Magnification: 3-9X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 40 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 12.6 inches/11.2 ounces/1 inch
Field of View: 34.6 - 14.6 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 4.20 - 3.70 inches/13.3 - 14.4 mm
Reticle: 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
Leupold have discontinued the VX-2 series of rifle scopes. In 2018 the new VX-Freedom line of scopes was released and the popular VX-3i series are also still available.
Leupold VX-2 3-9X40 Scope Review
The Leupold VX-2 3-9X40 is a rugged, lightweight, and compact rifle scope that is idea for scouting and field hunting. It is easy to mount, focus and sight-in and is 100% waterproof and fog-proof which, means you won’t have to turn in when the weather turns bad. This particular VX-2 also features Leupold’s Index Matched Lens System… but you will have to keep reading the Q&A section if you want to find out what that means for the performance of the scope.
This 3-9X40 Leupold VX-2 with the Duplex reticle is by far one of the most crowd-pleasing rifle scopes of the entire VX line. This one scope alone has dozens of hits on the Leupold website with a 4.9/5 rating. Other websites have almost identical star specs, that means there are currently well over 100 happy hunters giving this scope a very near perfect rating. These review ratings are practically unbeatable.
Being the in-vogue rifle scope for its time and still holding true, this rifle scope easily earned its spot among our reviews of the best rifle scopes. For well below $300 online, this mid-entry level scope takes the gold.
If you're like everyone else when looking for anything new to buy, you want to know what people have to say about it before you hand over cash. If you're not convinced by the ratings, see what you can learn for yourself from the VX-2 Q&A.
Pros:
- Price
- High quality optics
- Multiple models available
- Multiple reticles available
- Made in USA
Cons:
- Adjustment issues
VX-2 3-9X40 Rifle Scope Q&A:
What is the Index Matched Lens System?
When it comes to Leupold's VX-2 series rifle scopes, there's no such thing as a "one coat fits all" approach. The VX-2 is far too good for that kind of treatment. Instead, Leupold goes to the max to the achieve the best optical performance by managing light loss, glare, and refraction to acquire the most effective light transmission with index matched technology.
Simply put, Leupold's engineers went to work to see at what point does light reflect across the spectrum of colors that the naked eye can see. This helped them to develop the ideal coating formulas to match the index of light refraction that enters the scope.
Once the usable light is collected through the objective bell, the specially formulated coatings prevent it from bouncing around in the tube which reduces glare and color degradation. More light is usable to the eye to provide you with a superior optical visionary experience with crisp, crystal clear, and sharp images.
Does this have an adjustment correction for parallax?
This particular model is only a 3-9X40 where parallax isn't going to be an issue. Leupold has factory-set this VX-2 rifle scope for 150 yards. But, if you're thinking you're going to want a higher power range with either a side focus or an adjustable objective in the VX-2 family, then you might want to consider the 4-12X40 or the 6-18X40 models.
They have the adjustable objective feature that'll get your reticle on the same plane as the target each and every time you shoot further out.
- Leopold Model #174180 - VX Freedom 3-9x40mm with Duplex reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fog proof, & shockproof
Do the measurements on the AO come in meters or yards?
Whether you're hunting in the outback of Australia, traipsing the mountainous terrain of the Himalayas, scouting the plains of the Wild West, or trapping in the fiery heat of the Safari, the AO distance markings on the VX-2 rifle scope is going to be measured in yards.
Wherever you are, you're going to have to fine tune the measurements for the distance your trophy is in and use the AO to adjust for focus and parallax. The markings are only for a guideline.
What other models are in the VX-2 series?
There are several other models in the VX-2 family. In fact, this 3-9X4 with the Duplex reticle is only one of 16 other models in the rifle scope line, and on top of that, there are also several other reticles available for each of them.
To simplify it for you, here are the eight models in the VX-2 series according to power range and lens size: 1-4X20, 1.5-4X28, 2-7X33, 3-9X40, 3-9X50, 4-12X40, 4-12X50, and lastly, the 6-18X20.
The available reticles with this VX-2 3-9X40 model are the Duplex, Wide Duplex, German #4, Leupold Dot, and the LR Duplex.
Are there any other finishes?
This matte finish on this VX-2 model is the most popular finish that you'll come across when looking to buy Leupold rifle scopes, and any other rifle scope for that matter. But, it does come in the Gloss black finish and the Silver finish - both are only available with the Duplex reticle.
Noteworthy Features:
- Index Matched Lens System for optimum optical performance
- Available with AO models
- Available with various reticles, including the LR Duplex reticle
- Fully fog-proof with 2nd Generation Argon
- 100% Krypton Waterproof
- Lightweight and compact, weighing only 11.2 ounces - ideal for field hunting and scouting
- Easy to mount, super fast and simple to sight in
- Backed by Leupold's Full Lifetime Guarantee
- Made in the USA
Our Verdict On The Leupold VX2 Scope
According to the bull's-eye, you'll rarely have any issues with this Leupold VX-2. In fact, with any Leupold rifle scope, you'll rarely have any issues with its quality or workmanship. However, there have been very, very few complaints that have left us Leupold fans baffled. In all reported cases, it had something to do with the dials. However, this isn't the standard nor the trend with Leupold.
Another excellent alternative to the under $300 scope is the Leupold VX-1 3-9X40 rifle scope. It's cheaper, and almost identical in appearance to the VX-2. In fact, the VX-1 tops the VX-2 in the ratings charts and the Best Seller's List. Don't get me wrong, the VX-2 still makes it in the Top 50, but you could get away with spending less money on the VX-1 and no one would be any the wiser that it's not a VX-2. You're welcome for the tip!
The Leupold VX series of rifle scopes is an American favorite. It really doesn't matter what VX scope you have, just having one on your rifle will make all the difference. If you don't believe us, just go mount another optic from an inferior brand for the same price and see for yourself. You'll regret it, we promise!
Leupold have discontinued the VX-2 series of rifle scopes. In 2018 the new VX-Freedom line of scopes was released and the popular VX-3i series are also still available.
Further Reading
