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VX-3 4.5-14 vs. VX-6 2-12 for big game?

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LifeAndLiberty View Drop Down
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    Posted: December/29/2015 at 07:54
Hi, quick question.  I have narrowed my next scope down to either the 4.5x14x40 Leupold VX-3 with B&C reticle, or the most expensive 2x12x42 VX-6 with either the B&C or some illuminated reticle with BDC.  The primary purpose for the scope will be big game hunting, I am in the beginning stages of planning a Newfoundland Moose hunt for 2017 and beginning to get my gear together and to become proficient at using it.  The scope will be mounted on my Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine, .308 caliber heavy barrel.  Scope will be replacing a Redfield 3x9. 

Can someone help me with my thought process here?  I'm wavering between the VX-6 and the VX-3.
 - VX-3 is obviously much more affordable
 - VX-3 has an extra 2.5x of zoom per the Leupold website
 - VX-3 is lighter (and is being mounted on a heavy barrel gun)
On the flip side
 - VX-6 is the optically superior scope.
 - VX-6 offers more in terms of BDC reticles including illuminated
 - VX-6 has better FOV

I do not intend to use turrets to take my shots (I prefer less moving parts and less fine motor skills needed when I have a big game animal in range) so the CDS system probably will not be used by me. 

Should I buy once and cry once, or is the VX-6 beyond what I need it for?

Thanks in advance for any help.
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cheaptrick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/29/2015 at 07:56
Welcome to Optics Talk. 
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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/29/2015 at 08:34
Get the vx6 if only for the illumination. Its a great illumination system. Or even the vxr.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/29/2015 at 08:38
I would get the VX6 for the FOV also
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/29/2015 at 08:43
Both scopes will work fine for you, but I like the magnification range of the VX-6.  The 2X low end is ideal for the close in shots but you still have the top end for longer shots/sighting in the rifle.

I have the 2-12X VX6 and it is outstanding.  As you said, it is optically better that the VX-3 and would guess that if you compared the optical images at high power for both scopes, the VX-6 would still be the better scope.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/29/2015 at 08:54
Is there any effects of variable eye relief with the VX-6?

The reason I ask is because my VX-R's variable eye relief bugs me....a shade. 

Not a deal breaker....I love the scope. I just don't like having to move my head fore and aft when changing magnification.   


Edited by cheaptrick - December/29/2015 at 09:16
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/29/2015 at 09:19
It is pretty consistent compared to other variable scopes I've used.  Some amount of adjusting is required but it is minimal and probably has more to do settling the eye box at the higher magnification.

I remember one of the posts on this forum talked about nearly a two inch swing in eye relief going from 3 to 18X on the 3-18X VX6 but not seeing it with my 2-12X.

I know you like the VX-R.  You'll really like the VX-6.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LifeAndLiberty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/29/2015 at 09:44
Thanks for the replies so far.

So, would you feel under-scoped with the 12X for Newfoundland moose or Western Elk?  I know there are those who can and do use a fixed 6X for Moose and Elk, but I don't intend to take a spotting scope with me, just a pair of 10X Vortex binocs and a 6X Rangefinder.  Since I'm shooting a .308, I'm effectively limited to a max of about 300 yards anyway.

Also, what is everyone's opinion of the B&C Reticle vs Firedot LR?  I'm thinking I can use the B&C bars below the crosshairs as a method to determine the size of an animal at a given range and magnification, but concerned it might be a but "busy" on the eyes.  I know the real answer is to spend some time behind both and see which I prefer, which I hope to do tonight.  But, just looking for other opinions.

Thanks,
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/29/2015 at 11:31
For shots inside 300 yards, the 12X top end will serve you very well.  At that range, you aren't much beyond the MPBR for the 308 Win, so you could get away with a basic duplex reticle, but like you, I prefer a BDC type reticle on my hunting scopes.

I have the Firedot LR on my rifle and prefer it to the Boone and Crocket.  I like that only the crosshair is illuminated which draws my eye naturally.  The B&C reticle is just a little too much for my liking.

Not sure about determining the size of animal using the reticle.  I understand you can use the B&C reticle to determine the range of the animal, similar to ranging techniques used with mil-dot reticles.

Good luck on your search.  As you said, once you get behind them both of them, you can figure out whether the VX-6 is worth the extra freight for your moose hunt.
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