Forester,
I would say that they would put the knobs on after they have discontinued the scopes. I am not sure of the pricing, but below is the PR for the scopes.
BEAVERTON, Ore. – Leupold® has a new flagship line of riflescopes with multiple advanced features and superior optical performance – the all-new VX®-3 and VX-3L™ riflescopes. The new line lists a new lens system and models with the Light Optimization Profile™ among the enhancements.
All VX-3/VX-3L riflescopes feature Leupold's Xtended Twilight Lens System™. The system uses index matched glass with proprietary lens coatings that rebalance blue and purple wavelengths to provide hunters with an even brighter, sharper image in low-light conditions.
"Progress and development should never stop," commented Mike Slack, Leupold's marketing communications manager. "The VX-3 is a leap forward in the areas of mechanical reliability, light management, and ruggedness. Hunters and shooters are going to love all the new features the line has to offer."
Other new features for the VX-3/VX-3L include cryogenically treated, Titanium-Nitride coated, high-strength aluminum adjustment dials and Leupold's most durable dual spring erector system. This combination of features makes the VX-3/VX-3L riflescopes more rugged than ever before.
The VX-3L models feature the Light Optimization Profile – the cut crescent shape made famous by the VX-L®. The crescent delivers maximum Total Light Throughput™, yet allows a lower mount for proper cheek weld and faster target acquisition.
Other new key features to the line include:
• Second generation Argon/Krypton waterproofing – Leupold's exclusive internal gas blend and the last word in thermal shock resistance, keeping the riflescope fog proof as well as waterproof
• Blackened lens edges – eliminates residual refraction and minimizes the effects of stray light for maximum photopic transmission, clarity and contrast
• DiamondCoat 2™ – ion-assist lens coating provides higher light transmission while supplying the highest level of abrasion resistance Leupold offers
The new riflescopes are offered in configurations from 1.5-5x20mm, which is ideal for dangerous game and close range shooting, all the way to 8.5-25x50mm Long Range Target which is ideal for long range varminting and competition shooting. The riflescopes feature a one-inch maintube and ¼-MOA adjustments for both windage and elevation, with selected models having finer adjustments and/or 30mm maintubes. Users can choose between a wide selection of reticles, appropriate for virtually any hunting or shooting need. All VX-3/VX-3L riflescopes are backed by Leupold's Full Lifetime Guarantee.
Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the most prominent American-owned and -operated optics company, employs more than 650 people in its state-of-the-art Beaverton, Ore., facility where rugged, dependable, high-performance Golden Ring® sports optics are designed, machined and assembled. Leupold is a fifth-generation, family-owned company whose products are sold worldwide to hunters, wildlife observers, competitive shooters, law enforcement officers and special operations military personnel. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; flashlights; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.