I am trying to decide on a scope for my next rifle (heavy bbl .300 Win Mag), which I will hopefully be purchasing in the next couple months. I am trying to figure out if there is a substantial difference in quality between the new Leupold VX-6 and their VX-R line.

I was able to handle one of the new VX-6 scopes in 3-18x50mm at the NRA Convention a couple weeks ago....and it was very nice, but I am also considering the VX-R in 4-12x50mm.

The VX-6 goes for $1,300 from OpticsPlanet.com and the VX-R goes for $650. Does anyone know if there is a difference in the coatings, or overall quality, between the two scopes? If not, I have a hard time justifying the extra expense of the VX-6 (which is exactly double) merely for a slightly wider range of magnification.

VX6 has ever so slightly better "glass" and the 6x magnification.

VXR has glass comparable to a Conquest, Trijicon Accupooint, etc.
Maybe even a tiny bit better.

Both share the same well done illumination system.

I have plenty of time with all of them in low light.

I thought the VX-Rs were just a 30mm tubed VX2 with illumination, is that not the case? I also have read that the VX6 line is on par with the Swaro Z3, but maybe not?

No
Far from it
Leupold really nailed the VX-Rs
I was shocked the first time I did a low light test with the 2-7x33
I was testing into darkness against my S&B, Trijicon and a few others.

I don't have any experiences with the VX6, but I can echo the sentiments of ccoker on the VX-R series. My 2-7x33 VXR is noticeably brighter than my 3-9x40 Zeiss conquest, as well as my three Leupold 6.5-20x50 VX3s.

As far as optical clarity I don't think you see much difference, but for the price I'd sure hope the VX6 at least looks a little better. I do think the VX6 is more versatile due to it's 6x erector system.

Neither setup (sort of the VX-R Patrol) offers any kind of target knobs which is a downside IMO. The VX6 will also offer you more adjustment, but if you're not dialing 1000 yard adjustments all the time, that may not matter at all.

If you're trying to make a nice inside 500 yards hunting rig, I think either will do fine, but I think you get more value out of the VX-R. If you're looking to do long range hunting/target shooting, you'd probably ought to look at something else.

To summarize, I have no doubt the VX6 is better, it's just hard to imagine it being "that much better".

That is exactly what I was thinking. This is going to be my new primary hunting rig....but I plan to keep everything under 400 yards, with most under 300. I have no use for target knobs on this particular rifle/setup.

I will likely go with the VX-R with FireDot 4 reticle.

I think you are making a wise choice

I will throw out another option if you don't have to have an illuminated reticle and that is Meopta Meopro 4-12x50 with a #4

Similar price point

Slightly better glass, maybe not any brighter but resolution and contrast is a touch better. This is something my wife could not see, it is a subtle thing in low light that takes a "trained" eye to notice..
So, it is obviously a small amount of difference.


With the VXR you can always get a custom CDS dial for it if you want to stretch the legs more..

I've got a 3-9x50 VX-R CDS. It is excellent. I chose it over the accupoint and I would say its hardly noticeable between the 6 an the R. Definitely not worth double.

Eland,

The main difference between the scopes is the magnification ration, 6:1 ration in the VX-6 compared to the 3:1 ration in the VX-R. This means that the highest magnification divided by the lowest magnification gives you the ration. Also you have better glass and the manufacturing process is much more complicated in the VX-6. Also with all VX-6 models you get the Custom Dial System (CDS). By simply filling out a ballistics chart for Leupold they will custom make you a dial specific for your rifle and bullet that allows you to quickly dial in yardage and has a zero stop. No more counting clicks or trying to hold over target twist and shoot. Also if you want an illuminated firedot yeah it has that to. So with the technical side out of the way the VX-6 scope is more universal then the VX-3. To explain lets say that all conditions are perfect and a giant buck walks up next to your stand. Your VX-3 won't let you go down to 1x but the VX-6 will. Opposite end of that is let's say that your buck is out past 400yrds and that simple 9x won't cut it the VX-6 has 12 or 18x. So my conclusions is if you have the funds by a scope that is more universal. Check out your options here Leupold VX-6

I just called Leupold and asked about the VX-Rs because I have been wanting one myself and here is what the techincal support tech told me:
The VX-R scopes have the same glass as the VX2 scopes, transmit 94% light, 30mm tubes, and have the same internal system as the VX3 line of scopes. Think I'm gonna order a 4-12x40 CDS for my varmint rig.

I am well aware of the difference in magnification ration. Also, I am not even the least bit interested in a CDS dial.

I think that LEUPOLD guy may have been wrong
Unless they have upgraded the glass on the VX2 since the VXR came out.

The VXR was their first scope with lead free glass and was better than the VX3 and Mark 4 glass at the time of introduction a few years ago (2-3)

Their website is never up to date and I have heard conflicting intro from different people the same day.

IDK that is just what a friend told me awhile back from a call he made and I wanted to hear it directly so I called myself just to see. I dont care either way I'm gonna buy a VX-R.

Cool
I haven't heard a single complaint about them.

I know Bill Wilson uses the 3-9x50 for hog hunting a lot.
And he has a ton of much more expensive stuff

I sure don't know the innards like a lot of you guys but I was waiting for a Swaro from a friend of a friend that never came through.

I got the 4X12X50 VXR and haven't looked back. The fire dot reticle is perfect for quick target acquisition and can't be beat for hog hunting.

I really think it improves my shot placement since cross hairs can be dim in low light while the dot is obvious even if you are just looking through the scope to see what is there.

Anyway, that is my amateur scope aficionado's opinion.

If it works it works!!

A million deer have been killed with $75 Bushnells and Tascos!

I have a mk4 lrt, a mk4 pr, vxII, vxIII and a vx6 multigun edition scope. I can say hands down that the vx6 is the clearest/cleanest leupold scope I've looked through. I believe the clarity is on par with much more expensive scopes.

.

I have the leupold vx3 2.5-8x36mm; I think it's really nice in terms of the optics.

It actually seems better than the rest of the vx3 lineup that I've looked through.

I have 4 vxr in use right now and will never change !

4 of the 4x12x50

I purchased a Leupold VX-6 3-18x50mm fine duplex #115005 in mid May...Very Nice Scope! I had trouble finding any owner reviews on the net, so I posted "my review" (see below) on about 10 sites for prospective buyers to read.

I discovered the TH forum and decided to join and post my findings on the latest VX-6 addition.

My On-Line-Reviews
[ After receiving a fully Custom .30-06 Rem 700 for Christmas, I've been shopping really nice rifle scope products currently available to compliment my new hunting rifle. I've looked through several high end Schmidt & Bender and other high end scope products, but backed away due to the "price of admission"! I received my rifle with an 8 year old Leupold VX-III 3.5-10 50mm, that although was put through field in-use torture test, still looked new, functioned perfectly and still had great optics. So I continued my research in the Leupold product line of optics.

Now at 59, my eyesight isn't what it use to be. Looking for a longer reach in optics, I discovered the new line of Leupold VX-6 6:1 Zoom 3-18 power scopes! With the latest optical technical developments incorporated into the VX-6 line, along with a wide 6x variable zoom capability, I found the scope to fit my needs well. I delayed my purchase a few months, waiting for some field reviews to appear on the net, but guess it is too new as very few are out there as of my review here. Well, with the satisfaction I previously had with Leupold products, their great industry reputation, the Lifetime Warranty and the Made In The USA label, I made the purchase, literally, sight unseen!

The Leupold #115005 VX-6 3-18 50mm with Fine Duplex Reticle arrived in perfect condition. I choose a professional aluminum rail and mount system from Seekins Precision and bore sighted the scope at 50 yds. With the full 18 power zoom, I can now more accurately setup to 100yd. target. Shooting the re-load ballistics I settled on before, I was able to shoot a 5-round grouping of .242", or 1\4 MOA at 100 yards!! I'll be working up longer range ballistic data to submit to Leupold for my CDS (custom dial system) elevation turret that is a feature of this scope purchase. If I'm going to deer hunt, I want all my kills to be Accurate and Swift!

The 20.4oz scope weight allows me to easily handle my overall rifle assembly. I find the eye relief close to 6"(3 power) and a respectable 4" at full 18 power. Throughout the variable power zoom, the sight image is Very Bright, Clear and Sharp edge to edge. Color renditions are true and accurate as per available light. All control functions (diopter, zoom, turrets) are Tight and Precise. I thought there would be audible clicks to elevation and windage adjustments, but I guess being a hunting scope, they are quiet but positive. The side focus Parallax control works very well and smooth, keeping the reticle plane solid at distance while moving your head around the field of view. During late dusk, towards a large dark silhouetted oak tree with only a dim blue sky background, this Leupold was able to differentiate at 18 power the leaves and branches, details I couldn't see myself! The fine duplex reticle assist in excellent shot placement without being intrusive or detracting in the field of view.

Overall, this isn't an inexpensive scope, but certainly not at the top end optic price points. I feel my research and wait has paid off in a Well Built, High Performance, Competitive Priced Investment that should last me my lifetime in our American Hunting Sport!]

After my net postings in May above, I have gone in June to the range with my re-loads and shot exact dope adjustments out to 600yds (200-300-400-500-600), gave to Leupold and have already received my Custom CDS elevation dial. During this long range activity, my 3 - 600yd shots (1st time at over 100yd load work) were..."2" X ring (3" center) and "1" 10 ring (6" center) for an overall 1\2 MOA !!! Seems my new custom rifle shoots as good as it looks! The 3-18 6-power Zoom Range is Great and due to the VX-6 Clarity, Sharpness and Brightness (98% light transmission), even I was surprised at it's valuable assistance in making such long range shot accuracy...Deer will never know what him em'!!

Hope the above info helps with any decision making!

Thanks,

Ted

For what it's worth:

I have a VX-R in a 4x12x40. I also own several other Leupys including VX-2s and VX-IIIs. While the VX-R is a good scope, I would put the light transmission and brightness above the VX-2 but below the VX-III. Therefore, I'd assume the VX-6 would be better in that category.

I really notice the difference in those critical first few minutes of daylight. I find I can not make out fine detail (like counting points or judging a buck) with the VX-R as well as I could with the VX-III.

Other than that, it's been a reliable and trouble-free optic.

Agreed!

My new VX-6 (mentioned 2 post above) from 3 to 10 power is brighter (especially in low light), sharper and has better color and detail resolution than my VX-III 3.5-10x50 (mnf. 2007) that I originally had on my custom rifle. In fact, the optically quality of my VX-6 remains -equally strong- all the way out to 18 zoom. The optics are a "very clear" step up from the VX-III series.

TxAg hands-on experience with his VX-III being a step above the VX-R puts what I was told by several Leupold techs in correct perspective...Optics quality on the VX-6 line is their best hunting product to date, with glass equal to their Mark4-Mark8 pro series!

For me, it represented the best $$$ value vs performance in an American made product.

I have a mark 4, VXR patrol, and some german glass and while I am partial to my german stuff, I enjoy the low light transmission of the VXR just fine, especially given it's price point.

With that said, lets get down to brass tax in the tube- the tube is NOT true 30mm... its a 1" wrapped in a 30mm housing. This is per Steve Degregorino of Leupold military sales dept. Additionally, he stated that the coating and other optical improvements have it's clarity at, and I am quoting him, "a VX two-and-a-half". Now, will that matter to you? IDK. Mine is plenty of scope for the weapon it's on. I would say that within 500M you will be fine in either optic. Were it me, I would spend the extra 600 bucks on having the gun bedded, a muzzle break installed and the trigger tuned:)

Having had both the VX-R and the VX-6 models I found the VX-6 to be superior glass wise to anything named Leupold I've ever owned. The VX-R is a good scope and for most people who haven't played with high end glass they'll be perfectly happy. Once spoiled though it's hard to go back to something that's not what you're used to. The VX-6 comes close, very close to the clarity that the Swarovski, Zeiss and Schmidt & Bender scopes are known for at 1/2 to 1/3 their price. Leupold hit it out of the park with the VX-6. Add the CDS turret and you've got a very good hunting rifle. I have a 2-12 on my Sauer 202 and also one on the S&W M&P. Both are CDS models but I haven't seen the need for it on these rifles.