Gentlemen,

I have reacently been tossing the idea around of purchasing a Leupold VXIII 8.5-25x50mm scope to replace the 6.5-20x40 Vari-XIII currently on it. I have been astounded at the image quality of the Vari-XIII. It was my first Leupold, but it won't be my last.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has any opinions of the scope, in terms of durability, image quality, and adjustments. I was also wondering if yall think it would be worth it to save up for a Nightforce Benchrest model?

This scope will be used 95% for range purposes, and 5% deer busting. I'm use to high power scopes for hunting so thats no big deal for me.

Thoughts? Opinions?

If you have a good stock fit with your current set-up, you may find that the higher mounting required by the larger 50mm objective forces you to lift your cheek off of the stock in order to acquire the sight picture. Be aware of this drawback of larger objectives before replacing a 40mm with a 50mm.

Can't think of a worse scope (other than a similar scope in any other brand) for deer hunting, but then you're the guy who is paying your money and taking your choice.

BTW: If you do decide to replace your 6.5-20, I'm here in town and always in the market for a good used Leupold. Drop me a PM and we'll deal if you're serious about a new scope.

Waffen: I have been using a wonderful leupold 8.5x25x40mm scope on my Deer/Antelope Rifle for the last 4 years now and it IS, in my experience, an absolutely sensational scope choice!
For the kind of high plains Mule Deer, long range Whitetail and ultra long range (public lands!) Antelope Hunting I have been doing of late - I could not be happier with this scope!
I shoot a Remington 700 Sendero in 270 Winchester and this scope fits this Rifle and the type of Hunting I do with it down to a "T"!
I have taken both Deer and Antelope to just past 400 yards with this rig so far!
The set-up is complimented by the wonderfully accurate and flat flying 130 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips that I use in it!
If your Hunting circumstance fits in with that power range I say go for it!
I know how well I like the top end 25 power at the ranges where I bench shoot from. I have not warmed up to the 50mm objective lenses as yet so I do not have one of them of my own to comment on, but I do have three of the Leupold 8.5x25x40mm's.
Again, my "camp is happy with them". I am a happy camper.
I used a custom pre-64 Model 70 in 240 Weatherby (Shilen 27 1/2" semi-heavy barrel) topped with a Leupold 6.5x20x40mm for many years, both on high plains Deer and Antelope Hunting. This rig was like a Laser Death Ray out to 400 yards on this type game!
If it were me and I did not have an immediate use for the Leupold 6.5x20 of yours (another application or Rifle to put it on) then I would hesitate and maybe NOT recommend the 8.5x25x50mm, and its COSTS, to you.
If you do decide to go with the top end 25 power variable I know you will be happy with it both at the range and when out after Deer.
Best of luck whichever way you go.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

If you want the big 50 Objective try one of those new VXL scopes leupold put out. Very Slick

I am fortunate enough to have 2 of the 8.5 x 25 LRT scopes and have them on my longrange rifles. Both have been used on Pdog hunts and the repeatability of the adjustments and quality of the resolution is amazing. IMHO the nightforce may be beter, but not for twice the dollars. I can't say enough good about my Leupold experiences.