Leupold Decision

[Mossy]

I drank the Tikka kool aid and should be receiving my 06 in a couple days so I'm obviously in need of some glass.  I'm looking at the VX 3 but can't quite decide between the 2.5-8x36 (11.4oz) or 3.5-10x40 (12.6oz).  The primary purpose of this purchase was a lightweight rifle so less weight is optimal but I don't want to be limited.  I'm also hunting in an area that will give me a 150 yard shot at the very most, with the majority being 50-100 and thick. 
On one hand I'd think that the lighter would be the common sense choice but on the other,  a larger objective would be better in the dark canopy    Is the duplex reticle as wide as it looks?  Cons/pros?

I'm also looking for an aftermarket ring setup....hearing good things about Talley.

[Fl0und3rz]

Difference is an ounce (about a mouthful of water).  Thus, your primary concern should be the magnification and field of view.  Based on your stated usage, I would go with the 2.5-8.  But I doubt it would make much of a difference at either end of the magnification scale, at those ranges. 

Resale might be better on the more popular model, which I assume would be the 3.5-10. 

I have the 3.5-10x40 VX 3 duplex, and the reticle is pretty fine, actually.

[j_h_nimrod]

Good!  Another late night poster.

I really like my 2.5-8 with Boone & Crockett reticle on my 325 WSM. More than adequate to 400 yds. I have not noticed a light picked difference in the 4mm of objective size, pretty minimal at most. The objective is sized to the magnification well.   I seem to remember that optimal scope exit pupil was gained at ~6x on most scopes regardless of objective lens, within reason. I do have an older Doctor Optics straight 8x56mm that seems to light up the dusk and dawn though.

IMO the 3.5-10x40 unbalances the utility of a light, tight cover gun. You can usually step down a ring height with the smaller objective too which should help on the lower Tikka comb.

I am sure there will likely be a proponent off a 6-18x50 on here but I generally scope down. I can still shoot a good target at 200yds with average open sights and feel that most people try to supplement inferior shooting abilities with superior magnification.

My 

[Mossy]

I was kind of hoping so.....the pictures on the website must be exaggerated.

[j_h_nimrod]

Depending on choice the crosshairs are pretty fine. You used to be able to find the 100yd reticle specs on the Leupold website but I did not see anything on a quick search of their new site.   

[Fl0und3rz]

I'd love an '06 in stainless with open sights, for just the type of hunting you describe.  But the 3.5-10x40 VX 3 will do for an all-around rifle.  It's just not my ideal for the close-in style of hunting I prefer.  I think I'll go drool over the Ruger guide gun now.

[j_h_nimrod]

I'd love an '06 in stainless with open sights, for just the type of hunting you describe.  But the 3.5-10x40 VX 3 will do for an all-around rifle.  It's just not my ideal for the close-in style of hunting I prefer.  I think I'll go drool over the Ruger guide gun now.

If that was the country I was hunting I would do the same!

[Mossy]

I'd love an '06 in stainless with open sights, for just the type of hunting you describe.  But the 3.5-10x40 VX 3 will do for an all-around rifle.  It's just not my ideal for the close-in style of hunting I prefer.  I think I'll go drool over the Ruger guide gun now.

That's why I bought this rifle(stainless), I have used my Model 70 7mm as an all around rifle for quite some time(when I wasn't archery hunting).  That carries a Nikon 3-9x40 with bdc which has taken deer at 15 and 40 yards so you can probably see my reasoning in something different.  I also acquired a 300 win mag with the boss system for my elk needs if I choose to go back to rifle for them.  Maybe I should have explained all that earlier or maybe it doesn't make a difference.  It's steep, it's thick and if the choice was given, hand carry would be easier most of the time.

[j_h_nimrod]

Since I could buy a rifle that is what I love, but in this state with their restrictive seasons I am starting to seriously consider a bow again. Good luck with your choice.

[Skyvalhunter]

I would go with the  3.5-10x40 VX 3 after talking with their techs they suggested this as one of their best and most reliable.

[headshot5]

I have several of each.  For what you are looking for, a 2.5-8X would work just fine and would indeed be lighter.  Both are great scopes you really couldn't go wrong with either one. 

[Bofire]

  All I can say is that ALL my hunting rifles wear VX3 3.5X10X40, I do have one 3.5X10X50, but it is no brighter than the 40, in my opinion. I had a 2.5X8X36 before and found it dark to my eye.
Carl

[jackelope]

I would go with the  3.5-10x40 VX 3 after talking with their techs they suggested this as one of their best and most reliable.

 

[Bmcox86]

The dnz one piece rings are great and I love them on my tikka

http://www.dnzproducts.com/game-reaper-mounts/tikka-t3

[RatherBOutdoors]

My 2 cents...I have all Leopold's - a 3-9x40 on a 10-22 Target Rifle; a 4.5-14x40 on a .280; a 4.5-14x40 on a Tikka .300 WSM and a 6.5-20x40 on a 22-250 bull barrel set up.  While the larger scopes can add weight, I'm the kind of guy that likes to see hair when I dial it in.  I can always carry on the lower power (which I do), but I hunt in a variety of terrains and benefit from the higher power when needed.  One question ...are you always going to be hunting in the same area that only yields sub-150 yard shots?