Replacement for 2.5-8×36 Leupold?

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eltorro

FNG
Joined
Jan 5, 2025
Messages
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Looking for some advice replacing the VX3 HD 2.5-8x36 Leupold on a rifle that I use for hunting big game up to 500m.
I appreciate the OK clarity of the scope, the brownish reticle that stands a bit better against a black background and I like the turret's clear dial, locking and zero stop. It is compact and light weight...
Gripes? - the reticle is a simple duplex and ... the scope may fail to hold zero.
Any suggestions?
 
Budget? That is a very uncommon mag range these days.

That will be a tough replacement. Burris Veracity 2-10 is a good scope with zero stop turret, but it is heavy. I've got two and they have been solid. Burris also released a new Fullfield 2-8X35 that can have a zero stop turret added. Might be a good option, but none in the wild that I have seen. Both of these are Phillipines made scopes. The veracity will hold up to frequent dialing, the FF probably would not.

Maybe an SWFA 3-9, but it will be a compromise from what you have. Still, it's a known good scope. The 6X fixed cold also be an option.

Nothing else in that magnification range dials until you get to Trijicon Credo 2-10 and Nightforce. Again heavier.

Just some thoughts. If you forgo the dialing capability, your options get larger.

Jeremy
 
Take a look at the Hawke Endurance 30 WA 1.5-6x44 - L4A Dot Illuminated for only $299.99
  • Wide Angle optical system
  • 18 layer Fully Multi-Coated optics for exceptional clarity
  • Fixed parallax distance of 100 yards
  • 30mm mono-tube chassis for superior strength
  • Glass etched reticle with red illumination
  • Rheostat with 11 levels of brightness
  • ¼ MOA low-profile ‘no-snag’ fingertip turrets (excl. 16 300)
  • ½ MOA low-profile ‘no-snag’ fingertip turrets (16 300)
  • Fast focus eyebell and high torque zoom ring
  • Nitrogen purged – water, shock and fog proof
 
Wouldn't Leupold repair it if it isn't holding zero? Btw, the FFP
EOTech 2.5-10x44 Vudu is quite nice.
 
I’ve migrated over to Trijicon Accupoint 3-9X40 with a green mil dot reticle. I have this on 5 of my rifles at present.

Similar weight to the Leupold 2.5-8 , along with similar eye relief, and similar FOV. Trijicon has Leupold beat in mechanics and optical clarity.

This is my favorite setup. Barrett Fieldcraft 270 with Trijicon Accupoint 3-9 in Talley Ultralight mounts, Butler Creek Mountain sling, Harris UL bipod.
Antelope was at 537 yards and the goat was at 320
I practice out to 600 yards from field positions weekly. No dialing, just learn to use the reticle.
IMG_1616.jpeg

IMG_1839.jpegIMG_1823.jpeg
 
Marshfly said:
S&B Klassik 3-12x42 P3L. You are not going to get a scope that holds zero at your current weight. If you want to dial, the Klassik is a phenomenal option for your use case.
Click to expand...
Good luck finding one.
 
TREE ‘EM said:
I’ve migrated over to Trijicon Accupoint 3-9X40 with a green mil dot reticle. I have this on 5 of my rifles at present.

Similar weight to the Leupold 2.5-8 , along with similar eye relief, and similar FOV. Trijicon has Leupold beat in mechanics and optical clarity.

This is my favorite setup. Barrett Fieldcraft 270 with Trijicon Accupoint 3-9 in Talley Ultralight mounts, Butler Creek Mountain sling, Harris UL bipod.
Antelope was at 537 yards and the goat was at 320
I practice out to 600 yards from field positions weekly. No dialing, just learn to use the reticle.
View attachment 868111

View attachment 868112View attachment 868113
Click to expand...
I have the same scope on a 223 and on a 280 AI. I really like them.
 
If its mostly that you don't care for the duplex reticle, you can send the scope to Leupold to have them change the reticle. I have a 2.5-8x36 that I had them put a B&C reticle in probably 6-7 years ago, made it a much better scope for me. They might be able to put a TMR or something like that in it these days.
 
eltorro said:
Looking for some advice replacing the VX3 HD 2.5-8x36 Leupold on a rifle that I use for hunting big game up to 500m.
I appreciate the OK clarity of the scope, the brownish reticle that stands a bit better against a black background and I like the turret's clear dial, locking and zero stop. It is compact and light weight...
Gripes? - the reticle is a simple duplex and ... the scope may fail to hold zero.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Why replace it if its never failed you?
 
eltorro said:
Looking for some advice replacing the VX3 HD 2.5-8x36 Leupold on a rifle that I use for hunting big game up to 500m.
I appreciate the OK clarity of the scope, the brownish reticle that stands a bit better against a black background and I like the turret's clear dial, locking and zero stop. It is compact and light weight...
Gripes? - the reticle is a simple duplex and ... the scope may fail to hold zero.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Ill
Offer you $150 for the POS leupold.
 
Used, but really like the nightforce NXS 2.5-10x32. Weight is low and illumination works well enough. SFP, but not a problem with a scope meant for hunting that maxes at 10x. In fact, I’d say I much prefer a SFP so I can see the reticle at 2.5x.
 
Maven 2-10X38 is a good option as well. Obviously, SWFA 2.5-10X32. Trijicon Huron 3-9X40 is another good one, but adds a few ounces.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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