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?

[superdown]

I also have the leupold 2.5-8x36 vxIII on my 325wsm and love it. I have taken several deer over 300yds with it and couldn't be happier. I also prefer the compact look and the backbone to brisket range finder in it has come in handy when i have forgotten my range finder or did not want to bring it along.

[Mossy]

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?

No, this could end up being taken to other places so I can see the point you are trying to make.  What rings are you using on that 300 and x40?  I'm thinking of the Talley's but not sure which height with a 40.

[RatherBOutdoors]

My Tikka came with their factory rings and mounts. I was going to change them until I talked to the guys at Outdoor Emporium and they claimed they were some of the best factory mounts they've run across.  I just had them mount and bore sight it and never looked back.  I will see if I can get additional info.

[Romulus1297]

There is nothing wrong with the 2.5-8. Not to dark.  I just wish some crankhead didn't want mine. Havn't seen it in 17 years but sure miss it.

[j_h_nimrod]

Medium height bases should work fine with either scope.

[6x6in6]

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.

 

This is what sits up top of my Tikka 7mmRM.  Along with 2 Ruger M-77's in .270 and 338WM (x50 version here).  All 3 have the B&C reticle.  Flawless scopes!!

[Romulus1297]

Just get an old swaro ph 2.5-10x42 its only an extra 1lb plus a talley 2 piece mount

[Mossy]

Picked up the leupold VX3 3.5-10x40 at cabelas this morning. They had a leupold rep there so I walked out with a free knife.....

[Skyvalhunter]

Think you made a right choice

[thinkingman]

Do yourself a favor and get an aftermarket base/ring setup.
You can run low rings up to about 44mm objective.
I just got done drilling out the buttery soft screws on my Tikka base.
Deadnutz is inbound.

[Bmcox86]

 

I have the medium on my 44mm scope, the lows were alittle close for comfort.

[700xcr]

I purchased the Leupold VX3 2.8-8x36mm with the Boone & Crockett reticle for the 375 Ruger Guide Gun. Using low Alaskan Arms LTD, quick disconnect rings. Will use the open sights up to 100yds. and sight scope dead on at 200yds, Then use the reticle for longer distance. Will put scope in day pack while going through the thick timber and install the scope when I get on top at the clear cuts.

[Mossy]

I ordered the Talley lightweights in low. Midway said I should have plenty of clearance with a 40mm objective.

[mountainman]

Do yourself a favor and get an aftermarket base/ring setup.
You can run low rings up to about 44mm objective.
I just got done drilling out the buttery soft screws on my Tikka base.
Deadnutz is inbound.

they are plastic filler screw meant to be tapped out, not drilled or screwed out. Yikes! Hope the threads aren't buggered!

[j_h_nimrod]

I ordered the Talley lightweights in low. Midway said I should have plenty of clearance with a 40mm objective.

Can't speak from experience on this exact setup but hope it works for you. On at least 3 of my rifles a Leupold Vari-x 2 40mm objective has less than 1mm clearance with medium rings. Different measurements for different products I guess.

[Mossy]

Bore sighted to my wall so we'll see how it works out.

[thinkingman]

Do yourself a favor and get an aftermarket base/ring setup.
You can run low rings up to about 44mm objective.
I just got done drilling out the buttery soft screws on my Tikka base.
Deadnutz is inbound.

they are plastic filler screw meant to be tapped out, not drilled or screwed out. Yikes! Hope the threads aren't buggered!

The base/rings provided by Tikka are aluminum with some of the softest screws I've ever had the pleasure to strip.
I had to drill them to remove them.
The bases are throw-aways.

You're thinking of the filler screws which are stainless steel in the receiver of the rifle.
Those came out no problem and are now replaced by the steel screws provided with my DNZ Game Reaper mount.
That Game Reaper is the way to go from the beginning.