If you haven't already done so you may want to check out my earlier field test on the Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40mm Long Range Rifle Scope as lead-in to this test.

Leupold originally shipped me the VX-III 4.5-14x40mm Long Range at my request to replace my older Leupold Vari-x III 4.5-14x40mm. When I received it I realized that since the AO adjuster has been moved to the left side of the VX-III, I could now go to the 50mm Objective lens instead of the 40mm and keep the same scope height I had before. The first picture below is my Fite Custom Rifle with Leupold's previous model scope, the Vari-x III 4.5-14x40mm. The picture below that is the same rifle with Leupold's new VX-III 4.5-14x50mm Long Range Rifle Scope.

You can see that both rifle profiles are nearly identical, but with the new VX-III scope I gained 10mm at the objective lens end and went from a half-inch to a 30mm tube diameter which all together means a bigger field of view and more light coming into the scope. Throw in the new glass and coatings used by Leupold and the VX-III is an absolute winner and holds its own against its more expensive competition. Back this up with Leupold's unequaled warranty and service, and this American made scope is the one to beat.

Before installing the new scope I had to order a new set of scope rings since the tube size of the VX-III is 30mm. Once they came in the installation and bore sighting of the scope was a breeze. Off to the rifle range I went to complete the sight in process.

The new finger twist adjustment knobs make adjusting the point of aim a simple task. And as usual I left my glasses behind so I couldn't read the numbers on the dials, but I could see the arrows and a short time later I was back on target with the bullets grouping just as tightly as before. The difference in brightness and clarity between my older Vari-x III and the new VX-III was remarkable.

The next and ultimate test was to take my Fite Custom Rifle long range special in .300 Weatherby Improved with its new Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x50mm Long Range scope out on a hunt. I had only two weeks to wait until I headed off to west Texas for my first Axis Deer hunt with San Miguel Hunting Ranches, one of our outfitters.

There is always a little apprehension when you shoot your first animal with a new scope, no matter what it did at the range. For a day and a half we drove 175 miles looking for my Axis buck. But once we spotted it I had no time for doubts. It was 7:00 in the evening and I had done my scope installation well. I threw the rifle to my shoulder, had a full field of view, and the VX-III's improved light gathering capability and visual clarity was immediatly apparent as the Axis sat in the shade of a tree lined creek. He stood up, turned sideways and started to walk back into the trees. I squeezed off a round, and one shot - one kill - the Axis fell where it stood.

In closing Leupold's new VX-III line of scopes are a significant improvement over their earlier models and certainly bring their light gathering capabilities and optical clarity up to the level of the European scopes that so many hunters like to use. Combine this with Leupold's exceptional service and warranty and for your next scope the American made Leupold VX-III should be at the top of your list.

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