standard for electronics. This would involve a standard testing methodology and a rating system that consumers could compare between products.

Very good points.

It would not be difficult at all to create a lab-quality version of Form's drop eval that could be published as a standard and performed by any qualified standards lab around the world. Indoors, in controlled environment with more precise measurements, consistent impact surfaces and consistent vibration/duration stresses. Unlike the standard for ballistic gelatin testing of hunting bullets that I have dreamed of, I don't even think this one would be expensive for a lab to perform.

But despite the field condition level of Form's Drop Evaluations I am grateful for them and they clearly have identified trends and scopes that are terrible at holding zero, and others that are much better. That is a huge step forward from the old default which was that all scopes were fragile and you had to constantly be checking and re-checking your zero.

Progress comes in small but impactful strides out of a mysterious, voice altered direction.

DO