Leupold VX- HOG...Any Experiences ?

[WAYNO]

The 77/44 and 77/357 are difficult to scope, and most scopes are a compromise for eye relief.

In the past I used a Vari-X 3 1.5x5x20mm on these guns, and if I remember correctly, it worked okay.

So now, I must scope my latest 77/357. Leupold offers the same size of scope for less than half the cost of the Vari-X 3. The VX-HOG 1x4x20mm.

Anybody tried out one of these "economy" scopes?

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/leupold-vx-hog-1-4-x-20-riflescope

WAYNO.

 

[Busterswoodshop]

It's a gold ring so it has a lifetime warranty.

 

[308dave]

I used a 77/44 for many years on deer and found a big difference between VX-I & VX-III at sunrise and sunset. If the deer was toward the sun at these times, lot more glare came through the VX-I and made a good sight picture tougher to get, with the more expensive VX-III, glare was greatly reduced. If a lot of your hog hunting is done at dawn & dusk, I think you'll benefit from the VX-3.

 

[WAYNO]

Well, I took the plunge and bought this VX HOG scope. Hain't tried it out yet. From looking out at the trees thru my window, so far I'm pleased.

For more than twice the price I could've bought the Var-X 3 version, but at only $229, I figured this would at least be worth a try. The proof will be at the range. :mrgreen:

WAYNO.

 

[Jim Puke]

It's a gold ring so it has a lifetime warranty.

ALL Leupold products, except the electronic scopes, have the lifetime warranty...Gold Ring, is just what they call their warranty. The Gold Ring scopes have a transferable lifetime warranty...meaning anyone that ever owns the scope, not just the original owner, has the warranty coverage.

WAYNO...SHE did good!

 

[phonejack]

Last year I took advantage of that gold ring warranty on a scope that I bought used 20 years ago.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

The only thing I'd be concerned about is Paralax. Let us know what you think.

 

[WAYNO]

The only thing I'd be concerned about is Paralax. Let us know what you think.

I looked all through their website, but it does not list the parallax length. I'll assume it's a hundred yards. The only other option is an AO scope, which I've tried, but it's just plain too much scope for this little rifle.

So, I'll give this a try tomorrow. :mrgreen:



WAYNO.

 

[trapperon]

Wayno

Looks great----is bolt handle clearance tight? Just wondering with the low rings as I have had issues in the past with 77/22's on this and had to go with taller rings which I didn't really like.

Ron

 

[WAYNO]

Wayno

Looks great----is bolt handle clearance tight? Just wondering with the low rings as I have had issues in the past with 77/22's on this and had to go with taller rings which I didn't really like.

Ron

Yep, the bolt handle drags along the eyepiece. As I've continually said, these little guns are hard to scope.

WAYNO.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Still looks nice, you got a good rifle. Enjoy it.

 

[WAYNO]

Here's the road test on the scope...

I have difficulties with many scopes, as there is virtually no amount of focus adjustment that will accommodate my screwy eyes. :shock: In spite of my afflictions, this little 4x scope worked incredibly well for me. It was much more in focus to me than most other scopes.

Next, although the PIG-PLEX reticle will be handy for shooting furry critters, silhouettes, and even at milk jugs or tin cans, it was not the best reticle for shooting at little tiny bulls-eyes on paper targets. The center of this reticle obscured the bull, so it was not possible to tell when I was exactly in the center. For paper target punching, a Leupold scope target would be a better choice. That's not a criticism, but an observation.

So, shooting at a black bullseye at 50 yards, I suppose I was shooting a 1-1/2" group. But when shooting remnants of clay pigeons on the impact berm, I continued to score on nearly every piece I shot at, regardless of size.

And, it's known that the ring-mount spacing makes for difficult scope mounting on 77/357, 77/44, and 77/22 rifles. In most cases the best compromise is mounting the scope too far forward. This Vx HOG scope has very generous eye relief, so even with the eye piece farther forward than I prefer, the eye relief is very acceptable.

So, I do believe I made the right choice with this scope on my 77/357. :mrgreen:

WAYNO.

 

[JFB]

Nice looking setup!

thanks for this thread as I have considered the "Hog" scope.

BTW, is there a specific purpose for this rifle/scope?

 

[WAYNO]

Nice looking setup!

thanks for this thread as I have considered the "Hog" scope.

BTW, is there a specific purpose for this rifle/scope?

First, the scope is a quick acquisition sight, with minimal magnification. Could be used for running or dangerous game, or for game that provides only a target for a minimal amount of time. As in a spooked hog.

The reticle, although maybe a bit "busy" for my tastes, provides ranging information, measuring information, and provides reticle points to be used at different ranges for holdover. With practice, it could also be used for leading a running animal. Lots of information could be obtained with this multi-use reticle, but my little brain would not be able to cipher the information very efficiently when I might only have a second or two to pull the trigger.


Next the rifle...
To me, it's mostly a toy. A very fun plinking or target shooting piece, and economical to shoot, compared to most other center fire rifles. It could be used for varmint control around the farm, or in the back seat of a pickup. As long as shots are kept below 100 yards, and I'd say well below, it could be used as a deer rifle. I think this could be considered a very decent survival rifle.

As far as shooting hogs with one of these, I've never seen a wild hog in my life, so as an effective hog hunting rifle, I hope someone else would chime in. :mrgreen:

WAYNO.

 

[Heliman]

I shot this rifle yesterday and I liked the set up. This is very subjective as it is with every firearm and each individuals experience with them.

My eyes liked the scope. I was able to see a clear image and the "pig" reticle was okay. I agree that it is probably a 50-75 yard gun for deer. Aside from the scope, the trigger seemed a might heavy. I think a lighter trigger would go a long way to making this a true 50yd tack driver, maybe even 100 under the right conditions.

Bottom line, other than the trigger I liked this rifle/scope combination a lot!

Dave :wink: