lookin to get a new scope for my Remington XCR in 300 WSM and lookin through the Cabelas catalog got me confused I'm lookin to get a Leupold VX-III in 4.5-14x40 and they offer 3 different models 1st is 4.5-14x40 2nd is 4.5-14x40AO and 3rd is 4.5-14x40LR so whats the difference? and whats everyone recommend?Also whats better a 30MM tube or 1" tube?

THIS IS THE SPEC. ON ALL THREE FROM LEUPOLD WEB SITE. YOU CAN MAKE A COMPARISON BETWEEN ALL THREE. HOPE THIS HELPS...

VX-III 4.5-14x40mm
Product Specifications
Actual Magnification: 4.8(4.5x) 14.2(14x)
Length (in): 12.6
Eyepiece Length (in): 2.9
Objective Length (in): 3.6
Objective Diameter (in): 1.8
Eyepiece Diameter (in): 1.55
Tube Diameter: 1.0in
Weight: 13.2 oz. / 374.2 grams
Eye Relief (in): 4.4(4.5x) 3.6(14x)
Eye Relief (mm): 112(4.5x) 93(14x)
Obj. Lens Diameter: 1.6in / 40mm
Max. Adjustment @ 100 yds (in): 67
Max. Adjustment @ 100 m (cm): 186
FOV @ 100 yds (ft): 19.9(4.5x) 7.4(14x)
FOV @ 100 m (m): 6.6(4.5x) 2.5(14x)

VX-III 4.5-14x40mm Adj. Obj.
Product Specifications
Actual Magnification: 4.9(4.5x) 14.3(14x)
Length (in): 12.5
Eyepiece Length (in): 3.2
Objective Length (in): 4.0
Objective Diameter (in): 2.0
Eyepiece Diameter (in): 1.6
Tube Diameter: 1.0in
Weight: 15.0 oz. / 425.0 grams
Eye Relief (in): 5.0(4.5x) 3.7(14x)
Eye Relief (mm): 127(4.5x) 94(14x)
Obj. Lens Diameter: 1.6in / 40mm
Max. Adjustment @ 100 yds (in): 67
Max. Adjustment @ 100 m (cm): 170
FOV @ 100 yds (ft): 20.8(4.5x) 7.4(14x)
FOV @ 100 m (m): 6.9(4.5x) 2.5(14x)

VX-III 4.5-14x40mm Long Range
Product Specifications
Actual Magnification: 4.9(4.5) 14.6(14)
Length (in): 12.6
Eyepiece Length (in): 2.9
Objective Length (in): 3.6
Objective Diameter (in): 1.8
Eyepiece Diameter (in): 1.6
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Weight: 15.4 oz. / 436.6 grams
Eye Relief (in): 4.4(4.5) 3.6(14)
Eye Relief (mm): 112(4.5) 93(14)
Obj. Lens Diameter: 1.6in / 40mm
Max. Adjustment @ 100 yds (in): 70
Max. Adjustment @ 100 m (cm): 194
FOV @ 100 yds (ft): 18.7(4.5) 7.3(14)
FOV @ 100 m (m): 6.2(4.5) 2.4(14)

Trailer- thanks for your help whats better a 30MM tube or a 1" tube? I still don't know which is better

If I were you I would take a good look at the Zeiss Conquest 3-9xyou can get one shipped to youfor less than $400
The Conquest 3.5-14x44 is available for a little more.

I have 2 scope with 30 mm tubes and don’t find much of an advantage over the 1” tube although they are not top of the line scopes. One scope is the Leupold Euro and found out the internal parts are the same as the 1” tube. I’m not sure if this applies to the VX-III series.

The scope in question with the 30 mm tube has more adjustment in elevation for long range shooting and is slightly heavier by 0.4 oz. I also find the 30 mm scope to be a little more bulky and you do need new rings if you had intentions of using existing rings. What I like about 2 of the three scopes is no Adj. Obj. lens. Just one more thing that you don’t have to worry about when hunting. Good luck in your choice and take a look at the Zeiss Conquest if you have the opportunity...

Ha 300. IMO the advantages of a 30 mm are:
1, Stronger tube(because it is bigger around)
2. Can be set up with more elevation and windage adjustment. Notice I say can be, because some are not.
3. Will allow more light transmission through the scope. You have to have the quality of lenses and coatings to take advantage of the larger tube size.
4. Some of the 30 mm tubes allow the Parallax to be adjusted with an additional turret knob in the center of the scope. This is more convenient, has less working parts, and balances the weight of the scope.

My choice would depend on the use of the rifle. For strictly deer hunting I would choose the stadard scope without the AO. In a deer hunting situation the AO has no use.To take advantage of the 30 mm tube I would go with a slightly larger objective diameter, like a 50. I would not go with the fifty in a one inch tube. Tom.

Well...Unless you are planning to shoot groundhogs with a .300 WSM, you don't need 14 power...On a big game rifle 9-10 power is plenty...

Stick with the 1 inch tube...The 30mm are European (where they can hunt at night)...I have to be careful with my 10 year old Leupold VX-II...Plenty bright to get a guy in trouble with the warden...

This is also offered with the Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14 x 44 mm with the 1” tube...

IMO the best value is a Leopold Vari-x II. They can be had for under $300.

To trailer: That would be a nice feature for the Conquest. I did not know that, thanks. Do you know if any of the Conquest's now have the crosshairs like the Ballistic Plex in the Burris? I was reading some where about it. The Zeiss web site is a bit of a scrabble. With that reticle, the scope you are recommending would be a dandy. Tom.