I have always used the Leupold VX-3 scopes I recently got a new rifle and was looking into some scope options and I see Leupold doesn't make the VX-3 anymore and it has been replaced by the VX-3i. It says that the i stands for "improved" but the last VX3 I bought was $700 for the 4.5-14x50mm and now the VX-3i is around $549 for the same model and I found it for $432 at one online store.

Has anyone else purchased one of the Leupold VX-3i scopes? Does it seem to be the same quality that leupold has always offered?

I was talking to a sales rep at Cabelas about the same thing. He said the new model has a different powder coating so it's less reflective. Also said that the lenses are better at holding light enabling the sight picture to be clearer at dusk. So supposedly it's less shiny, and clearer at deer thirty

powder coat? I`m not too sure about that. think I`ll take a look at their site

Powder coat may have been the wrong word. He was just meaning the black coating on the scope was less reflective

From doing some more reading online it looks like Leupold is saying they cut a bunch of scopes out of the vx3 line that they used to make and that allows them to cut the cost some.

Another thing I always liked the Heavy Duplex reticle but the only way to get it in the scope I want is to order from the custom shop. You would think that is one of the more popular reticles for hunting.

"Holding light" ??

Never have understood why they never offered heavies in the 2.5-8. I sent mine back and had them installed.

Once ya go with heavies you can never go back.

I've compared both side by side can't tell any optical difference in low-light. I don't think quality has decreased either.

I purchased a VX3i 3.5-10X40 to put on my Tikka T3 7MM08.
For the $315 I paid I've been very pleased with the clarity.

Leupold scopes are anodized, not powder coated.
Most scopes on the market are anodized.

I've had the varix-3 with heavy duplex for close to 20 years and have always loved them, especially low light, but on long shots 300 yards or more they tend top cover up the deer on 10x.

matte finish as opposed to gloss.

Good lawd , you shootin' rabbits or deer? Heavies are thick but not that thick.

I emailed Leupold and this was the response I got.

"The VX-3i is actually incrementally better than the VX-3 (VX-3i stands for VX-3 improved). We spent a lot of money at the end of 2015 bringing the VX-3 assembly line into the 21st century with the purchase of new machinery. We gained manufacturing efficiencies which have been passed onto the consumer."

Mine is. I shot a buck at 300 yards and the crosshairs covered up his vitals. Fine cross hairs are better for long range shooting.