Opinions on Leupold VX-3 4.5-14x40 LR

[foxfyre841]

This is the non-HD model from the mid 2010's: 30mm tube, side parallax adjustment, and one of the very LAST gloss scopes leupold ever made. I've been personally looking for one for a long time but am now wondering about durability. I'ld love to get something that is extremely durable, GLOSS, has a ~40mm objective, side-focus, and >5.25" mounting length

The long story is my rifle, a 2007 Winchester Featherweight Deluxe in 270 win, has to fly and I did not have good luck with my Sightron Big Sky SII 3-9x40 holding zero worth a d4mn after getting tossed around by baggage handlers, even with a pelican case. That was a ~$500 scope when I bought it. I had tempered expectations at that point but even still, a 6" bump at 100yards was ridiculous. I put a nightforce nxs 3.5-15x50 in frustration and that worked great but is a huge optic for that svelte rifle.

Any recommendations on what I should be looking for?

 

[nobody]

Welcome to the life of being a Leupold owner

If you want exposed elevation turrets, the Maven RS1.2 offers a lot. 2.5-15x44, good reticle, and a good track record. Not to be confused with their other scope offerings. But it’s 24 ounces. Not exactly a lead anchor, but not lightweight.

An SWFA 3-9 is another good option. 21-ish ounces and good reticle and simple construction, worth checking out.

If you want capped turrets, Nightforce makes/made an SHV in like a 3-10x40 which would be great. Again, low 20’s in weight, so not uber light, but that’s likely WHY it works.

None of them are gloss, but I personally would worry waaaaaay more about functionality/durability rather than looks. The opposite thought process is what landed you where you are today.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I would not rely on any Leupold scope made in the last thirty years to do anything other than be a source of worry and frustration.

Choose function over form every time.

And the looks will grow on you too, especially when they function great. I’ve looked at my SWFA scopes on my beloved old rifles enough now that they look just fine.

 

[foxfyre841]

I wanted to sub in a nightforce 3-10x40 nxs or SHV but that mounting length doesn't work with my gloss dual-dovetail mounts. Modern optics that are trustworthy and fit are the Trijicon Credo 2.5-15x42, Huron 3-12x40, and leica AMPLUS 6 3-18x44i. Some of the high end matte almost looks gloss in some pictures.

Still looking at stuff... other considerations would be 2000's B&L, S&B, Leica, Zeiss. I'll keep on the look out and lug the NXS around for now.

 

[nobody]

I wanted to sub in a nightforce 3-10x40 nxs or SHV but that mounting length doesn't work with my gloss dual-dovetail mounts. Modern optics that are trustworthy and fit are the Trijicon Credo 2.5-15x42, Huron 3-12x40, and leica AMPLUS 6 3-18x44i. Some of the high end matte almost looks gloss in some pictures.

Still looking at stuff... other considerations would be 2000's B&L, S&B, Leica, Zeiss. I'll keep on the look out and lug the NXS around for now.

Before you get too far along, spend some time reading these with an open mind:

Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

rokslide.com

I would also consider switching to a different scope mount/base system to ensure I can get a properly functioning scope mounted, rather than purchasing a functionally inferior optic so that my base and ring setup can remain static. Food for thought. Function before ANYTHING else.

 

[Cannonball]

https://www.eurooptic.com/leica-fortis-18-12x42i-l-4a-glossy-edition-riflescope-50058

how important is gloss?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I wanted to sub in a nightforce 3-10x40 nxs or SHV but that mounting length doesn't work with my gloss dual-dovetail mounts. Modern optics that are trustworthy and fit are the Trijicon Credo 2.5-15x42, Huron 3-12x40, and leica AMPLUS 6 3-18x44i. Some of the high end matte almost looks gloss in some pictures.

Still looking at stuff... other considerations would be 2000's B&L, S&B, Leica, Zeiss. I'll keep on the look out and lug the NXS around for now.

I do have some older Bausch and Lomb 3-9x40s. PM me if you are interested in one of them.

Trijicon and Leica make good scopes.

 

[grfox92]

https://www.eurooptic.com/leica-fortis-18-12x42i-l-4a-glossy-edition-riflescope-50058

how important is gloss?

Is that a $3500 capped turret rifle scope?

 

[diamond10x]

You're going to get piled on about how its junk and whatever else by people who have not used or even familiar with the specific scope you're asking about, obvious by the comments you've already got. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't try and tell you half the problem is also you not using a tikka

I've got 2 custom vx-3 LR models with the 30mm tube and parallax, one in the 6.5-20x40 and one in the 4.5-14x40. Both were custom ordered due to wanting specific turrets and finishes. I have never had any issues with either. I won't claim to be a sniper or try and act like one behind a keyboard but neither scope has been knocked off with regular use and the occasional dialing when its needed. Both rifles and scopes have also traveled, flown, and killed probably more than the majority of people that dog on the scopes. IMO the stock LR model would/should be just as reliable as the scopes I've got and use that are going on 15+ years of use.

 

[freddyG]

You're going to get piled on about how its junk and whatever else by people who have not used or even familiar with the specific scope you're asking about, obvious by the comments you've already got. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't try and tell you half the problem is also you not using a tikka

I've got 2 custom vx-3 LR models with the 30mm tube and parallax, one in the 6.5-20x40 and one in the 4.5-14x40. Both were custom ordered due to wanting specific turrets and finishes. I have never had any issues with either. I won't claim to be a sniper or try and act like one behind a keyboard but neither scope has been knocked off with regular use and the occasional dialing when its needed. Both rifles and scopes have also traveled, flown, and killed probably more than the majority of people that dog on the scopes. IMO the stock LR model would/should be just as reliable as the scopes I've got and use that are going on 15+ years of use.

I would bet good money those scopes won’t pass a drop test onto a pillow. There is a reason Leupold owners constantly rezero their rifles.