For a long time Leupold has been making lightweight riflescopes geared for hunters. In fact, my most used riflescope is an old capped-windage VX-2 3-9×40. Sadly, that particular model is no longer in production. Instead, Leupold has replaced their old VX lines with the VX-Freedom replaceing the VX-1 and VX-2. For their popular VX-3i line they have released the brand new Leupold VX-3HD as a replacement. Today we compare the VX-3HD with its competition.
Specifications
First off, the largest change in the line is the addition of the CDS dial system on all of the VX-3HD optics. This upgrade means that VX-3HD scopes have exposed turrets to compensate for elevation on longer shots. Additionally, the CDS dial has a zero lock feature, so that your never lose zero innadvertently in the field. This is a must have for me after an experience I had with a black bear this past spring. Another additions is a miniature throw lever.
The VX-3HD line is unique in the marketplace for hunting scopes because it is a lightweight scope with the ability to dial. The dial gives one rotation of elevation, which is around 14 MOA. This is enough to get most backcountry hunting cartridges out to around 600 yards. The 3.5-10×40 weighs just 13oz, while the more compact 2.5-8×36 is just over 11oz. For comparison, most other scopes with exposed turrets start around 19oz and go up from there. For hunters really trying to watch weight, this is a huge difference.
The VX-3HD line are second focal plane scopes. Field of view at the lowest power is 29 ft at 100 yards. Parallax is not adjustable from 150 yards. For the smaller magnification VX-3HD’s the reticle options are pretty basic. The model we reviewed has a simple duplex reticle. While I would prefer hashmarks for holding wind, realistically, at 600 yards and in a little mental math and kentucky windage should be adequate.
Glass Quality
Glass quality is plenty adequate. Candidly, I am not a glass snob when it comes to scopes. Zero retention and tracking is much more important than a dazzling image. However, the image quality surprised and impressed me the first time I looked through the VX-3HD. The image brightness and clarity was above what I had anticipated for an optic in the price range. That said, glass quality is not a chief concern for me when shopping for scopes. I will happily sacrifice image quality if it means better zero retention and tracking.
Ergonomics
Next, we look at the ergonomics. The ergonomics on the Leupold VX-3HD are intuitive and well designed. However, there are some flaws in the execution of the design elements. First, let’s address the high points. The small throw lever addition is handy and the sizing is absolutely sublime. Shooting with the optic on the clock while wearing gloves in the snow, the throw lever made a world of difference. Unlike other levers, it was large enough to be useful without increasing the rifles profile or tendency to snag.
Another ergonomic boon is the turret layout. The capped windage is my preference for a hunting rifle. More importantly, the CDS-ZL system is my favorite turret design ergonomically to date. The push button to unlock elevation dial is intuitive and the automatic locking when you return to zero ensures you are back to zero after an extended range shot.
On the other hand, their were a few drawbacks in the execution of the optic. First off, the CDS-ZL design that I love so much feels pretty mushy in comparison to other exposed dialing turrets. this isn’t the end of the world but more positive turret feel would improve the user experience with the optic. Another complaint is the magnification ring adjustment could afford to be a bit stiffer since a throw lever is included.
Lastly, my final gripe is the zeroing process. The turret underneath the elevation cap is so stiff that it is difficult to adjust by hand. A tooless zeroing system does not seem like an enormous ask. At the very least, Leupold could have included in their instructions a note telling the shooter that a pair of pliers are necessary to zero their new optic.
Tracking and Reliability
Tracking and reliability are continuously being tested, but so far I have not had any issues. The scope has retained zero while being used as a quad gun cinched to the front in a pair of Kolpin grips. When dialing, the optic has always returned to zero without issue.
The dial feel makes me hesitant to recommend the dial for heavy target use but for a lightweight occasional dial while hunting it is holding up well. If there are any failures in tracking or reliability this article will be edited and I will make an update post as was the case with the Tract Toric UHD 3-15×42.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, the Leupold VX-3HD is the only valid option in a very useful segment of the market. For the backcountry hunter where weight matters, the VX-3HD line offers 600 yard capability in a package a half pound lighter than its competitors. While turret feel and magnification ring stiffness need improvement, these are fit and finish attributes that don’t affect performance. For the money, the Leupold VX-3HD might be the best price-weight ratio for hunters trying to go seriously lightweight.