Leupold VX-3i vs Meopta R1

[GerardV]

I have just picked up my long-awaited Mauser 98 in 9.3x64 and now have to decide on a scope for it; the two options I am considering are the Leupold VX-3i 1.5 - 5x20 and the Meopta Meostar R1 1 - 4x22.
The Meopta appears to give the better picture and I do like the No. 1 reticle, however I have heard reports of them being less resistant to recoil on larger rifles and also they also seem to have less eye relief than the Leopold.
My budget is around the $1k AUD area and I prefer a more traditional look where possible (not bothered about illuminated reticle and turrets all over it). These two are based on what I have handled at my local shops So happy to look into any other recommendations people may offer.

 

[flatwater bill]

I have used both............have the Leu 1.5X5 on a 375HH, and have used several Meo's (although not the 1-4). You have summarized my opinion already. Leupold...very durable...Meo's.....very bright..........I think either will do fine.....FWB

 

[mdwest]

Meo's use glass from AB Schott.. the same place Swaro, Zeiss, Leica, etc get their glass.. as a rule Meo's are very clear and bright..

We dont see a lot of them here in the US.. but the few I have played with seem to be excellent optics.. as long as the model youre looking at has enough eye relief and is in the same price range as the leupold, I think I'd take the Meo..

That said.. I've got leupold glass on several of my rifles, and never had a problem out of any of them.. I've also got a pair of leupold binos that I like quite a bit.. while not nearly as bright as most of the mid range to high end european glass.. its always been plenty bright and clear for me in any hunting situation I have ever been in..

 

[Dwight Beagle]

I’ve got a VX-3 1.75-8x32 and a MeoPro 3.5-10x44, both have German #4 reticles. I like both but the MeoPro glass seems better to my eyes so I imagine the R1 is even better.

 

[Opposite Pole]

Are you sure you don't want any more magnification? Perhaps 6x or 8x? I've had 1-6 on my 375 for a couple of years now and will be swapping for 1-8 or adding another QD scope for it, maybe 2-10 or something in that flavour. 9.3 is not so different from 375 and in poor light the extra magnification comes in handy.

 

[Dwight Beagle]

Are you sure you don't want any more magnification? Perhaps 6x or 8x? I've had 1-6 on my 375 for a couple of years now and will be swapping for 1-8 or adding another QD scope for it, maybe 2-10 or something in that flavour. 9.3 is not so different from 375 and in poor light the extra magnification comes in handy.

In low light I’ll take better glass over higher magnification any day.