Leupold VXIII vs 3i

[AZmark]

Is the older Leupold VXIII a better scope, more robust, etc than the newer 3i. I've seen a few posts (not necessarily on this forum) that seem to imply that. I was just wondering of anyone had some insight to this. If its so what year mfg should one stay away from?

 

[Mr Drysdale]

I have both in CDS and can’t tell the difference. Both 4.5 x 14 - 40. Paid more for the VX III used than I did for the VX 3i new. Have never ordered the custom dial for either. Zero at 200 and go.

 

[IDMONK]

Not that I know of. I think they streamlined the features (not offering as many reticles, etc. ) to lower the cost to the consumer. I think they are GTG. I have both and both function fine.

 

[outdoorguyBP]

Are the eye boxes the same? I have a buddy with a VX-3 from late 90s/early 00s maybe that I simply can't get comfortable behind in prone or at the bench, so I know it simply won't work for me in the field. Because of this I'm not looking at the VX-3i. Looking through them at the store isn't the same as mounted up. Now my Mark5HD, no issue with the eyebox what so ever, it is sweet.

 

[IDMONK]

Are the eye boxes the same? I have a buddy with a VX-3 from late 90s/early 00s maybe that I simply can't get comfortable behind in prone or at the bench, so I know it simply won't work for me in the field. Because of this I'm not looking at the VX-3i. Looking through them at the store isn't the same as mounted up. Now my Mark5HD, no issue with the eyebox what so ever, it is sweet.

I’m sure that’s model dependent. I have a harder time getting behind a 4.5-14 than I do a 3.3-10 for sure.

 

[outdoorguyBP]

I’m sure that’s model dependent. I have a harder time getting behind a 4.5-14 than I do a 3.3-10 for sure.

That is fair, his scope is the 6.5-20..........hmmmmm the new scope struggle is real

 

[Daniel Boone]

I have two of the VX 3i scopes and have had no problem with them. Both very clear and always hold zero.

 

[Rich M]

VX3i would have better glass/coatings than the VX-III. I have both and both are good. The VX-III has a filtered look to it and a 1-inch dot, too hard for me to find on a deer so used the VX3i last year and it was fine. Selling the VX3i cause can't get Leupold to put a BDC reticle in there thru the custom shop. Shop's been closed for a while with promise to reopen.

Also have a Leica ER and the VX3s will hold with it until the grey light when your eyes start seeing things, that's when the Leica starts to wake up - ever seen a deer as a smudge in a field? The Leica will let you check out the antlers, it is amazing - well past shooting light most days but amazing anyway. Can also zoom in on a bird's feather at 100 yards with it - pretty neat scope but I don't use it much either.

Shot my buck last year with a cheap Remington 770 combination & Bushnell scope - LOL! Thinking to put Leica on that rifle if I don't do a Bushnell Elite BDC scope. That will depend on which load I get going for that gun. Fast & Flat it will get Leica, heavy & "normal" will get BDC. Only looking for 400 yard capabilities.

 

[Steve O]

Not that I know of. I think they streamlined the features (not offering as many reticles, etc. ) to lower the cost to the consumer. I think they are GTG. I have both and both function fine.

This is correct.