Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40 CDS vs bare-bones VX-3i

[cpalm9]

A local guy is selling the VX-Freedom for a good deal. New, in the box. I did find a VX-3i 3.5-10x40 for a similar price. Would I be making a bad choice to go with the VX-Freedom since I wouldn't have to wait for shipping? Or is the VX-3i that much better and worth the wait?

Thanks!

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The VX3i is a noticeably superior product to a Freedom

 

[RMajors]

I haven't used a freedom yet, but I've owned several vx-2's through the years which is the model it replaced. The main difference was in the adjustments. The freedoms do have click adjustments, which some of my older VX-2's did not, but I've heard they're a bit mushy. The VX-3i click adjustments are legit for a hunting optic. The glass on the VX-3's is marginally better in low light, but I never had a problem with the glass in the VX-2 glass. I can say that I don't think you'll ever regret buying a VX-3i. I can't necessarily say that for the lower tier models.