So I took a fall or two in the snow and looks like my Vortex 3-9 x 50mm Crossfire II is heading back to Vortex for some warranty work. Looks like Vortex is going to fix it my fault or not which is great. However, I have been wanting to upgrade to a 4-12 as I love to "reach out and touch someone". I hunt from the ground and I'm a clear cut/distance shooter whenever I can. I love the increased light a 50 mm objective gives me over 40. So I'm sticking with that.

My question is if I move to the budget Leopold VX freedom will I get $250 worth of value out of it as opposed to sticking with Vortex. I tend to be rough on equipment so the Vortex warranty is a plus as Leopold seems to be more only to cover a manufacturer defect as opposed to me falling off a mountain and busting a scope coverage.

I'd like your thoughts. Very happy with the Vortex Crossfire in open fields and timber, but open to spending a little more. It's between the Vortext Crossfie Ii 4-12x 50mm with an AO or $160 or Leopold VX Freedom 4-12 x 50 for $400 with no AO

The Leupold will be a better scope.
I’d buy a nice used older leupold.
Non AO is fine too.

Leupold is a better scope. The statement about their warranty is incorrect , plus the warranty goes with the scope no matter who owns it. They fixed one for me that I dropped out of a stand. The first thing that hit was the objective and the bottom step of the ladder. I told them what happened. They fixed it for nothing. I’ve sent 2 scopes back to them over the years . They tested them and the problem turned out to be with the rifles. Americas made and great company to work with.

I don’t own a vortex but have heard nothing but good about them.

Doubt you would be able to tell a $250 difference. I’d stick with Vortex

I have both and they are both good but I prefer the Leupold.

I'd get the Leupold. The vortex scopes suck until you get into the viper line