Review of Leupold VX-III Scope
Leupold has been making quality scopes for just about ever. Until recently, Leopold’s most sought after hunting scope was known as the Vari-X III. This was a solid scope with a deserved reputation for quality construction, holding it’s zero, and clear optics.
For years that solid design stood the test of time. But as new competitors entered the market Leupold had to upgrade or get passed by. In 2004 Leupold came out with the replacement. In keeping with the familiar family name but changing it enough so people know its’ pedigree Leupold introduced the VX-III.
The challenge Leupold had was to improve the old Vari-X III in all areas but still keep the price in the high mid-range to low high-range that is a sweet spot in the market. The VX-III had to better, but still affordable to the discriminating shooter.
One thing I never liked about my old Leupold scopes was the elevation and windage adjustments required me to carry around a screwdriver or use a coin to turn the adjustment knobs. Now the Leupold VX-III has finger adjustable windage and elevation adjustments that make sighting-in a whole lot more convenient.
Also added are resettable pointer dials that allow you to sight in and mark the zero points. This feature can come in handy if you want to sight in with different weight bullets. For example you can sight in with 130 gr loads and mark the zero. Then load up with 150 gr loads and site in. If you find your in the field and hunting conditions change you can go back to the 130 gr loads and then re-zero by simply changing the windage and elevation setting to your marks. With the cost of ammo and lack of time to get to the range, this little feature is greatly appreciated.
Normally with lower powered scopes and close in shooting parallax is not an issue. However, with higher powered scopes and long ranges parallax can be come an issue. Some higher powered VX-III scopes have a parallax adjustment on the side of the scope opposite the windage adjustment. This allows (at least for right hand shooters) you to look through the scope and with the left hand adjust the parallax. This sure beats having to take your eye off the scope to adjust the parallax.
The next thing that got improved in the VX-III was the optics. Leupold has always made nice optics and the VX-III has a Matched Lens System. Without getting technical, the Matched Lens System allow for 98% light transmission. One look through a VX-III in marginal light conditions will convince you that the new optics are a nice improvement.
Updating the reticle choice to accommodate very long shots was also a priority. The "Ballistic" reticle choices called the "Boone and Crocket" and "Varmint Hunters" were incorporated. Both reticles allow you to sight in with the main cross hair, and using a chart for the caliber you’re shooting, determine the yardage for the marks below the cross hair. There’s also a set of windage marks that allow for bullet drift in a 10 mph wind at the various yardages.
All in all, the VXIII gets a big thumbs up as a high end scope with great features, excellent optics and legendary Leupold ruggedness.
scopes was the elevation and windage adjustments required me to carry around a screwdriver or use a coin to turn the adjustment knobs. Now the Leupold VX-III has finger adjustable windage and elevation adjustments that make sighting-in a whole lot more convenient.
Also added are resettable pointer dials that allow you to sight in and mark the zero points. This feature can come in handy if you want to sight in with different weight bullets. For example you can sight in with 130 gr loads and mark the zero. Then load up with 150 gr loads and site in. If you find your in the field and hunting conditions change you can go back to the 130 gr loads and then re-zero by simply changing the windage and elevation setting to your marks. With the cost of ammo and lack of time to get to the range, this little feature is greatly appreciated.
Normally with lower powered scopes and close in shooting parallax is not an issue. However, with higher powered scopes and long ranges parallax can be come an issue. Some higher powered VX-III scopes have a parallax adjustment on the side of the scope opposite the windage adjustment. This allows (at least for right hand shooters) you to look through the scope and with the left hand adjust the parallax. This sure beats having to take your eye off the scope to adjust the parallax.
The next thing that got improved in the VX-III was the optics. Leupold has always made nice optics and the VX-III has a Matched Lens System. Without getting technical, the Matched Lens System allow for 98% light transmission. One look through a VX-III in marginal light conditions will convince you that the new optics are a nice improvement.
Updating the reticle choice to accommodate very long shots was also a priority. The "Ballistic" reticle choices called the "Boone and Crocket" and "Varmint Hunters" were incorporated. Both reticles allow you to sight in with the main cross hair, and using a chart for the caliber you’re shooting, determine the yardage for the marks below the cross hair. There’s also a set of windage marks that allow for bullet drift in a 10 mph wind at the various yardages.
All in all, the VXIII gets a big thumbs up as a high end scope with great features, excellent optics and legendary Leupold ruggedness.
scopes have a parallax adjustment on the side of the scope opposite the windage adjustment. This allows (at least for right hand shooters) you to look through the scope and with the left hand adjust the parallax. This sure beats having to take your eye off the scope to adjust the parallax.
The next thing that got improved in the VX-III was the optics. Leupold has always made nice optics and the VX-III has a Matched Lens System. Without getting technical, the Matched Lens System allow for 98% light transmission. One look through a VX-III in marginal light conditions will convince you that the new optics are a nice improvement.
Updating the reticle choice to accommodate very long shots was also a priority. The "Ballistic" reticle choices called the "Boone and Crocket" and "Varmint Hunters" were incorporated. Both reticles allow you to sight in with the main cross hair, and using a chart for the caliber you’re shooting, determine the yardage for the marks below the cross hair. There’s also a set of windage marks that allow for bullet drift in a 10 mph wind at the various yardages.
All in all, the VXIII gets a big thumbs up as a high end scope with great features, excellent optics and legendary Leupold ruggedness.
Tags: rifle scope | rifle scope