Leupold vx 3i 4.5-14x40mm cds

Alright, looking for a new scope. Just ordered a new Browning Hell's Canyon Speed in 270 WSM. Wanting to pair it with some really nice optics without going over the top on price. I know Leupolds are nice scopes, but does anyone have any reviews or experience with the Leupold vx 3i?

I have several versions of VX3’s, from a VariX-III to a VX3. None have ever failed me, and the VariX-III was under me when I fell off of a rotten wood hunting blind ladder on to some fist sized rocks. And an hour later I shot a big buck, so the POI hadn’t changed. I don’t have a CDS version, but my next scope might be that style. For hunting purposes, I think that scope is about perfect. The only thing I’d add, if it was an option, would be a variable intensity illuminated dot. I could use that for dim light hog hunting. Unfortunately, I think that might only be an option on the VX5HD. If so, that’s my next scope, in 3-15 power.

The FFP guys will be along in a minute, saying you need FFP for long distance. They are right, if you plan to coyote hunt out past 400 yards or so, or shoot prairie dogs. FFP will give you real precision (or can), where I don’t think CDS can match up. But for deer, coyote and pigs, CDS should be just fine.

Just my opinion, and worth every penny you paid.

I have a VXIII 4.5-14x50 which I had upgraded to the CDS-ZS and 2 VX3s 4.5-14 x 40 with CDS. The only thing to watch for is the standard CDS dial does not have zero stop. Once you order your free customized dial it will have the stop installed but the one that comes on it does not. It cost me a buck this year because my dial was a full revolution low; got turned sliding it into the case and when i put it back to zero it was the wrong way. Immediately ordered an MOA with zero stop when i got home.

603country the VX-R I would think is the scope you might want to look at. It has what I believe is Vx-3 glass with the firedot duplex and CDS. The 4-12 is $550-600.

Willow City I’ve never owned a VX-3i but I’ve never been disappointed in Leupold optics. I have had many models in their entry level VX range as well as 3 different VX-Rs. My first adventure in trying to dial a Leupold scope is the VX-6 hd. I haven’t had it long enough to draw an opinion. Also, don’t let people talk you into a scope you don’t feel you need. FFP, mil reticles, etc all have their place. For me it’s at the range. I prefer to spend the extra $$ on a hunting scope on the glass. Getting long winded here but I think the VX-3i will be a perfect fit for your new rifle.

wp, I have looked at the Firedot model, but I want more than a max of 12 power.

I have that exact scope (1" tube model) and I really like it so far. I haven't completely worked up a load in order to get my custom dial yet, but I expect to be there pretty soon. The clarity and low light capability are very good. I would recommend them.

I guess I'll be the odd man out. I had a vx3i that made 2 trips back to Leupold and still didn't track correctly. It held zero, it was just a crapshoot if dialing would be accurate or if it would return to zero properly. I have no problems with Leupold scopes in general. I just don't think that hunting scopes at this level will be reliable enough to track perfectly every time. Maybe I just got a bad apple but if I was looking to twist turrets in that price range, I would be looking at the swfa ss.

You need to spend at least $2000 on a scope you want to take hunting . It needs to be FFP, Mil/MIl, 34 MM tube and weigh at least 4lbs if you expect it not to break.

Update:
I shot my rifle at 200, 300, & 440 yards today, and I dialed the turret according to my ballistic chart. After I shot at 440 I dialed it back to the 200 yard setting and shot it it was back to zero. It was the first time I tested the tracking and it worked perfectly.