VX-5HD 3-15X56 vs VX-5HD 3-15X44

[RangerRick]

Don't know much about scopes. However, I got my hands on some Leupold scopes today and was really impressed with the VX-5HDs, specifically 3-15X44 and 3-15X56.

The X56 comes in a Firedot 4 Fine illumination which I really like. Not sure about if the X44 does as well.

One is $1499 (X56), The other one (X44) is $1199.

22 oz vs 19.7 oz.

The X56 seems like the obvious one. More expensive, but better light/clairty, right?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also if there is something out there better or comparible, drop a link! I need all the help I can get.

 

[Mountainrancher]

Trijicon Credo HX 4-16x50 SFP w/ Green MOA Center Dot, 30mm, Satin Black Riflescope 2900002

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[rbaney]

Of the two mentioned, for me I liked the 3-15X44 better and yes it is available with the fire dot. I have it sitting on top of my 6.5-300 Wby and the X56 is sitting on my 6.5Prc. Both work nicely and are clear and easy to adjust. I am more partial to the X44 I believe it fits my type of hunting better.

 

[RangerRick]

Of the two mentioned, for me I liked the 3-15X44 better and yes it is available with the fire dot. I have it sitting on top of my 6.5-300 Wby and the X56 is sitting on my 6.5Prc. Both work nicely and are clear and easy to adjust. I am more partial to the X44 I believe it fits my type of hunting better.

First, thanks for responding, always appreciate feedback.

When I looked through the X44, it seemed different (the reticle). The crosshairs weren't as dark/visible. Is that something you've noticed between your X56 and X44?

Also, could you elaborate on why the X44 fits your type of hunting better? Can you really go wrong with either one?

 

[SDHNTR]

I recommend more research.

 

[rbaney]

I really don't need the extra optic size and the 44 works great for where and what I hunt. Getting the X56 requires higher scope mounts and to me it seems more for long range target shooting. Which I don't really do often enough. I also find for me the 44 is slightly clearer at least at the ranges I use it for. Both are great scopes and I would definitely buy them both again. Now as for your cross hair question, I can not say I noticed any real difference. I also like to try and keep my scope as close to the barrel and I can. Hope this helps.

 

[Banded_spooney]

I have the x44, I don’t ever planning on having anything bigger than that on a hunting rifle but maybe that’s just my personal preference.

I like the scope a lot but I haven’t really put it to the stress test like many on here.

 

[Fishermen0105]

If you are looking at spending that kind of money I’d probably look at the Nightforce nxs 2.5-10 if you want sfp. Should be able to find one lightly used for $1200-$1400 and they are bulletproof. Eventually with use the vx5 will fail to track from my experience.

I prefer FFP these days and there’s some good options like Swfa 3-9, 3-15, 6x or Bushnell Lrhs on the used market for even less money.

Good luck!

 

[RoseAllen]

I have both. I can't tell a difference in light gathering. The guys at Leopold custom shop said the same thing.

 

[Huntin Fool]

I love the leupolds but most of this forum will say they’re junk

 

[RangerRick]

I really don't need the extra optic size and the 44 works great for where and what I hunt. Getting the X56 requires higher scope mounts and to me it seems more for long range target shooting. Which I don't really do often enough. I also find for me the 44 is slightly clearer at least at the ranges I use it for. Both are great scopes and I would definitely buy them both again. Now as for your cross hair question, I can not say I noticed any real difference. I also like to try and keep my scope as close to the barrel and I can. Hope this helps.

The X44 has a "illum. firedot duplex"
The X56 has a "firedot 4 fine illumination"

Whats the main difference? And I tried to see if the X44 had a firedot4 version. Am I missing something and these are actually the same (minus 44x vs 56X) reticles?

 

[rbaney]

Now having looked through both of mine the fire dot isn't any different. The dot is same in both reticles. However the reticle is most definitely different. So I was just trying to say the fire dot itself is available in both scopes just maybe not in the same reticle design. My X44 has the standard duplex which I like and is what I am use to. I suggest looking at the details under each scope and it should show you the reticle design and that should aid in showing the difference. Good luck and hope this is helpful.

 

[wyosteve]

I have a 56 mm. on my AR10 for pig hunting late. Have a 44mm on my lightweight carry rifle. Personally, I would never put a 56 on a rifle I'm going to carry. It's just too big for me. I do notice the 56 gathers light later which would be expected. So, imo, the 44 is a better all around scope and the 56 if I"m not hauling it around.

 

[Fishermen0105]

The X44 has a "illum. firedot duplex"
The X56 has a "firedot 4 fine illumination"

Whats the main difference? And I tried to see if the X44 had a firedot4 version. Am I missing something and these are actually the same (minus 44x vs 56X) reticles?

Fire dot duplex is a duplex reticle with dot whereas the other is a fine crosshair with dot.

are you planning on dialing or set and forget? the glass and weight are great. They just don’t seem to stand up to repeated dialing. My brother was dialing his last year and it stopped adjusting right before his mule deer hunt. Mine was still working so he borrowed my scope for the hunt and I switched to a Nightforce While he waited on the new scope. Of course he shoots a 300 win mag and mine was on a 284 So maybe the magnum broke it.

 

[jimh406]

I agree that having a higher mounted heavier scope isn't an advantage for hunting if you will carry the rifle. I'd just add that compared to scopes in previous generations even the 44 is dramatically larger and heavier than scopes years ago. I don't know if I'll enjoy the 44 with firedot, but we'll see this hunting season.

Yes, there are people here who like to hate Leupold. However, their proven warranty is the reason why some of us stay with them.

 

[Fishermen0105]

They do have a great warranty.

 

[wyosteve]

jim, I think you'll like the 44mm, Firedot. My 3-15x44 with firedot is my first 'bigger' hunting scope as well. As I posted on another thread, I can say without a doubt that if I didn't have the firedot on an aoudad hunt in January, I would not have been able to make the shot. Near dark, overcast with haze and at 375 yds. the crosshairs would not have been visible enough to sight accurately and confidently.

 

[Axlrod]

They do have a great warranty.

Does the warranty cover the cost of your hunting trip when the scope fails to do the one thing you need it to do?? If not, a "great warranty" is a terrible reason to buy something.

 

[jimh406]

Does the warranty cover the cost of your hunting trip when the scope fails to do the one thing you need it to do?? If not, a "great warranty" is a terrible reason to buy something.

Yes, they cover the cost of your trip.

Seriously though, the warranty on scopes is typically because they were damaged from what the user did if we are talking Leupold. As we know, there are people who can break anything. I think that's more likely than all of a particular model or long running brand is bad. If all were bad, I think we'd hear more about the failures. YMMV.

That being said, if you are really hard on equipment, I agree you should find unbreakable equipment. That's not me, or most people.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

I parted ways with the two VX5 HDs that I owned. While the glass was nice and there was not an issue with dialing, the POS battery covers kept falling of on hunts. While Leupold was nice about sending me replacements, it is irksome to lose them while traveling through the "tough on equipment" plowed fields while walking to a deer blind.

I still have my VX6 HD as it has been awesome minus the battery cover. Yep, it too has a tendency to fall off during hunts.

With their price increase last year, there are far more desirable scopes in the respective price points than to even consider Leupold for a scope purchase (VX5 HD and higher). Vortex did something similar last year with their Razor LHT. Not much sense with them when you can get a Credo, TenMile, NSX or NX8 for about the same amount of money. Now this may require looking at a demo product but you're likely still better off.