Need opinions on Leupold

[Shane916]

Trying to find a nice Leupold scope just for precision target shooting 100 yds-1000 yds.

So far I came across this:

Leupold VX-III 3-5-10x40 - 55046

Seeing if anyone has one or has any comments about it.

Also open to suggestions to similar scopes in the 400-600 price range

Thanks

[EricCartmann]

Leupold VX's are pretty expensive considering it is made in China. There are much better scopes for cheaper. I like Millet scopes a lot. Glass on them seems to be just as crystal clear as my Leupold Mark4.

[PistolPete75]

i have a mark 4 6.5-20x50mm, and i love it. i have no problem shooting 800yards with it. very clear glass, love the parallex adjustment, and the moa adjustments are easy to do. i never looked through a millet before.

i say wait, and save a little more money and get a real nice scope your gonna use forever. remember what you can't see, you can't shoot.

[Fjold]

3.5X10 is not enough power for 1,000 yards, for that distance you will need a higher power of at least 16 and preferably 20-24 X minimum.

Leupold scopes are still considered made in the USA because the majority of the parts are made here, along with final assembly. They farm out their lens manufacturing but they have always done that. Lately the lenses are being made in China while previously they were made in Japan.

[Prc329]

I personally don't care for leupold but a lot of people have had good luck with them. millet does make some good glass from what I can tell. The unit I looked at had 1/8 clicks. I decided against it because I did not feel like counting all those clicks.

[Hoop]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/37805-12483-1511.html

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/14758-52462-1514.html

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/17382-15809-1508.html

I'm not a big fan of the Bushnell elites, but some people like them. Personally I don't see how you could go wrong with a Leupold.

[Pthfndr]

3.5X10 is not enough power for 1,000 yards, for that distance you will need a higher power of at least 16 and preferably 20-24 X minimum.

That's not necessarily true. It depends on what kind of long range shooting one is going to do. For bullseye target or benchrest, yes, a higher power is better.

For steel or silhouette I would say no. At the tactical long range matches I participate in it's rare to see anything over 20. Most use something in the 10x-17x range as max.

Heck, I used a 4x for 2 years and did better than most people.

[EricCartmann]

Seriously, I think the Millett tactical series is the best kept secrets to cheap quality optics. Glass as clear as an ACOG and Leupold. I have the 1-4X DMS, but I plan to get TRS for my precision Bolt Action I plan to build in the future.

If you don't believe me, look at Midways rating, average 5 stars.

Here is a link to the TRS

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=740823&t=11082005

Link to DMS

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=186660&t=11082005

Read the reviews.

[EricCartmann]

If you can't find the link to the reviews here it is:

TRS

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductreview.exe/GetReviews?productid=740823

DMS:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductreview.exe/GetReviews?productid=186660

I just have to warn you though, lots of people on this site don't like cheap quality optics and they will hate on you just because you want a good quality cheap optic. they will even compare you to drug dealer, thieves, and murderers

[rksimple]

Trying to find a nice Leupold scope just for precision target shooting 100 yds-1000 yds.

So far I came across this:

Leupold VX-III 3-5-10x40 - 55046

That scope only has 51 MOA of total internal adjustment. Depending on the rifle, caliber, and mount, you may not make it to 1000 without having to hold over. Look for a scope in the 70+ MOA range or get an inclined base.

A buddy of mine had a VXIII on a 7.82 Warbird and the scope didn't last very long. Under the heavier recoil, the scope would not hold zero at all. I think it had to go back twice for this same problem. He now has an S&B PMII on it and no problems yet.

For me, Leupold doesn't offer anything that you can't get from another company for a better price and/or with more features. They do have a great warranty, but unfortunately, you may very well need it.

What type of target shooting do you envision? Will this primarily be a range gun or do you see tactical competitions in your future? What about F Class? If this is for your first precision rifle, and you want to get into it on the cheap, go for something like the Bushnell 3200 10x or the Super Sniper. Then save your money to get something much better. Or else just save now and go with IOR, Nightforce, etc.

[Prc329]

Save up for a little while longer and get an IOR. cheaper then a nightforce but an incredible piece of glass.

[Shane916]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! I appreciate it!

This will be for my first precision rifle and I have no intentions of competing. I have read a lot about the Super Sniper but I figured for a few hundred more I would be able to purchase something a little nicer. Although as a first scope maybe the SS is the way to go? or maybe the Millett..? Then like you said save for a nicer scope later on down the road...seems like a good idea!

I was also unaware that Leupold's were affiliated in any way to Chinese parts !

[Prc329]

I started with a super sniper and later when funds were available moved to an IOR. The difference is incredible. The SS is a great place to learn how to shoot before getting more hardcore glass. The problem with the TRS-1 (Millet) is the 1/8 clicks. That would be a lot of clicks to get lost in. Takes my 1/4 moa scope. 52 to get to 600 yards with my chosen load. I would hate to count 1/8 clicks.

[rksimple]

I started with a super sniper and later when funds were available moved to an IOR. The difference is incredible. The SS is a great place to learn how to shoot before getting more hardcore glass. The problem with the TRS-1 (Millet) is the 1/8 clicks. That would be a lot of clicks to get lost in. Takes my 1/4 moa scope. 52 to get to 600 yards with my chosen load. I would hate to count 1/8 clicks.

1/8th minute clicks would get annoying. But it would be a lot easier if you didn't count clicks at all. Just think in minutes. Look at the numbers on the knob. Know how many minutes/rev your scope has and what stadia line represents zero. It makes things SOOO much easier.

[PistolPete75]

i trust rksimple judgement. i went shooting with him this weekend. he is a good shooter, and had plenty of tips for me. he and wildcard got me hitting steel at 500-800yards, and it was my first time for me shooting this far.