Leupold VX3 or VX3i in 4.5-14X40

[jmason]

Can anyone tell me if there is a big difference between the VX3 and the VX3i. I have the opportunity to buy a VX3 4.5-14 for $300. It is new in a box. The new VX3i is around $500. That would save me about $200. Any help would be appreciated.

[Widgeondeke]

don't do it    
tell me where to buy it and I will save you the hassle 

just kidding. I don't know the difference, but I have been looking at putting a VX3i on my new rifle

[h20hunter]

@carpsniperg2

[bobcat]

There's no real difference. The new "i" version only looks slightly different on the outside, and not necessarily in a good way. I'd buy the one for $300 for sure.

[SkookumHntr]

That's a pretty good deal on that scope! I have the same one, its not very bright tho right at daylight or right before dark! Ive had times where I could see a buck in my binos and in the scope was too dark

[Tenkara]

Isn't the 3i a cds?

[carpsniperg2]

The scope is a little different cosmetically compared to the standard. The optics part is just there new step in glass and image. Think its called there twilight max management system. I have many vx3 and several of the vx3i, have 2 sitting here I need to get mounted. I have compared them side to side. I cant say I see much difference in the two maybe a tiny bit better in extreme low light on the I model.

Isn't the 3i a cds?

The cds is just a option that some of the I models come with.

[Bofire]

Buy it
Carl

[yorketransport]

They’re both good scopes, but I’d take the $300 one and be happy. I doubt you’d notice a difference between the two. I have a couple of the 4.5-14s and I’ve never been disappointed by them.

[Watimberghost]

They’re both good scopes, but I’d take the $300 one and be happy. I doubt you’d notice a difference between the two. I have a couple of the 4.5-14s and I’ve never been disappointed by them.

[Matth]

Good piece of gear, tough to beat at that cost, i have a couple zero complaints.

[Goshawk]

Leupold's a great glass, just don't buy one on EBay if it's coming out of anywhere but the USA.

Chinese counterfeits are flooding EBay for great prices, but they are scrap junk with no lifetime warranty like a real Leupold does.  EBay encourages this crap by not shutting the sellers down regardless of complaints.

See link below for an example.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leupold-VX-III-4-5-14x40-Rifle-Scope-Reticle-Duplex-HD-Glass-Finish-Matte-Black/112881293695?hash=item1a483fd97f:g:0BYAAOSwa2Zakuud

What brought this to my attention was a coworker who's wife thought she got him a great deal on a VX-III Leupold only to find it was little better than a kids toy.