Update.  Sorry for the delay.  It's been crazy since SHOT Show.  Here's the link to part 2 of my review.  Full review coming soon.

http://lockedandloadedwithcarduccitactical.com/2012/01/30/leupold-vx-6-review-best-scope-for-the-money/

"In comparison to all of my high-end European scopes, the optical quality of this scope is the best I have ever seen." 

That is a bold statement…huh?  Well the VX-6 is a bold offering by Leupold.  This scope is a game changer.  The VX-6  is exactly what people have been wanting, expecting and demanding from Luppy.  The scope is not another optic in their line with a different name and some added features. The VX-6 is a new scope with new glass and new technology -that is why they are slowly being distributed.

So let me answer some questions…for those of you lucky enough to be are in the market for a scope you will not be disappointed in the VX-6.

Let me start by saying comparing scopes is one of the best ways to convey the optical quality, mechanics and the overall experience using nothing but words. Chances are people have used or own one of the scopes you state as being Better, Same or Worse. It is also fun and some people will agree and others disagree. I try to compare apples to apples whenever possible and I am not talking about price in this example. Rather size of objective and magnification range.

SmileyDawg:  You said:

"In comparison to all of my high-end European scopes, the optical quality of this scope is the best I have ever seen." 

Can you please elaborate?   Which "high-end European scopes" do you have?    When I consider high-end I would consider the Swarovski Z6 line, the Zeiss Victory T* FL line, and the Schmidt and Bender.   Are you saying that these Leupold scopes are comperable to those European scopes or do we have a different view of "high-end"?

We have a similar view of high-end European scopes.  I may differ from you though in my belief that a scope doesn’t have start with a 3, to qualify as high end. The scopes you listed are 3K+ especially the models with illumination. The Leupold VX-6 is under 1K.

When I get a scope I look it over and spend quiet some time examining the features, glass and reticle.  Then, if justified, I break-out the Kahles, Zeiss and Swarovski’s for comparison.  Keep in mind that at times I can tell the optical quality of the scopes is not even close to the higher end models so no comparison is needed.  In the past when I have reviewed scopes, they have been close to my higher-end European models, but none have exceeded or matched.

In my initial product investigation, I noticed a higher optical quality with the VX-6 than compared to Kahles CL 3-9x42mm, CSX 3-12x56mm, Conquest 3.5-10x50mm scopes. With true daytime illumination, a foot of constant eye relief and the eye box forgiveness of a Swarovski Z6 EE, you get an outstanding scope from Leupold. 

Is the optical qualify of the Leupold VX-6 better than the Swarovski Z6? (2-12x50mm) It is damn close. The VX-6’s eye relief of a constante true 4” thru 2 to 12X is superior to the Z6 and at  about one-quarter of the cost - at just under $1,000 - that is damn impressive.

Does this mean it is better than a z3, z5, z6? Better than Z3, not enough experience with the Z5 to say.  The Z6 and the VX-6 are close in comparison,

What European optics do you have?  I own a Kahles CSX 3-12x56mdddm, Kahles CL 3-9x42mm, CL 4 – 12 x 52mm,  Zeiss ConqueI own a Kahles CSX 3-12x56mm, Kahles CL 3-9x42mm, CL 4 – 12 x 52mm,  Zeiss Conquest 3.5 – 10x44mm  Rifle