Vari X III or Vari X 3 with CDS?

[bboswell]

I have both laying here in 4.5 - 14 trying to decide which to mount up on the new 280 AI.

Like the CDS ability but wonder if the older Vari X III isn't a better scope

Thoughts?

[bboswell]

Opinions?

[Cuz]

I'd be using the CDS. Because its a CDS!

[Peacock]

Both are great scopes

[ar3731guy]

Cds is cool if you use the same ammo every time. I have a vx-r cds on my 300 wsm. It's been very close out to 500 yds. Haven't tried it to 850 that it marks on the dial.

[Mike D]

I doubt the older scope is better glass. Lens coatings have come a long way in the last few years.

[bboswell]

I ended up putting the Vari X III on it. I will use that to get my dope for a custom turret and then change.

[bboswell]

I doubt the older scope is better glass. Lens coatings have come a long way in the last few years.

Interesting point Mike.

[Cajun Blake]

if the VX3 is a LR model you'll have more MOA adjustment

[trophy8]

I haven't noticed a considerable difference in my vx3 or vxiii scopes optics wise. There probably is a difference but not a huge one.

I think Blake is right. Although your gonna be shooting a LONG way before you max out the elevation turret on them (I use a 20 moa base and I have a ton of adjustment left at 1k.)

[bboswell]

No VX3 is not LR but I don't see this gun going past 500

[Coach W]

I doubt the older scope is better glass. Lens coatings have come a long way in the last few years.

Yup I own all styles of the leupold scopes... Have those exact scopes you mentioned the 4.5-14x50 in both VX-3 and Vari-xIII... The vx-3 is currently on a ruger no 1 in 300 win mag... The VarixIII is on a Rem 788 in 6mm... the VX-3 is that much better... But my VX-3 is a 30mm main tube and my Vari xIII is a 1" main tube.

I'd say they VX-3 is hands down better after hunting with it for a few years (however I'm keeping my old Vari-x III and VX-III... He'll I even still have a few old m-8's) but yes you can tell the difference in focus, into glare, and in low light... I wouldn't hesitate taking either out in the field though.

I've got another 3.5-10x50 VX3 setting in the safe right now probably gonna replace an old m-8 straight 12 power... Or I may just throw it on a 17hmr for the heck of it!

Don't have any thoughts on the CDs system as I've never owned a scope with it.

[gmengers]

Personally the new coating and lenses are much better and the CDS system is spot on every time.