Posted: 1/23/2026 2:13:30 AM EDT
[Last Edit: CPshooter1][Edited]
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By neglected, I mean I've never used them and don't know jack shit about them. I forgot I even owned them, to be honest. The older 2.5-8x Vari-X III came on a Ruger M77 Hawkeye .270 that I was gifted by a family member for some work I did, and the newer VXR 1.25-4x is something I picked up on a whim to throw on top of a JM Marlin .30-30 lever gun that was never used. Hoping to gain a little insight from the knowledge base here so I can make a more educated decision on what I want to do with the scopes. I have some specific questions: 1. Where do these fit performance wise if you had to slide them in to today's Leupold product range? In other words, what's the "equivalent" model today? 2. When do you suspect this older Vari-X III was manufactured and does anyone know if the scope rings are matching Leupold rings or something else? 3. Are either of these two scopes special or sought after in any way for use on a specific rifle platform? I'm especially curious if that Vari-X III was a factory combo offering with the Ruger or something interesting like that. Thinking about selling the Ruger Hawkeye because I don't shoot .270, and I don't know if it makes sense to keep the scope with the rifle or part everything out. Again, I'd like to understand what I have before making any decisions. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide!    |
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The vari X III were top of the line back in the day of their normal hunting scope line ups. They’re quite good but later glass coatings are better. I’d pop it on that CZ rimfire in the picture! Nice squirrel gun. The 1.25-4 I am not familiar with. I did buy the similar power Freedom scope and was leary of the quality but was pleasantly surprised. The rings on the lower power scope certainly appear to be Leupold’s QRW (Weaver) rings. I have a few sets of them. The 2-8x I am pretty sure those are Ruger’s own rings. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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The M77 rings are Ruger specific to those rifles. The old scope looks good on the old rifle to me. I'd keep them together for selling. M77s still sell pretty well. A buyer looking for a .270 M77 is likely to love that old, glossy scope. VX-Rs are good scopes. They're comparable to Leupold's mid range offerings today. That one looks like it has a Firedot reticle. I'd put that on an AR in a second. They're daylight bright and super lightweight. They actually sell very well today, but I would keep it. |
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Originally Posted By cttb: The M77 rings are Ruger specific to those rifles. The old scope looks good on the old rifle to me. I'd keep them together for selling. M77s still sell pretty well. A buyer looking for a .270 M77 is likely to love that old, glossy scope. VX-Rs are good scopes. They're comparable to Leupold's mid range offerings today. That one looks like it has a Firedot reticle. I'd put that on an AR in a second. They're daylight bright and super lightweight. They actually sell very well today, but I would keep it. 
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Originally Posted By CPshooter1: Fantastic info on the M77 rings. Much appreciated! I paid $400 after tax for that VX-R in 2019. I'll probably just keep it like you suggest since it may come in handy one day and it didn't set me back too much. The glass does seem really good for the price point, and I do like the simple Firedot Duplex reticle. Now that my state finally legalized .223 for deer hunting, it could even pair well with my Ruger American Ranch 5.56 or one of my ARs for that purpose. Hmmmm It would be dang near perfect on either. A VX-R with Firedot in 3-9x40 is my preferred mid range optic for coyotes. 3x and red dot with the heavy reticle is quick, Dia, up to reach out and touch them. Great optic-but discontinued...because, well, Leupold. |
Malcolm X was right about liberals.
