Opinions on Value of Leupold Scopes

[adamR]

What are your thoughts on the value of a Leupold VX3i 4.5x14x40mm 30mm Side Focus?  This is not a CDS model.  I am trying to determine whether it's worth putting the extra money into making it CDS compatible or selling it and buying a CDS model that is closer to what I want.  I think I would rather have a VX6HD 3x18x44mm.  I can get this for about a $1100 with the discount.  I think the custom work to make the VX3i work is around $180.  I guess I just need help figuring out what to do.  Is that VX3i worth $300, $400, or $500?

Also, what are you thoughts on the value for a VX1 4x12x40mm?

[Magnum_Willys]

That scope is under $500 new so figure 50% off used so $250-$300 I would say without looking online.   Add the CDS if you otherwise like the scope.  Really like my VX-6's but have gotten pricey.  Take a look at Swarovski Z5 with custom turret also.  Optics a bit better and lighter scope but same price even after buying turret as VX-6.   The VX-5 3-15 would be my suggestion at $999 unless going looong range then bump to a 4-24 VX6 or 5-25 Swaro but gonna cost almost 50% more.

[buckfvr]

Id look around on ebay and other used for sale sites to get an idea of value, as its subjective.  Ive had Kenton Industry custom dials and they were spot on (out to 600 yards) when the hunting conditions matched fairly closely to the conditions under which the data was collected, but that being said, I now use turreted scopes and cheat sheets for hunting situations.

[bobcat]

I would not spend the $180. You'd be better off selling it on eBay and buying what you want. Used Leupold scopes go for crazy prices on eBay.

[Bob33]

For $180 you would have a scope that isn't a whole lot different than one you would spend $1100 on.

[adamR]

For $180 you would have a scope that isn't a whole lot different than one you would spend $1100 on.

You don't think the quality difference is enough to warrant the expense?

[Bob33]

For $180 you would have a scope that isn't a whole lot different than one you would spend $1100 on.

You don't think the quality difference is enough to warrant the expense?

It wouldn't for me. I have scopes of lesser quality than the VX3 that have killed lots of critters.

[ellensburgpo]

TBH, I would never buy a Leupold beyond a VX3. The VX3 is more then optically good enough for a set and forget hunting scope. At their upper end they are impressive optically but you still can’t reliably dial with them. If you want to dial and spend that kind of money nightforce is your huckleberry. If you don’t want to dial but want better clarity I’d look and others such as Swarovski, Ziess etc. Bottom line for me is dialing and Leupold shouldn’t be in the same sentence and it seems like you want to talking about the cds system.

[Yote talker]

I find my vx6 hd 3-18x50 turret system to be absolutely reliable and repeatable after lots of target practice and quite a few box tests trying to find its flaws. Maybe I got lucky as I do hear a lot of negative about leupold and their cds system. I would buy another in a heartbeat..... as long as they are on sale.

[Magnum_Willys]

I can't complain about my VX6 4-24 and VX6 7-42 with the stellar long range success we've had,  but I'm sure Nightforce's are more rugged if you don't mind packing an extra 10 oz weight on your rifle.  I had a 10# threshold to stay under for my build so Nightforce wasn't an option.

[adamR]

I'm sure there are better options than Leupold out there but with the 45% discount I get, it's hard to look elsewhere.  I've had no complaints with the VX3, but the purpose is to build a rifle for out to 700ish yards and that's been a bit rough with the current scope.

[Magnum_Willys]

Crazy how much Leupolds have gone up in price - got the VX6 4-24 for $1199 about 4 years ago now street price is $2,000 and list is like $2600.  Even two years ago they were $1599.   

[High Climber]

I'm sure there are better options than Leupold out there but with the 45% discount I get, it's hard to look elsewhere.  I've had no complaints with the VX3, but the purpose is to build a rifle for out to 700ish yards and that's been a bit rough with the current scope.

How does a guy get a 45% discount? The VX5 3-15x44 would be around $600 for you and would be a heck of a bargain.

[adamR]

Hunter education instructor discount

[Crunchy]

I'm sure there are better options than Leupold out there but with the 45% discount I get, it's hard to look elsewhere.  I've had no complaints with the VX3, but the purpose is to build a rifle for out to 700ish yards and that's been a bit rough with the current scope.

How does a guy get a 45% discount? The VX5 3-15x44 would be around $600 for you and would be a heck of a bargain.

Military including VETs and LEO get the discount.  Not sure who else.