Rifle Scopes Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

[super-tac]

I just picked up a Super Sniper 3-9 today. I have not shot it yet but wanted to give a quick "first impression" compared to my Leupold Vari-x iii 4.5-14x40 mil dot tactical


I know these scopes are very different, but I think there enough similarities to compare some features.

Both scope were about $500 used.

Super Sniper:
3-9 power
Mil dot
Mil turrets
FFP
30mm tube

Leupold:
4.5-14 power
Mil dot
1/4 moa covered target turrets
SFP
1" tube


The glass on the SS, contrary to popular review, was not even close to the Leupold. Up to 5 power, the SS showed obvious pincushion distortion...The Leupold showed no sign of this at 4.5 power.

SS suffers from tunneling from 3-4 magnification.

The SS also had very noticeable chromatic aberration, the purple fringing that appears around objects. The Leupold had some, but near as much.

Leupold had slightly better eye relief.

Super Sniper was brighter overall and was easier to use at dusk.



Overall, I'll keep the SS on my 700 due to the mil/mil retivcle urea combo and the FFP. I think it's great for the money, but its not a $1500 scope for $600 as some people say.

Leupold is hard to beat as well for $500. The replacement for this however, the Mark 4, would cost quite a bit more new and would be far over the Super Snipers price.

This is all IMHO and only first impressions of the scopes.

 

[hacross]

Re: Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

Thanks for the review super-tac. This was exactly what I needed at the moment. I have been considering this scope as I like the quality of the SWFA 1-4x24HD I have on my M1A. However, I'm looking for something for another rifle and the glass is important to me so I'll pass on this for something clearer.

Cheers,

 

[TallShot]

Re: Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

I had/have a similar opinion and experience of the SS. Although mine was a 10x42 with moa turrets. Not horrible, but unimpressed.

 

[hacross]

Re: Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

Was that the newer HD version of the 10x42? (I think there used to be a non HD version)

 

[billyburl2]

Re: Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

If it has MOA adjustments , it is the original...The HD has much better glass.

 

[lwrkeysfisher]

Re: Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

The non-HD version of the 10X doesn't have very good glass, but people swear by its reliability. The HD 10X and the 3-9 have decent glass, but I think my Mark 4 is better and Nightforce is about the same. I think they are a good value with where they are priced, but not top tier.

 

[TallShot]

Re: Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

Mine was the original model, purchased last year.

The experience left me sorta "meh", and I would hesitate spending several hundred more on an HD, over say a Leupold.

 

[okiefired]

Re: Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

Good quick review. Thanks for being honest which is mostly not taken well when speaking of either brand on this forum.

okie

 

[super-tac]

Re: Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

I really want to pick up a Vortex PST to compare to the SS.

Until then, the SS stays as I know its proven in the field and glass is not fantastic, but it is acceptable.

 

[para1505]

Re: Super Sniper vs Leupold Vari-x iii Tactical

I have a SS 10x42 1/4"MOA turrents.I have shot 200rounds with it. It seems like a good dependable scope.Tracking is correct on it Glass is not bad good clear picture throught it .But it is a $300.00 dollar scope. Anyone who thinks a $300.00 dollar scope can even start to compare with a $1,500.00 or 2,000 .00 dollar scope is not thinking clearly.