Looking at one of these to put on my Remington 700 270. Will be used for deer hunting (Michigan)Have a VX freedom currently & want to up-grade.

The only thing I know about the VX3 line is that it was the first one in which Leupold used copper-beryllium erector springs.

They've never explained why these were needed but I suspect that alloy is a little bit greasy, allowing the loose ends to glide over the outer tube with less likelihood of chattering or breaking at extreme adjustments.

I think the Leupold VX3i is the best bang for the buck on the market. Around Christmas time for the past 2 years or so they have been selling them for $299 for the 3.5-10x40 with Duplex reticle. I think I have 5 or 6 of them.

You will enjoy the clarity and quality. A great step up from the VX-Freedom line

I have zeiss conquests on my other rifles & really like them
If I can find one for a decent price, i'll probably get it. Need something that works good in low light.

What is it you feature you will gain by replacing the Freedom with the VX-3i?

I doubt you'll notice any difference in the two other than the price.

Like Stonecreek noted, the optical differences between the two are going to be virtually indistinguishable unless you spend hours behind them under controlled conditions. The thing that will stand out, though, will be the appearance as Leupold decided to change the "look" of the line when introducing the Freedom series. I would not consider the VX3i a true or notable upgrade over what you currently have.

Personally, I do not like the looks of the Freedom scopes, but in my limited experience, I have nothing bad to say about the glass.

Also, as Buglemintoday pointed out, there are some excellent deals on the VX3i line if that is the route you choose to take. I have seen them as low as app. $220 on ebay for the 3.5-10x40 version. But I am not certain if you can still find that much of a bargain.

Lastly, you mention Conquest scopes and low light. The VX3i is not an improvement over their low-light performance -- and the reticle in the Zeiss (if the #20 Z-plex) actually is bolder than the Leupold duplex and easier to pick up against a dark target late in the day.

Oh, and there is no 3-9x40 in the VX3i line.