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VX-3L - Low Profile a Gimmick or Real Advantage? |
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2inchpattern
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/30/2009 Location: Bellevue, WA Status: Offline Points: 2 |
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Posted: April/30/2009 at 16:14 |
I'm considering treating myself and upgrading the scope on my old standby 30-06 from the old fixed power Redfield 4x40 it currently has to one of the new Leupold VX-3L or VX-3 scopes with a 50mm objective lense (at least this is the way I'm leaning right now). Before I do though, I have some questions. How much of a practical advantage is the low profile of the VX-3L with its cut out on the bottom - really? I've used scopes mounted at "standard" heights for years and been able to hit what I have aimed at with what I feel is reasonable regularity so am wondering... Is the low profile really a plus or is it just a new gimmick that might actually prove to be a distraction? Anybody who actually has or has at least tried one of the 3L's - you thoughts and opinions will surely be appreciated as it's a pretty good investment and I don't want to make it foolishly.
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2inchpattern
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lucytuma
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: November/25/2007 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 5389 |
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Its really a neat idea, whether its needed or warrented is a personal descision. I wouldn't mind owning a VX-L.
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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson
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Big Squeeze
Optics Master Extraordinaire GOOGLE NINJA Joined: August/30/2007 Location: Anaheim, Calif. Status: Offline Points: 3143 |
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To be honest, I really don`t see any advantage to the 3L`s bottom cut out!. I understand the thinking behind it though.
A 50 mm scope with a little extra light gathering, which is designed to sit as low, if not lower than a 40mm objective scope without the bottom cut out. The bottom line is, you have a 50mm objective scope that sits lower.
I`ve never warmed up to that design. I like a little more space from the receiver to the scope`s bottom. And I certainly don`t want my thumb or fingers inferring with bolt cyling because the ocular bell sits too low either. Though with a 54 to 60 degree bolt lift, (which I don`t have), ocular and bolt clearance shouldn`t then be an issue!
I`ll take the regular `ol 40mm and mount it as low as possible, save some scope weight and some money at the same time.
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Offline Points: 14569 |
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It is a neat idea!! |
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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RONK
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: April/05/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3199 |
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Low mounting height is a decided advantage for normal shooters using rifles with most sporter-style stocks. This is especially true as it pertains to hunting. This is because a solid cheekweld is vitally important to accurate shooting results in the field; offhand, moving game, etc. You don't need to crane your head up to see through the scope; you can keep it snug on the comb where it belongs and where it helps lock shooter and rifle into a single unit. Not quite so important when shooting from a benchrest.
The cutout does allow a lower height than a similar scope that doesn't have that feature, and the one I examined had VERY good glass.
I didn't fall in love with the looks of the cutout strictly on the basis of personal prejudice, but that's my problem.
Go for it, you probably won't regret it.
Incidently, you can shoot very well with very hig-mounted scopes if you have an adjustable stock, or otherwise build up the comb to get your eye up to the line of sight, while maintaining the 'weld'.
Edited to add:
I posted before reading Big Squeeze's reply; he makes a very good point about bolt handle clearance. It can be a factor.
Edited by RONK - April/30/2009 at 18:06 |
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rifle looney
Optics Master Joined: November/21/2008 Status: Offline Points: 2553 |
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I am sure they work great, but have you seen one mounted in person?
not real pretty! |
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RONK
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: April/05/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3199 |
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Yeah, they do take some getting used to, (and I'm still working on that myself), but so did the very idea of putting any scope on a rifle, to a whole generation of shooters 90 years ago.
All what you're used to, I guess....
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medic52
Optics Professional Joined: October/05/2006 Location: Missouri Status: Offline Points: 893 |
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There not for me.....
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"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G.K. Chesterton
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Offline Points: 14569 |
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Yeah I agree it's not the prettiest scope to put on a rifle but it does serve
a purpose for reasons RONK stated earlier.
Gotta hand it to Leupold for trying to think outside the box. |
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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RONK
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: April/05/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3199 |
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It must have taken some freaky math and geometry calculations to pull it together!
I gotta hand it to Leupold, they did it well. The one I looked at was very crisp and very bright all the way to the edges.
I was impressed, and I didn't really want to be!
Very nice scopes.
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Offline Points: 14569 |
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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hunter12345
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/21/2007 Status: Offline Points: 470 |
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I bought the VX-L when they first came out,nice idea lower cheek weld for a 50mm that mounts like a 40mm.I didn't have scope covers that would fit because of the design on this scope bell and used it on a wet snowy hunt.I couldn't see any added benefit with the 50 over my VX-III with a 40mm.Low light performance wasn't any better.
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