So whats the deal with the European 30 scopes from Leupold? Are the equal to the VX-3's w/ a 30mm tube? Anyone have experience with them? Any info appreciated.

They are more on a par with the VX2 in theory. In practice, I have a 2-7x Euro and a 1.75-6x VariX3 that I've compared side by side looking out my deck window, can't see a difference. I purchased the 2-7x on a sale price for like $259 two or three years ago and had a Burris scope go bad on my 7x57, so have used it on my main hunting rifle since. I like it and it looks right on my rifle.