I currently have a Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm CDS on my 25-06 Rem rifle and trying to justify upgrading to the VX-5HD FireDot. The big draw is the the FireDot for early morning or late afternoon hunting. Is there a big difference between the VX-3HD and VX-5HD glass? I am usually taking deer at less than 200 yards so no long range at this time. I am trying to justify upgrading with the price of the VX-5HD. What is everyone’s thoughts? I know there are better, more expensive scopes but this is kind of where I am at. Thanks for any input.
If there’s a difference in glass quality between the Vx3 and VX5, it’s too small for me to notice. It’s also not like I’m out there taking scientific measurements or looking for color fringement on the edges of objects either.
Just have to ask yourself is the illuminated reticle worth the price.
I will say that while I have several scopes with illuminated reticles, I’ve rarely if ever used them. I found that most of the time even past legal shooting light I can still see the crosshairs without the illumination. By the time the illumination might come in handy it’s way, way, way past shooting hours.
The big thing to look out for is whether or not even on the lowest setting it’s too bright and washes everything out.
I do love illumination though on FFP scopes. At low magnification I just can’t see the crosshairs most of the time especially at low light.
I have several VX5s, some have the firedot - I never remember to use it, not even at the range. I will tell you, after using a 30MM scope though, it is hard to use a 1" scope. If you decide to get a VX5, check out Patrick at Predator optics, I got a VX5 last month for $899 shipped. Good luck!
I have VX6 with firedot. It is also a level indicator - flashing if the rifle is not when shooting. I do like that. Do not know if 5 has that. Also it has CDS?
I am at the point where I buy illuminated for everything now.
Leupold VX-3HD CDS-ZL 4.5-14x 50mm Rifle Scope - Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter - $899.00 30mm main tube
VX-5HD 3-15x44 CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex - $1299.00
I have used the 4.5x14 Leupold 30mm in VX3 for years and the 6.5x20, great scopes.
I think you would be hard pressed to see the difference in the two above side by side, other than the sticker price.
Thanks for all of the comments. I found that Europtic was running a special and went ahead and got the VX-5HD. Justified it since I already had some 30mm rings. Yeah, kinda week justification.
I don’t think you need any sort of justification around here. I’ve bought a new rifle because I had a set of unused scope rings. 
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Hey Ron,
I’m not sure if you’re still in the market, but I’ve been down this road and I came up with a few thoughts for myself that you may or may not be interested in.
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Leupold seems overpriced for what you get. It is great glass, but I’m just not sure it’s worth it. The scope you’re looking at is a $1300 scope. For the price point I would check out the BURRIS VERACITY PH 4-20X50mm. Jim sells them on his store.
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those batteries for the red dot cost very little if you just leave it on all day while you’re hunting it has enough battery life to get you through your entire hunt. So no worries about turning it off. I think the vortex LHT has an illuminated radical as well. There are a number of other awesome scopes that have illuminated radicals or dots.
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if you or somebody you know is a veteran, Leupold offers a pretty good (40%) military discount.
I bought the Leupold VX-5HD FIREDOT and really like it. Thanks for the update.
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HI Ron, I just purchased the same scope for my Tikka Roughtech. What rings did you decide on? I’m between the Talley and the UM.
I overspent and bought Seekins picatinny rings. I have had Talley and have been pleased.
I was looking at the vx3 but they were out of stock every time I get on their site. So I bought a used freedom 6-18x44. I put it on my ar15. I only use their site because of their military discount.
The VX-5 doesn’t have CDS - you get 1 free order with the scope. No level indicator, but in truth, it’s not a huge loss. The VX-6 only flashes when you’re +2 degrees off level, which is 4-6 inches at 600 yards. And it’s pretty easy to be off by 2 degrees in the field if you have no bubble level. The problem is that 2 degree accuracy - now if you’re shooting at say a reasonable 300 yards, then we’re only talking about 1”-2” off, which is still a good hit.
A quality bubble level is accurate to about .25 to .5 degrees (figure about .5”-1” at 600 yards). Still, that flashing in the scope is a good reminder to check your bubble level.