In current Leupold lineup, they have 5 or 6 different series or class levels of scopes. Everything from modest priced entry level to high end stuff that will test your pucker factor.

Does anyone know which of these would be of equal quality to a late 1970's Vari-X II 3 - 9 x 40?

I just got a vx freedom and glass clarity appears to be on par with a late 90s vx III from my personal observation

I would imagine Leopold doesn't have one in their lineup equal to a late 70s anything. The quality across the board has risen exponentially in the last half century.

I'll bet that their cheapest entry level scope exceeds in quality anything they made in the 70's. I have had Leopold scopes on nearly every rifle I own. I use them in extreme conditions and have never had one of them fog-up on me. I did have one once where the guts fell completely apart; Leopold replaced it quickly and without hesitation.

X2

I had several that where mounted on various rifles from 257 Roberts. to a Ruger M77 in an ultra light in 308 . A Ruger #1 on a .220 Swift A .couple where the Vari x III Model .The one on the 22o Swift was a 3.5 to 10 power Also had the newer version of the VariX III model in .264 caliber and last but not least I had a 2x7 stainless steel model for my Ruger M77 22caliber All of these where guns I hunted with They got wet and they occasionally got bumped while going through the woods or ground hog hunting .They looked good and worked even better I never had any problems with any of them They may not be the best scopes on the market but they are a great quality scope for the price And in general they hold good resale price ifyou decide to trade one o diferent model

I have 3 vx freedom scopes and they are just as good or better than my old varix 2 scopes in my opinion.

This chart is older, but informative.

That is good news. I sent my old Vari-X II scope back for inspection and they are sending me a new VX Freedom in return. Sounds like I am getting back as good or better than what I had. That's all a person can ask.

I will add - I bought a value price leupold scope and a mid grade vortex last year - I prefer the cheaper leupold. I could have saved hundreds and bought 2 of the leupolds. For me - I have nothing negative to say about any leupold product I have purchased.

I must have 8 or more, going back to the 70’s when I bought my first Lupy straight 4 and straight 6 power scopes and the posts above are correct. Never had one with an issue, tough as heck, but man the newer ones are incredible. Just today I was checking out a lighted reticle model, what a beauty.
The only negative is where the prices have gone. That however is with all scopes.
Some older Nikons are great, a really tough scope good for the money is the Weaver Grand Slams…
Ziess came out with what I think is a darn good affordable line in the 650.00 range a few years back and they sold a ton because they are really good. There are a lot of those used floating around in the 400.00 range, would be all over one of those for that money,if you want a good glass.

Osky

I’ll disagree.

Older Leupold, early 2000s and older was good.

I’ve dropped them like a bad habit since after a few bad experiences, a warranty that’s just words, and customer service that’s junk.

I still have a couple 90s era Vari X III’s that are great. But have purged all the “newer” stuff.

I’d agree with a lot of that.
I leant my favorite .243 coyote stopper to a friend a couple months ago in Montana and on his face he went. Rifle underneath. Wicked scorio cuts in the stock and a nasty gauge in the scope frame. He surfed down hill a ways on it before I grabbed him.
That 4x12 is still dead on, that Tikka still smooth as glass. Go figure!
Osky

Ooops an edit. That same guy has a nice Lupy on his coyote gun but from blown dust in the west the power ring got crazy hard to turn. Leupold had him send it right in and made quick work of repairing it. No charge. So I have been around one that “failed” if you will.

About a year and a half ago I pulled a thirty something old Leupold 3 x 9 off the old model 70 270 . Nothing wrong with it just figured it was time for some new and improved glass . I asked the guy behind the counter about vortex and he said why would you put that on such a nice rifle . . Anyways
Ended up with a Leupold VX 3HD 3.5 - 10 x 40 CDS - ZL
Nice , simple , excellent clarity .

Last night I went to our local annual spring sports show and visited the Leupold booth .

Left there with a VX 3HD 4.5 - 14 x 40 CDS ZL for my new 300 win mag

Glad I went , they took $100 bucks off , gave me $50 gift card to sportsman's Warehouse ( not my favorite place ) and a hat

Also went by the OTA booth , dropped a few bucks in their raffle and renewed my membership .

Bought my first Vortex a couple months ago. Bought my last Vortex a couple months ago.
Great for some and they like them but it just doesn’t set to my eye well. My problem not the scopes I’m sure.

Osky

There are scopes for sale on 24 hr campfire. Always a few Leopold and several Burris. If you want a used Leopold that's the place to look. Don't see many Vortex tho. Vortex has a lifetime warranty.

I have turn to nite force scopes SHV scopes are less money are better or same qualities as Leopold and less money ,,, customers service is greaT if needed ,,, but I have not need them scopes are bullet proof. Literally a sniper got his scope shoot thru the tube it still finished the mission.
My money is on niteforce I have sold all my Leopold scopes

As does Leupold.