Magnification: 3-9X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 40 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 12.3 inches/13.3 ounces/1 inch
Field of View: 34.10 - 14.10 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 4.20 - 3.60 inches/13.3 - 4.4 mm
Reticle: Duplex, Wide Duplex, LR Duplex
Adjustment Info: 1/4 MOA/Click
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Finish: Black Matte
Waterproof/Shockproof: Yes/Yes
Parallax Setting: 150 yards
Airgun rated: No
Illuminated Reticle: No
Mounting Rings Included: No
Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting
Update: Leupold has discontinued their VX-1 range of rifle scopes but have released the VX-Freedom line with the aim to provide affordable, US made optics to hunters and shooters. The VX-Freedom 3-9x40 is a great, affordable alternative to the discontinued VX-1 3-9x40. Check it out at Optics Planet and Amazon.
Leupold VX-1 Scope Review
The Leupold VX-1 3-9X40 rifle scope is the all-purpose big game hunting scope that'll perform exceptionally well for a variety of hunters. It doesn't matter that this scope is on the lower price end for Leupold, you're getting excellent value for your buck. It is waterproof, fog-proof and recoil-proof and features Leupold’s Quantum Optical System. ‘What is that?’ I hear you ask, you will have to keep reading to get the answer.
Reviewers are chirping the same high praises I have for this scope, with a stunning rating from loads of feedback to date. In fact, many reviewers gave this VX-1 a perfect score. This scope is far from being a bottom-barrel scope considering it is one of Leupold's most affordable optics.
Out of the four models in the VX-1 series, I had to go with the most versatile and practical 3-9X40 scope for this review. It's no debate that these dimensions are the most commonly used among hunters, that and the fact that the price is well-suited for most hunters budgets, is what made this scope an obvious pick.
Although this Leupold is the first of the VX series and is at the bottom end for their line, it's still better quality and a better buy than other brands high end scopes. Take a peek at the Q&A to get a full rundown of what this great value scope has to offer.
Pros:
- Price
- Aesthetic appeal
- Eco-friendly glass
- Excellent quality coatings
- Made in USA
Cons:
- No complex ballistic reticle
VX-1 3-9X40 Rifle Scope Q&A:
What is the Quantum Optical System on the VX-1 rifle scope?
This rifle scope, and all of the the VX (Variable Power) series scopes, have Leupold's Quantum Optical System that combines sophisticated mechanisms, engineering and science expertise, and industry-leading optical designs to create a whole new experience with a variable power rifle scope.
They're made with lead-free, environmentally-friendly glass compositions that's undergone a thorough and scrutinous refining process to ensure the glass produces as much of a razor-sharp image quality as possible.
The short answer? It's a souped-up and pimped-out system that gets you the best glass for the best image and best light transmission possible. You see better, you shoot better, you hunt better.
Is this a low budget rifle scope?
While the VX-1 has a low budget price, it's actually a mid-range rifle scope that looks more like a premium one. I say low budget because you can get it for less than $200 when you buy online, in fact, we named it one of our top picks for a rifle scope under $200. Otherwise, you're going to find it in the price range of anywhere between $200 to $450.
The sleek feature that also makes it look like a premium scope is the lack of slapping on intrusive brand labels and the like with contrasting white lettering. Leupold keeps it classy and simple with bare minimum gold accents on the black matte finish.
Where is the Leupold rifle scope made?
All of Leupold rifle scopes are designed, manufactured, assembled, and packaged in their factory in Oregon, USA. They haven't been outsourced overseas to Japan, China, Germany, or the Philippines - not that outsourced rifle scopes aren't good, but it's satisfying to own American-made products that are unmatched.
What style reticles are available with the VX-1?
This Leupold VX-1 rifle scope has the popular, clean, and non-distracting reticle there is - the classic Duplex cross-hair.
The only other available reticle with this rifle scope is the LR Duplex that features two dots on the elevation cross hair below the center to serve as a basic bullet drop compensator.
Noteworthy Features:
- Quantum Optical System for the most advanced variable power ranging scope
- Leupold's Multicoat 4 for 92% light transmission and pristine, crystal clear images
- 1/4 MOA clicks that are finger-adjustable for easy rotations
- Fully waterproof, recoil-proof, and fog-proof
- Available with the LR Duplex reticle for long distance shots
- American classic style eyepiece with low profile lockable ring
- Light-weight and compact for field hunting and scouting
- Easy to mount, super fast and simple to sight in
- Made in the USA
Our Verdict on the VX1 3-9X40
According to the bull's-eye, the Leupold VX-1 3-9X40 rifle scope has more reach than you think - it's all in the glass. The glass is world-class, the coatings are top-notch, and the quality is unbeatable. The only thing that it's missing is a more advanced ballistic reticle option. It is available with a simple LR Duplex reticle, but it would be nice to see something that can match its quality and potential.
However, doubling your budget can land you the VX-3i 3.5-10X40 where you have the option of buying the Boone & Crockett reticle. Or, you could just sneak your way online into Leupold's Custom Shop and upgrade your VX-1 with any of the 18 available reticles like the super-cool TMOA reticle. Ouch, we can already feel the penny pinching going on!
Moving on and staying on budget, the Redfield Revolution 3-9X40 scope would be the VX-1's closest alternative. Maybe it has something to do with its relationship to Leupold? If you pay close attention to the full Revolution review, you'll know exactly what we're talking about!
The VX-1 has earned it's place in the hunting world, and it's on the Top 100 Best Seller's List as a very popular and in-demand scope. To sum it up, we've already said it perfectly. With the VX-1, "You see better, you shoot better, you hunt better." 'Nuff said.
Update: Leupold has discontinued their VX-1 range of rifle scopes but have released the VX-Freedom line with the aim to provide affordable, US made optics to hunters and shooters. The VX-Freedom 3-9x40 is a great, affordable alternative to the discontinued VX-1 3-9x40. Check it out at Optics Planet and Amazon.
Further Reading
