Which 3-15x44 scope - Leupold VX5 vs Vortex Viper, etc

[saddlereaper]

Trying to decide on a scope in this mag/ size. Primary use will be deer hunting but I would like to be able to stretch it out to 500+ at the range and not be under mag'd. I suspect typical shots would be sub 200 yards with maybe the occasional 200+ which I'd presumably have time to range and dial for. With that in mind I'd prefer a simple illuminated reticle and dial, but I'm not opposed to a reticle with holds or holds and a dial.

I'm currently leaning toward the VX5 (really can't decide gen 1 or 2) but now looking at the Viper for example, and I'm wondering if I'm spending way more than I'd need to. Has anyone on here compared the 2?
I currently own a Viper HS 2.5-10x44 so I have an idea of optical quality. I do not own any Leupold optics- yet. Would the Viper be a notable step down in light transmission and optical quality compared to VX5 series?

Maybe there are other optics that would deliver comparable quality and performance that I'm not aware of... open to ideas!

 

[PVHunter]

Both of my primary rifles have SWFA 3-15s sitting on them. I've been happy with the turret function / tacking and the glass is more than adequate to the ranges you indicated.

I have a VX5 sitting in the safe that I haven't looked through in a few years. YMMV.

 

[Kenn]

I have two of the VX5 gen I and I love them. I target practice at 500 yards and 15X is fine. I got the second one for $830 because gen II was available. I would go Gen II if the price were the same, but it won't be.

 

[jdubb1977]

I have a VX5 gen 1 and have liked it. For a hunting rig it's great...very clear, super simple reticle and very lightweight. Can hit a 4" gong at 500yds pretty easily with it. My only very minor complaint is that I had to get a 3rd party throw lever for it as nub the magnification ring is small.

 

[madcalfe]

id say neither, both scope are known to have issues.
i had a VX5 and sent it on its way after getting it back from warranty.
grab a nightforce, trijicon, maven

 

[Aaronjazek]

Maven

 

[blackhawk219]

If it's only between those two, I would go Leupold. The glass seems better in my limited experience. I would caution you against getting one if you plan to dial though. Do some research, but the Leupold's are known to have tracking issues (issues when dialing). They do not track accurately. Another data point to consider is that neither of those scopes passed the drop tests (https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/drop-test-results-quick-reference-pdf.387544/post-4580818). Now this may not be an issue if you are just walking a short distance to a stand/blind, but if you are doing any sort of hiking, accidents are bound to happen and you will eventually bump the scope. Do you want to take a chance that your zero may have now shifted? Again this all depends on your use case, but if you plan on taking shots to 500 yards like you say, even a 1MOA shift could make the difference between a harvest or not.

Now I've owned Leupolds and have had great success with them. They are lightweight, good glass quality, and good pricing. But that was when I was hunting in the northeast where I would not dial them and would not be doing any serious hiking with them. I've since replaced them with scopes that I can rely on to not lose zero when taking a few bumps and I know will track reliably when dialing.

My personal opinion would be to get an SWFA 3-9 (or the 3-15 if you are looking for more magnification). It tracts reliably, passed the drop tests, and has good quality glass. It doesn't have any illumination though. If looking for that, go for the Maven RS1.2.

These are just data points though for you to make you final decision. Plenty of people have had success with both those brands

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Take a look at:

GPO CENTURI 2.5-15x44i MOAi

• ¼" MOA click turrets
• SFP MOAi illuminated ballistic reticle
• Micro-Dot I-Control illumination
• Zero Stop Lock Ballistic reset turrets
• Turret rotation indicator
• GPObright lens coating technology
• PASSIONdrop hydrophobic lens coatings
• DOUBLE HD objective lens technology
• Magnification throw lever

Telson Arc 2-15x44 SFP BDC Reticle IR

• One Piece 30mm main tube, 6061-T6 Type 3 Anodized Matte finish.
• 44mm Objective lens for exceptional light gathering and image quality.
• Second Focal Plane HR1 & HR2 reticle for precise long-range shots.
• Premier Japanese ED glass. New Proprietary UHD Fully multi coated lens coatings.
• Enhanced 2 turn locking turrets w/zero stop, audible clicks & Compatible Hybrid RDS turrets.
• Razorback knurling. +Excellent eye relief and Eye box w/ side Parallax focus adjustable to 10 yards.
• 100% sealed dry argon purged for all conditions.
• IP67 Certified waterproof, dust proof.
• 50 BMG Rated.
• Precision construction, assembled and calibrated in a static free clean room for superior durability.

As a long standing supporting vendor of this forum it is our pleasure to assist you with different options, special pricing as well as answer any questions for may have.
Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss this.
Thank you
Doug

 

[madcalfe]

^^^^ has anyone ever heard of those scope brands.....

 

[Live_weighT34]

Stay as far away from a vortex scope as possible.

Of the two go with the leupold, if not look at the Trijicon Credos. About the same $$ as leupold and a lot more durable.

 

[Flymost]

You really need to do yourself a favor and get a reliable scope. With your budget there are plenty of options available and the scopes you are considering are known to lose zero riding in the back seat. Yes, they have good glass, features, and reticles, and warranties, but that’s all useless if it doesn’t hold zero for that one shot.

 

[Pilsner]

^^^ this.