new leupold scope

[Deep Forks]

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  I have 6 of the leupold scopes, 4 older and 2 newer, the last 2 scopes I puchased were Vortex Viper and they are awesome for the $'s.  Last year 2008
I was looking to buy a new set of bino's 10x40 or so and thought about going with leupold in the gold ring since I already have a pair of 10x28 gold ring about 16 yrs. old and still great.  I did some investigating and found that Leu. had changed their warranty from unconditional to lifetime, which means now if it is found to be the owners fault you pay for parts, the products purchased before the chaange is grandfathered to the original warranty.  A Leupold rep. and Mike at the Outdoorsman in Phoenix Az 800-291-8065, said this was changed about 3 yrs. ago.  I bought the Vortex razor 10x42 and they,re great and the scopes also.  The warranty is unconditional, drop them off a cliff and they will replace at no charge.  If anyone finds this to be bull-shat let me know cause I haven't called Leupolds main office.    
  

[jackelope]

The only thing I don't like about 50MM objective lense is that you'll likely have to run high or extra high rings to clear the barrel which has never been comfortable to me trying to look through. I think the lower the scope the more comfortable it is and the more solid.

[wildmanoutdoors]

I know there pricey but I have a VXL 3.5 x 50 on my 300wsm and its awesome! I run a low Dednutz one piece on it. The light gathering is amazing compared to my 40's. The height is more than manageable, its a tad wider, and my cheekweld is perfect.

[MuleySniper]

I have a VXIII on my Tikka with a 50mm. I was able to pull it off using medium base rings. The bell clears the barrel by about 1mm. It looks frickin sweet. If I could, Id put 50mm on all my rifles. I convinced wastickslinger to put a 50mm on his VTR and I think  he agrees with me. Just having a greater amount of light that enters is a plus too.
MS

[Hillbilly270]

I have a VXIII on my Tikka with a 50mm. I was able to pull it off using medium base rings. The bell clears the barrel by about 1mm. It looks frickin sweet. If I could, Id put 50mm on all my rifles. I convinced wastickslinger to put a 50mm on his VTR and I think  he agrees with me. Just having a greater amount of light that enters is a plus too.
MS

 

[jackelope]

It totally depends on the rifle and the barrel and everything. I've got a 50mm scope on my 22-250 encore barrel and it barely clears(maybe 1mm) the AO dial on the front objective lense.

[MtnMuley]

I own around 15 VariXIII / VXIII's.  Half are the 40mm and half are the 50mm.  I can hardly tell the difference on the light gathering capabitities of either.  Both are excellent quality.  Other than the 50's looking nice on a few of the bigger style rifles, I don't have much need for them.  In my opinion, the 30mm tube instead of the 1" plays a bigger role than the objective MM.   

[Bofire]

I have both leupold VXIII and VariXIII,in same powers, 3.5X10 and 4.5X14, but 40mm on some and 50 on some. I cant tell the difference looking thru them, light wise, I see no difference in brightness, I prefer the low mount of the 40, but admit I have used those more. I got the 50's in misc gun trades etc, personally I'd never pay more for a 50mm.
my 2
Carl

[Intruder]

I would almost always opt to spend my dough on better glass rather than more of it.... especially on a big game rifle.  Plus the added weight and size is a pain (flying, scabbards, cases, and just hunting w/ em).   

[hambone]

thanks guys for the input i havent made my mind up yet got till monday. then i am going to make up my mind and go buy one before the wife changes her mind she ask me why i hadnt done it yet took 3 months before i bought my last binos. checked a lot of places before i bought them i always try to to find the best deals . has any one heard or read about the new redfields are they comp to the vari x 1 or more like the rifleman class. again thanks.

[Magnum_Willys]

I have 50's and 40's.  I would get the 40 if doing it next time.  Less bulk, negligible difference in optics.  Less glass to keep dry. 

[Deep Forks]

  Talked to a Leupold rep. in Wenatchee Friday about the new Redfield Revolution scopes. He said they're the best buy on the market right now because within a year the price will be 25% higher.  He said the low price is to gain market share for Redfield in a tight market for a lower priced higher quality scope.  We went outside to look through a 4x12x40 and I thought it was very clear with sharp edges and great color rendition.  Comparing with the VXI, I thought it just as good maybe better.  Also compared it to the Nikon Pro Staff and Buckmaster, I thought it was clearer than the Pro and right up with the Buckmaster.  The reticle system is awesome and eliminates holdover guess work.  Back in the early 70's the Redfield was a good scope and it looks like with Leupold making the decisions, they are again.      

[Intruder]

I haven't looked through the new Redfields.  The independant reviews I've read have been mixed.  The price is certainly attractive.  I believe I would opt to spend a lil more and go with a more proven product. 

[C-Money]

Like Jamieb said, I like the 3x9x40 VX-II. If you have a few extra $$, look a the VX-III's or a 4-12x42 instead of a 50. Cant go wrong with Leupold!

[Sporting_Man]

I have a Sightron SII 3-9X42 Big Sky, and can't get enough of it. American design, Made in Japan, a new US company that takes it seriously... Apparently, they have the same glass supplier like Leupold.
I also use VX-II (have a couple of them, newer ones) and like them a lot. I would give a notch to Sightron, over the VX-II...