Hi guys, I'm considering the leupold VX-3 2.5x8 scope for my 8" 44mag colt anaconda, does anyone have any words of wisdom with this scope, and is this one of the best scopes for the money. I hunt in north Florida and southern Alabama primarily 100-200 lb. Hogs and 110-180 lb. Deer. Thanks.

hogg,

Welcome to HHM! I've got 5 of those Leupolds and find them most excellent. Note that any scope will not be as quick on target as a red dot or holo sight (Leupold Delta sight); however, they carry the advantage at distance. Hope this helps.

Doc

Thanx Doc, that's what I need to hear, someone who has some time behind one. What rings and bases would be best for mounting on my anaconda? Thank you

I've had a couple of them and while they have great glass and are tough as hell, they are also BIG and I've sold them off for smaller and quicker systems.

The optics are clearer than my Burris 3-12's. Windage and elevation adjustments are more precise. The adj knobs are marked 1/4 minute but they're actually 1/2 minute. The scope is tough too. I've never had a Leupold scope fail, but I've sent three Burris scopes back for repair/replacement.

My only complaint is the eye relief is too long for me. It's longer than the Leupold 4x EER. Even with an extended base it's too long form my XP 100's. Shooting a revolver, it should be no issue for you. I've got two VX3 2.5-8 scopes resting in their boxes because of this.

The eye relief was an issue with me as well, had to hold my head back from the scope so much that it was uncomfortable. That is a great thing about dots, unlimited eye relief.

The Leupold is a damm good scope....

I have three or four of them and really like them. The optics are clear and they are very tough and dependable. I have no problems with the eye relief. I have a 3x12 Burris also and much prefer the Leupold. Another that would work really well is the Bushnell Elite 2x6. Lighter, optics seem as clear as the Leupold to me, and the price is about 30% of the Leupold right now. They are 189 at Midsouth shooters supply I think. The crosshairs are also easier for me to see at dark than the Leupold. They seem to "stand out" better in low light than all my others. Just a thought.....GS

SwampHogg,

I have 5 of them (2 on revolvers and 3 on single-shots) - great, well-built optics and should serve you well. Like most all of the higher-power EER variables, they are large - mine are mounted on a 10" FA and a 10.5" S&W, so they appear size-appropriate. With longer arms, the eye relief has not posed a problem for me. I also have one of the Elite's that Glenn references in the above post, and at $189, would be an excellent option on your Anaconda as well.

It's an excellent scope. I have it on a 11" customized S&W 29-2, and it doesn't look too big on that. It is a fairly large scope though, and best for medium to long range shots rather than quick&close ones. On value, I would say that it is probably the best on the market quality-wise, but it's also normally quite expensive.

I own three. Two are on XP's and the other is destined for a Contender. Every revolver I have handled with one mounted on it seemed very top heavy and not nearly as well balanced as one mounted with say, a 2x Leupold.

Nothing wrong with having one on a revolver though if that turns your crank. It's a damn good scope.

Brian.