I have used every scope mentioned on my lever guns. All are pretty good. I've used Weaver 2.5x20s, and 2-7x28s. Leupys in the form of 2-7x33, M7s, M8s, 1-4x20s, 1.75-6x32s, and 1.5-5x20s. Also a bunch of older Redfields and Lymans in various forms.
I could happily get by with a fixed 2.5x20 Leupy or Weaver, and have. They are both tough and reliable. I beat the living crap out of a 2.5x20 Weaver for years, and couldn't kill it. I paid $100 for it. Money well spent.
That said, the VX3 1.5-5x20 remains a personal favorite. I feel it is one of the very best scopes Leupold makes, and I have pretty much owned them all. I own them with both standard duplex and heavy duplex. For a brush gun in low light, the heavy duplex is an excellent choice IMO.......