I have 3 vipers and love them, but want something different for my new 7mag. I’m looking at the Leupold vx freedom, but I also found a VX3 on sale for the same price, but it’s only a 12x. I generally would rather have more magnification than I need and not use it. Which one of the 3 scopes do YOU like better?

Get the VX3 4.5-14 with Firedot.

That’s the one I’m leaning towards

I’ve got a few VX3 4.5-14 scopes without the Firedot and my newest scope is a VX5 3-15 with Firedot and CDS. Now I really wish my VX3’s had the Firedot. You don’t need the Firedot until you DO need it - dim light and black hog.

Since you also considered Hawke, you might take a look at Athlon. I’ve had 1 Viper and 2 Viper PST’s (still have 1) and prefer the Athlons in the same price ranges.

A buddy of mine just got an Athlon and was telling me how awesome it is. I might check those out

I have an Athlon Midas 3.5-15 with an illuminated reticle. It’s a nice scope, but I do believe I’d rather have that VX3 with Firedot. That said, I have zero complaints about the Athlon.

Went with the VX3. I’ve always wanted a Leupold, but never had one. Thanks for the input

If you decide you don’t like it, I’ll buy it from you. I’d replace a non-Firedot VX3.

I picked up a 2-12 Helos BTR Gen2 the other day, I was surprised on the glass and function for a <400 scope. Im sure durability wont be there but Im impressed none the less

Will do! 👍

That model has pretty good reviews especially on other forums. I have one on a Kimber, I just don’t shoot the Kimber much so can’t speakers to durability.