Hunting Scope Suggestions Under $400 - Scope Purchased

[jsbhike]

Leupold VXR Patrol 3-9x40, with Firedot illum mildot retical and 1/10 mil adjustments. Just a tad over your budget at $419, but a fantastic proven optic, good glass, at a good price, weighs 15oz and has great eye relief.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1009581380

If the turrets are like the 1.25-4x VXR Patrol they can get knocked off very easily getting in and out of vehicles. Other than that they are nice on clarity, weight, eye box and illumination. I switched to the VXR Hog since the hinting models are capped.

[AndyLate]

Perhaps a plain VX-R rather than the Patrol? Capped turrets and a price break - $350 at Midway USA

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1362260291

Other than illum. (which I can live without) and a 30mm tube, what is the benefit over a VX-3i?

[grizzman]

The VX-3i is available in a simple duplex or Boone & Crockett reticle (and others if you scour the used market). The VX-R Patrol is only offered with a mil dot reticle (which is actually quite thick in my 3-9). Depending on past experience, the mil adjustments of the VX-R Patrol can be either positive or negative. I can tell no difference in the glass quality.

I haven't accidentally moved the turret of the VX-R yet. I did rub the turret against stuff when I first read of this complaint, and it didn't concern me enough to do anything about it.

[jsbhike]

The VX-3i is available in a simple duplex or Boone & Crockett reticle (and others if you scour the used market). The VX-R Patrol is only offered with a mil dot reticle (which is actually quite thick in my 3-9). Depending on past experience, the mil adjustments of the VX-R Patrol can be either positive or negative. I can tell no difference in the glass quality.

I haven't accidentally moved the turret of the VX-R yet. I did rub the turret against stuff when I first read of this complaint, and it didn't concern me enough to do anything about it.

The 3-9x may be the difference. My only VX-R Patrol experience was with the 1.25-4x and the model I have seen the turret complaint on, and I even purchased it after a couple of reviews thinking they had to be creating some kind of self fulfilling prophecy scenario.
. It would self adjust sliding it across the seat from a combo of turning easily and very aggressive checkering. Even when I put plastic wrap over it I would occasionally get some clicks off so I parted with it which sucked because I really did like the circle/cross hair set up on it.

Did a VX-R vs. VX3i search earlier and several hits seemed to indicate the 3i had better coatings and image quality.

[AndyLate]

Did a VX-R vs. VX3i search earlier and several hits seemed to indicate the 3i had better coatings and image quality.

My search turned up the same result.

[SageRatSafaris]

I have an optics database, so I did a quick filter.
* Capped or locking turrets
* Inclusive of 3-9X mag range
* Street price between $250 and $500

Here's the list:

Athlon Argos 3-15x40
Atibal Nomad 3-12x44
Hawke Frontier 3-15x44
Hi-Lux M40 3-9x40
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40
Leupold VX-Freedom EFR 3-9x33
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 CDS
Meopta MeoPro 3-9x40
Nikon PROSTAFF P5 3-12x42SF
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 3.5-14x40 FFP BDC
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 3.5-14x50 FFP BDC
SIG Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x50
SWFA SS 2.5-10x32 Ultralight
TRACT TURION 3-9x40
Trijicon AccuPower 3-9x40
Vortex Diamondback HP 3-12x42
Vortex Viper 3.5-10x50 PA
Vortex Razor HD LH 2-10x40

[gunnerblue]

My search turned up the same result.

As has mine, Leupold makes excellent GP hunting scopes within your parameters. The fact that you the most excellent Alumina flip caps on hand would seal the deal for me.

[Andyink]

The VX-3i is awesome. I've also used a Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50 which works like a champ. Holds zero perfectly, turrets produce an audible click sound and the glass is great. Can't go wrong with Leupold or Vortex. Source: https://scopesfield.com/best-scope-for-6-5-creedmoor/

[AndyLate]

Thanks, everyone. Looks like a few sellers have the VX-3i 3.5-10x40 duplex for ~$300. A little more than I paid for my Viper HS 2.5-10, but it was marked waaaay down.

Andy

[ExplorinInTheWoods]

Accupower 3-9 or find a used accupoint 3-9. The accupoints with the triangles are my favorite hunting optic.