Is it worth upgrading a scope?

[crackerman]

On my .375HH I currently have a Leupold VX3i 1.5-5x20mm with a German 4 reticle. It got rebuilt by Leopold and fixed a problem with the director and consistently groups well at 100 yards.

I have a tendency to want the new shiny thing, but I’m wondering is there any reason I need to upgrade that scope when I decide to chase buffalo again? It’s currently noted in tally Q D rings and I was planning on adding a 3 x 9 or 2.5 to 15 for longer distant shots.

Is it actually worth upgrading my VX 3I? Or just saving for a new medium power scope?

 

[375Fox]

I saved this thread because a lot of good discussion. I originally had a 1.5-5 and upgraded to a 2-10 on my 375. I’m glad I did. Makes the rifle more versatile.

Thread 'My Take on Dangerous Game Scopes'

Nov 27, 2023

Here is a video where I discuss my journey in finding the ultimate DG scope. Bombs away!

• Philip Glass
• blaser dangerous game dangerous game scopes leupold philip glass rifle scopes swarovski vx6
• Replies: 262
• Forum: .375 & up

• 
• 

 

[Ridge Runner]

IMO, until your eyes start going with age or you just want a higher variable power scope for longer/ better ranges afforded the 375.

Why change what isn't broken?

Any excuse is better than no excuse to improve what you have. JMO, 2.5 minimum, 20x maximum would be the optimum scope on a 375 out to 300-350-400 yards. One's personal opinion and specific uses to determine which scope power(s) work best for them.

With old eyes, my 375H&H is topped with a 4-16 x 50, 2nd Focal Plane, scope. I limit my shots to 300-350 yards, with 300 grain bullets, at 2550+/- velocities.

 

[Mekaniks]

No, leave it as is and use it as intended for DG. You are good.

Add a .308 or .338 for longer shooting

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

if you really want a bit of versatility with the 375 then sure but dont lose the low power while doing it
hunting buff u need 1x or 2x
u get a 2-7X32 or36, vx3 i think, or 2.5-8 is also great

on our client guns we have the vx5HD with red dot, 2-10X40/50, but then they doing mostly plains game but also when needed are used for buff and these scopes do it all

 

[Luvthunt]

Stay with what you have, the 5x should do all you need on a 375.

 

[Rimshot]

The main tradeoff here is that since the VX3 1.5-5x is incredibly lightweight, you'll be adding 1/2 to 1 lb to the rifle to realistically get a "do-it-all" scope that has a wide zoom range. Some people (including me) are fine with the heavier scope since it offers so much flexibility, and I'm not climbing a mountain on some ultralight backcountry sheep hunt with it. Some of my favorite scopes so far are Leupold 2-12x and Zeiss 1.8-14x, both of which I've used for running shots in the bush. I believe that had the low end been 3x or 4x, those shots would have been more difficult.

 

[samson7x]

I might want a bit higher on the top end for something like croc, but otherwise I don't think it's necessary. I went with the trijicon accupoint 1-6 which seems like enough for general DG and PG use.

I personally wouldn't trust a scope that's been sent in for issues so that would be enough for me to purchase something else.

 

[BJH65]

You mentioned chasing Buffalo again so if this is your primary quarry, I would leave as is, it’s perfectly fine. I have used Leupold 1.5x5 scopes on several of my big bore rifles on DG and I love this scope. Sometimes scopes need to be sent in for repair, it happens sometimes, even with Swarovski.

With that said, maybe you envision using it on longer distances for plains game as a one rifle safari or North American game, Leupold makes some excellent 2-10 scopes. AH sponsor EuroOptic has a couple nice Leupold VX-5HD 2-10 scopes on sale.

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex Scope 171389 | SHIPS FREE! - EuroOptic

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex Scope 171389 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Duplex Scope 171386 | SHIPS FREE! - EuroOptic

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Duplex Scope 171386 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

You mentioned chasing Buffalo again so if this is your primary quarry, I would leave as is, it’s perfectly fine. I have used Leupold 1.5x5 scopes on several of my big bore rifles on DG and I love this scope. Sometimes scopes need to be sent in for repair, it happens sometimes, even with Swarovski.

With that said, maybe you envision using it on longer distances for plains game as a one rifle safari or North American game, Leupold makes some excellent 2-10 scopes. AH sponsor EuroOptic has a couple nice Leupold VX-5HD 2-10 scopes on sale.

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex Scope 171389 | SHIPS FREE! - EuroOptic

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex Scope 171389 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Duplex Scope 171386 | SHIPS FREE! - EuroOptic

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Duplex Scope 171386 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Euro Optics often has exceptional deals of rifle scopes. I purchased a Schmidt and Bender Polar for its 93% Light Transmission at 44% off!

If the OP's Leupold 1.5-5X doesn't have a lighted reticle, I recommend the Leupold 1-6x Patrol at Euro Optic for 44% off at $749. https://www.eurooptic.com/leupold-p...mm-sfp-illum-firedot-duplex-riflescope-182398

The Patrol was on sale at $699 for several months. I watch Euro Optic for deals and have learned that when their inventory of discounted scopes gets low, they raise the price a little. Yes, it appears that is one wants to buy a 1-6x Patrol, they better hurry!

My opinion is for a real dangerous game scope, I mean when one could face an animal ready to kill them charging at full speed within 10 yards, I want a true 1x with lighted reticle with which I will instinctively shoulder the rifle and see the lighted crosshairs with both eyes open. In this situation the lighted 1x functions virtually the same as a reflex sight. This scenario is however vary unlikely for most of us. Following a wounded leopard, the PH will be first and I bet you they will use iron sights or a reflex. As clients who wounded the cat, we may be “asked” to stay behind.

For a more versatile dangerous and plains game scope I agree with others, a 2-10x or 2-12x is perhaps better. Magnification above 6x on most African animals is really not required but is darn handy for scoping out the horn / trophy size. I have Leupold VX-5 2-10x on my .375 H&H. This scope is a great value. Other scopes like Swarovski and Schmidt and Bender have "better glass" but in 99% of all shot situations other than at dawn and dusk, the Leupold is just fine. Still, I am watching Euro Optic for a killer deal on a Schmidt and Bender 1-8x at about half of retail price. This one is 15% off but the price doesn't provide enough added functionality over the Leupold 1-6x Patrol scopes that I recently “stocked” up on.

Like most fine items, the increase in functionality is linier while the increase in price is exponential.

PS: Leupold offeres a 28% Military Discount but Euro Optic sometimes offers even more discount on some models such as this VX-5 2-10x at 31% off for $899.

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex Scope 171389 | SHIPS FREE! - EuroOptic

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex Scope 171389 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

The German #4 is an excellent reticle. Keep your current setup and add a second scope in 3-9 or 2.5-10 range. Try to keep the scope light weight with generous critical eye relief. With a lower power setting the second scope can backup your 1.5-5. Good idea to always have a second scope in rings and zeroed ready for service.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

On 375 I personally prefer the Leupold VX5 2-10x42 FireDot, it makes it more versatile to me.

 

[dchum]

I will be the contrarian,- Yes you should get a different scope!

My Vx3 gold rings all wondered zero and tracking was ok but not great.

I know that will ruffle feathers!! But I would not use a Vx3 for hunting dangerous game you even said your self you had to send it back to be fixed... I would not trust that anymore.

I used a vx3 on two PG safaris and it worked great. But I constantly had to rezero. That should not be the norm.

Something more stout for sure. Trijicon makes great medium power scopes! I just got a few.

This is all my opinion of course and I know saying Leupold isn’t good anymore may be sacrilegious on here. Sorry just my experience (and quite a few others experience as well)

 

[Hififile324]

On my .375HH I currently have a Leupold VX3i 1.5-5x20mm with a German 4 reticle. It got rebuilt by Leopold and fixed a problem with the director and consistently groups well at 100 yards.

I have a tendency to want the new shiny thing, but I’m wondering is there any reason I need to upgrade that scope when I decide to chase buffalo again? It’s currently noted in tally Q D rings and I was planning on adding a 3 x 9 or 2.5 to 15 for longer distant shots.

Is it actually worth upgrading my VX 3I? Or just saving for a new medium power scope?

The scope you have is very light and rugged. Putting a bigger scope on your rifle could negatively affect how your rifle shoulders, points and handles. I had a FXII - Ultralight 2x on my rifle. I just replaced it with a new VX6 HD Gen2 1-6. Even though it is still a low power scope the rifle handles completely different in a negative way.

 

[dchum]

The scope you have is very light and rugged. Putting a bigger scope on your rifle could negatively affect how your rifle shoulders, points and handles. I had a FXII - Ultralight 2x on my rifle. I just replaced it with a new VX6 HD Gen2 1-6. Even though it is still a low power scope the rifle handles completely different in a negative way.

Vx3 and rugged just don’t belong in the same sentence!

Op even said it already broke once haha

 

[Landlock91]

If you absolutely must scratch the itch, buy a decent 3-9x or 2.5-10x and put it on a lighter rifle. Use it for plains game. But that .375 with the 1.5-5x? That's your buffalo rifle. Don't mess with success.

 

[rookhawk]

On my .375HH I currently have a Leupold VX3i 1.5-5x20mm with a German 4 reticle. It got rebuilt by Leopold and fixed a problem with the director and consistently groups well at 100 yards.

I have a tendency to want the new shiny thing, but I’m wondering is there any reason I need to upgrade that scope when I decide to chase buffalo again? It’s currently noted in tally Q D rings and I was planning on adding a 3 x 9 or 2.5 to 15 for longer distant shots.

Is it actually worth upgrading my VX 3I? Or just saving for a new medium power scope?

Yes. This is single handedly the worst optic I've ever owned. I have the illuminated version in 30mm rings, but the guts are the same as yours. Awful light gathering. I put it on a crossbow thinking it would be okay for shots inside 70 yards at dusk and dawn...it isn't.

Get a Swaro, S&B, Zeiss, or Leica and put that thing out of its misery.

1-6x or 1-8x is optimal for 375HH. If you're on a budget, the Swaro 3-9x36mm that is no longer made can be a bargain with its last MSRP around $699. The latter option is night-and-day different than a VX3, but even more profound because you and I own one of the worst optics ever made at its pricepoint.

 

[Andrew62]

If the OP's Leupold 1.5-5X doesn't have a lighted reticle, I recommend the Leupold 1-6x Patrol at Euro Optic for 44% off at $749

This is the exact scope I currently have on my .375H&H. I also sometimes use a Leupold VX5, 2x10 firedot on my .375H&H if I’m hunting plains game while on a dangerous game hunt. 10x can be a big help on a klipspringer or duiker at longer distances.

 

[HookMeUpII]

Euro Optics often has exceptional deals of rifle scopes. I purchased a Schmidt and Bender Polar for its 93% Light Transmission at 44% off!

If the OP's Leupold 1.5-5X doesn't have a lighted reticle, I recommend the Leupold 1-6x Patrol at Euro Optic for 44% off at $749. https://www.eurooptic.com/leupold-p...mm-sfp-illum-firedot-duplex-riflescope-182398

The Patrol was on sale at $699 for several months. I watch Euro Optic for deals and have learned that when their inventory of discounted scopes gets low, they raise the price a little. Yes, it appears that is one wants to buy a 1-6x Patrol, they better hurry!

My opinion is for a real dangerous game scope, I mean when one could face an animal ready to kill them charging at full speed within 10 yards, I want a true 1x with lighted reticle with which I will instinctively shoulder the rifle and see the lighted crosshairs with both eyes open. In this situation the lighted 1x functions virtually the same as a reflex sight. This scenario is however vary unlikely for most of us. Following a wounded leopard, the PH will be first and I bet you they will use iron sights or a reflex. As clients who wounded the cat, we may be “asked” to stay behind.

For a more versatile dangerous and plains game scope I agree with others, a 2-10x or 2-12x is perhaps better. Magnification above 6x on most African animals is really not required but is darn handy for scoping out the horn / trophy size. I have Leupold VX-5 2-10x on my .375 H&H. This scope is a great value. Other scopes like Swarovski and Schmidt and Bender have "better glass" but in 99% of all shot situations other than at dawn and dusk, the Leupold is just fine. Still, I am watching Euro Optic for a killer deal on a Schmidt and Bender 1-8x at about half of retail price. This one is 15% off but the price doesn't provide enough added functionality over the Leupold 1-6x Patrol scopes that I recently “stocked” up on.

Like most fine items, the increase in functionality is linier while the increase in price is exponential.

PS: Leupold offeres a 28% Military Discount but Euro Optic sometimes offers even more discount on some models such as this VX-5 2-10x at 31% off for $899.

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex Scope 171389 | SHIPS FREE! - EuroOptic

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex Scope 171389 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

I have that Patrol, purchased from them, on my 375HH. I haven't shot anything with it yet but for that price, it is tough to beat. I can't believe they still have them in stock. I bought mine from them over a year ago.

One thing I will say is that if you like the German #4 reticle, it's hard to find a scope with them that doesn't cost a ton of money.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I went from your exact scope to an older VX-6 with the capped turrets. Big difference and was worth the upgrade.