Leupold 3-9 EFR review

For my shooting needs, it's truly the best scope that I own... and like most of us airgun nuts, I have more than a few (LOL)!!!
Have you checked out the model with the windplex reticle and CDS? My personal favorite. 

Nice video, Joe! Keep'em coming! 

I think that's the key point - your shooting needs. I've come to believe that there is no "best" scope. Just one that is best for the specific person and task.

I think that Leupold 3-9 efr is one of the best short range hunting air gun scopes for a bunch of reasons but mostly because it gives you a clear sight picture with the least amount of weight added (that I know of). It really spoils my enjoyment of a walk in the woods if my air rifle and scope combo is too heavy for comfort. 

I use a Clearidge 3-9 on my Mutant Shorty and it's a similar weight to this Leupold. It's a real pleasure to carry something so light on those trips.

The only thing with the Leupold 3-9 efr, even though it's the best scope in it's category (lightweight hunting scopes), is that they charge an extra $160 for a mil dot reticle which takes the price closer to $600. 

Is a Leupold 3-9 efr mil dot the best airgun scope you could buy for $600? It probably is if weight and size are a factor. If not, there are a few others to consider too for that kind of money. The SFP version of the SWFA 3-15x42, for example. That sells for $600. 

$160 for the mil-dot option is nutso! I hear you guys on that!!

I visited Leupold a couple of months ago at their Beaverton, OR headquarters. I spoke to a tech in their custom shop and chatted about airgunners needs & wants and pointed them to AGN for feedback. He was very receptive and seemed highly interested. I offered up the use of my guns for testing... hopefully, I get a surprise call someday (wishful thinking, I know) and get to see and experience their indoor range.

Also, I asked how much it would cost to swap reticles out of my scope and he said $50. I was tempted... however, my Wildcat is so dialed in, and I like dig the custom dial system, I really don't see any reason too. Perhaps if I get another one for my S410-SL, I'll go mil-dot.

Thanks for the review. This scope would be ideal on my new to me (thanks @Puertorico) .22 Brocock Contour G6 for an ultralightweight pesting and hunting rifle. The BSA 4-16X40AO Mil-Dot I have on there now is meh and weighs ~20oz.

The Brocock tips the scales at a mere 4.8lbs, so mounted the Leupold (8.8oz!!!) would keep it under 6lbs total!! I definitely prefer the clarity and brightness of quality glass and the Leupold is in a different league compared to my 2 Hawke Sidewinders. Don't get me wrong, the Hawkes are great scopes for the $.

Anyone have the LR Duplex reticle? Looks ideal for my uses, plus it's in Strelok . 

I couldn't find one off the shelf with the LR duplex and AO. I could only find the non-AO version with LR duplex. Have you found a store that has one?

I have seen the next model up with LR duplex and AO (the 4-12x40) and it focuses down to 25 yards which is good enough. You can still aim closer than 25 yards on 4-6x.

The thing is with Leupold, they wouldn't need to create whole new scopes to make airgunners happy. They already have models with the features we like. They just need to fix the focus range. Even if I hardly ever used it, I would want the ability to focus closer than 75 or 50 yards on any scope I bought for any type of gun. 

We just need a few of their side focus models in 3-18 and 6-20 to focus down to 10 yards and we're good. A quality 3-18 or 6-20 should cover most air gun needs apart from field target ranging. 

I'd like their mk4 line to be an option for us.

"zebra"I couldn't find one off the shelf with the LR duplex and AO. I could only find the non-AO version with LR duplex. Have you found a store that has one?

I have seen the next model up with LR duplex and AO (the 4-12x40) and it focuses down to 25 yards which is good enough. You can still aim closer than 25 yards on 4-6x.

The thing is with Leupold, they wouldn't need to create whole new scopes to make airgunners happy. They already have models with the features we like. They just need to fix the focus range. Even if I hardly ever used it, I would want the ability to focus closer than 75 or 50 yards on any scope I bought for any type of gun. 

We just need a few of their side focus models in 3-18 and 6-20 to focus down to 10 yards and we're good. A quality 3-18 or 6-20 should cover most air gun needs apart from field target ranging. 

I'd like their mk4 line to be an option for us.

Click to expand...

After your post and upon further research, it doesn't look like the LR Duplex is available in AO without going the custom shop route . 

Zebra: I just ordered clearidge 3-9 w duplex dot for simplicity. I putting it on a brocock bantam for point blank plinking rig, out to 25 yards mostly. I just can't part with $400 so I hope this works out.

I'mmoving up from sub-hundred dollar class BSAs UTGs bug busters 

the S510 get a Hawke airmax 3-9×40 which seems tons better than my old junk.

a Leopold could be in the future though

"balllistic"

"zebra"I couldn't find one off the shelf with the LR duplex and AO. I could only find the non-AO version with LR duplex. Have you found a store that has one?

I have seen the next model up with LR duplex and AO (the 4-12x40) and it focuses down to 25 yards which is good enough. You can still aim closer than 25 yards on 4-6x.

The thing is with Leupold, they wouldn't need to create whole new scopes to make airgunners happy. They already have models with the features we like. They just need to fix the focus range. Even if I hardly ever used it, I would want the ability to focus closer than 75 or 50 yards on any scope I bought for any type of gun. 

We just need a few of their side focus models in 3-18 and 6-20 to focus down to 10 yards and we're good. A quality 3-18 or 6-20 should cover most air gun needs apart from field target ranging. 

I'd like their mk4 line to be an option for us.

Click to expand...

After your post and upon further research, it doesn't look like the LR Duplex is available in AO without going the custom shop route .

Click to expand...

I'd give the custom shop a call... perhaps the price won't be as steep as the website. 

"Birdo"Zebra: I just ordered clearidge 3-9 w duplex dot for simplicity. I putting it on a brocock bantam for point blank plinking rig, out to 25 yards mostly. I just can't part with $400 so I hope this works out.

I'mmoving up from sub-hundred dollar class BSAs UTGs bug busters 

the S510 get a Hawke airmax 3-9×40 which seems tons better than my old junk.

a Leopold could be in the future though

Click to expand...

Will you be able to manage without a mil dot reticle for corrections? The mil dot version of that scope is only $10 more. 

I guess it won't matter if you never go out passed 25 yards

I don't always like mil dots. If I was shooting out to 50 yards, I would have gone with dots.

in this case, I'll set it a bit low at 10 yards and then check POI at 5 yard intervals.