Leupold just came out with the VX III to replace the Vari X III, so take a look at those also. I'd stick with the 40mm if it were me. And actually, I have a 3.5-10x40 VX III on order right now. I think in the long run you'd be happier with the 40mm. It'll give you plenty of light to shoot with during legal hours. Also, consider the Zeiss Conquest. The 3-9x40 is less than a comparable Leupold and the Conquest is a very good scope. I've got two of them and they're better than any Vari X III I've ever owned.