Best scope Leupold VX3 or Burris Black Diamond

steve45

I am looking to buy a high end Varmint scope. Ive narrowed it down to the Leupold VXIII 6-20x50mm or Burris 6-24X50mm Black Diamond. Does one have a real advantage over the other? I have no experience with scopes of this magnification or (gulp) price. Thanks for the help.

dustyhol

Howdy,

I have just recently bought a Burris Black Diamond in 4-16x and I am thrilled with the quality. I have always been a Leupold user but got such a good deal on this scope that I decided to give it a try. I think that I am now converted to being a Burris user. Personally, I really like the 30mm tube on the Black Diamonds as well as the posi-lock recticle. The only thing that was new to me that I have to get used to was the turning the entire rear housing to adjust the magnification power. Either of the scopes you are looking at are great scopes and you really can't go wrong with either one.

"Practice is the best of all instructors."

Publilius Syrus

SXSMAN

I was hoping you'd get more replies because it's a good question,one I have wondered myself.I'm a leupold fan but have thought about the burris,mostly the black diamond.I thought also about the lighted recticle,but thought about my shooting and I never "push" a shot past a time that I don't feel is safe because of lighting anyways.

Well Steve,looks more and more like I'm heading your way.We (wife and I) came out for a long weekend looking at housing and wife really likes the Cave creek area.Gilbert is a possiblity also.Think I'm in the 150 - 200k range,any areas you like?(Wife will be working out of Skyharbor and distance is some factor) SxS

Have guns,will travel

bigt7mm

Steve,I have the Leupold VariX-III 6.5-20X50mm on my Remington 700 VLS 22-250 and like it very much. Also have a VariX-III 3.5-10X50 on my 7 mag. Great scopes. The only problem I've had is with mirage when I go over about 15 power. This is a problem with all high-magnification scopes and has nothing to do with quality. A friend has the Burris you mentioned and is very happy with it. I guess it boils down to pesonal choice and price. Either way,you're getting some fine glass. Good luck!

1)"Give me Liberty or give me death!" 2)"Keep your friends close,your enemies closer." 3)"Just how big'n a boy are ya?"

steve45

Thanks everybody for the replies. I believe either scope will be great, but Im curious about the 30mm tube on the Burris. It seems to me it would make a difference. SXSMAN, Cave Creek is a great area but to my knowledge very expensive. Gilbert is a nice town and you can get a more house there for your money. The commute to Sky Harbor Airport is tough from any direction during morning rush hour and bad outbound during evening rush hour. Any other time its fine. You just missed the Big Game hunting drawing deadline. But Bird season is right around the corner. Good talking to you again. Steve.

Kdub

You must have established residency for a minimum of 6 months in
Arizona to qualify for a resident hunting license.

Keep off the Ridgeline

SXSMAN

Well you know Kdub,I am up for adoption [:D][:)][:p].I think I'm about 6 months away from moving at the least.

Have guns,will travel

Kdub

Yup, SXS -

Ya'll come on out and we'll fill out them adoption papers!!

If ya settle in Gilbert or Mesa, it's only a short run out to the Rio Salado Sportsman's Club range at Usery Pass. Great facilities and lots of fine people!!

BTW, I've got both Leupold and Burris high X scopes - think they're both quality manufacturers. You can't go wrong with either - take your pick!

Keep off the Ridgeline

He Dog

Kdub is correct that both are high quality. I tend to prefer the Burris, but have more Leupolds. Pick the one that you like to shoot with best.

My heros have always killed cowboys.

Guns & Glass

Both are quality models.

A more accurate comparison would be the Burris Signature to the VXIII.
Black Diamond compares with almost any quality 30mm on the market, being equal to many higher prices scopes. Don't forget part of an import includes import taxes, and currency exchange rates. Neither of those gives any benefit.

Quick list of Signature advantages over VXIII:
> Light Collector-Patented "internal sun shade". Really works.
> Larger internal lenses on some models- better resolution-sharper.
> Brass Zoom Tube- stronger than aluminum w/ nylon sleeve.
> Two Bias Internal Leaf Springs- better internal support & tracking.
> Four(4)Times Magnification- 24/6=4, 20/6=3.3. More accurate ranging.
> Quad Rings- flat edges seal better than O ring. More expensive.
> Posi Lock- Optional feature that works.

Biggest down sides:
-Burris had until three years ago, sales literature that wasn't really very good at explaining things, nor did they strrrretch the truth.
-Burris has been a little heavier than others. In some BR classes, it could push the rifle over weight. Taking one or two ounces off a stock, was too much work for some people.
-Burris years ago moved the turrent block ahead of the middle. It looked different as it was, and still is the only one that does.
Sometimes required extension rings. Many gunsmiths/shooters who did mounting had to LEARN more, and use DIFFERENT mounts/rings. Since requiring a little more KNOWLEDGE, and work, they avoided it.
Technicially can give better support, more adjustments, and tracking.
Sometimes, different is better.


Happy Bullet Holes!