Why would you encourage him to get a 3x9x40 over his current scope? The difference in size and weight is nill. As for recommending he get a 3.5x10x40 hell in a Leupold they are the EXACT same scope. Same size, same weight just the extra power (and price) is the only thing seperating what he has vs what you are recommending. I say STAY with what you got, it is a FINE FINE FINE scope and the fact that you stole it makes it all the more sweeter. Truth be known most shooters would LOVE to have your scope but they just don't for whatever reason (mostly of which is money related).

Now if the gun were a small "mountain rifle" or lightweight type and you had a 4.5x14x50 vs the 40 then I could perhaps see the disparity. But not in this case. I have both the 3.5x10x50 and a 4.5x14x50 (both VariX IIIs) and with they both were 4.5x14s. Whatever you can do with a 9 you can do better with a 14x at ranges over 200yds. You aren't giving up any field of view as the difference between a 3 vs a 4.5 is miniscule at best. If people would only learn how to use a scope in the first place they would realize you don't need to have a rediculously small power of magnification on the scope unless you are walking/jump shooting. While on stand in the woods I typically have my scope set at 8 and sometimes 10 power because I must size up the animal and make a quick decision. While on a field edge I might have the scope set from 10-12x. A long range shot will typically allow you more time to crank it up and check things out. (But what do I know, my most powerful scope is a 6x24x50 Swarovski so I am a magnum nut in both guns and scope terms!)

If you just WANT a smaller scope then I will gladly trade you a VXIII 2x7x33 for your scope. Hey that's what buds are for!
RA

ps
Infact my next Leupy (4x5x14x50 VXIII with B&C reticle) and rifle (re-released Weatherby Vanguard Deluxe 257Wby) have already been ordered and were the gun a short/lightweight piece it would probably have a 40mm Leupy on it. They are the only ones building Luster finish scopes in their higher lines with optional reticles.