Leupold & Stevens, the leading American manufacturer of rifle scopes, offers a wide variety of VX models these days. There are VX-1, VX-2, VX-3, VX-3L, VX-6 and VX-R models in this extensive series. It’s pretty obvious how the VX-3L, VX-6 and VX-R differ from other riflescopes. VX-3L simply has a cutout in the lens hood for low mounting. VX-6 is the riflescope series with 6:1 zoom optics. The VX-R series represents riflescopes with the Illuminated Fire Dot reticle variety.
However, it is not an easy task to find the difference between the VX-1, VX-2 and VX-3 series at a glance. To understand how these series of riflescopes differ from each other, we first have to go back 55 years and follow the evolution of the Vari-X series.
Vari-X, Vari-X II and Vari-X III
In 1959, Leupold introduced his first series of sights with variable magnification. The name of this series was Vari-X. In 1962 this series was replaced by the Leupold Vari-X II. There was no significant improvement. Both series of rifle scopes were magnesium fluoride coated, had 82% light transmission, ½ MOA adjustments, and 28 MOA adjustment range.
In 1974, Leupold introduced the Vari-X III series which had 92% light transmission, 44 MOA adjustment range, and power indicator with range estimation. The Vari-X II and Vari-X III series remained unchanged until 1984, when they were updated.
Vari-X II was replaced by the Vari-Xc II series. The adjustment range was increased to 56 MOA in ¼ MOA increments. The Vari-X III’s adjustment range has been expanded to 58 MOA with ¼ MOA field clicks. Some of these scopes were made with a one piece body, others with two pieces. The first generation of illuminated reticles became available in the Vari-X III series.
VX-I, VX-II and VX III
In 2001 the Leupold Vari-Xc II was upgraded to the VX-II series. Optics were improved and covered with Multicoat 4 coating which increased light transmission to 92%. Adjustment was achieved by field clicks with ¼ MOA through the same 56 MOA range. These scopes were made from a 2 piece body and had a fast focus lockable eyepiece.
In 2004, Leupold introduced the VX-I and VX-III series of hunting scopes. The VX-I rifle scopes have represented the low price segment, while the VX-III became a series of premium hunting scopes.
Leupold VX-I lenses were produced using Multicoat technology and provided 86% light transmission. The main tube was made of 2 pieces, it had a classic focus eyepiece and touch power indicator. Adjustments were made with micro friction from ¼ MOA up to a range of 52 MOA.
Leupold VX-III was made from the highest quality glass. The lenses were covered with the matching index coating that provided 98% light transmission. The main tube was made in one piece. Adjustments were made at the fingertips with ¼ MOA clicks. The 1″ main tube had an adjustment range of 58 MOA, while the 30mm tube models had a range of 116 MOA. VX-III riflescopes were equipped with a fast-focus lockable eyepiece and power indicator touch with range estimation.
Latest updates
The last updates happened a few years ago. In 2009 VX-III became VX-3. In 2012, VX-I and VX-II were relatively upgraded to VX-1 and VX-2.
Today VX-1 represents low priced hunting scopes; VX-2 are the mid-priced scopes, while VX-3 is the premium hunting scope series. In those series, Leupold has implemented everything he has learned in the development of rifle scopes.
The lenses are the most important part of the rifle scope that form the image of the target. That’s why Leupold uses lenses that are made from high-quality, lead-free lenses. Each lens goes through a series of tests and is covered with a special coating before being placed in the viewfinder.
Leupold VX-1Coated lenses with application of Multicoat 4 technology that allows a light transmission of 92%. Elevation and windage are adjustable with the click of a finger in ¼ MOA increments. The adjustment range is 52 MOA. The main tube is made of 2 pieces. The VX-1 riflescope has a classic focus eyepiece and touch power indicator. Models 2-7×33, 3-9×40, 3-9×50 and 4-12×40 are currently available. The price range is $209.99 – $299.99.
Leupold VX-2The lenses are coated with the Diamond Coat index and have blackened edges. All this allows 94% of light transmission. The main tube is made of 2 pieces and is 1 inch in diameter. Adjustments are achieved with the fingertips with ¼ MOA clicks over a 56 MOA range. VX-2 riflescopes are equipped with the externally threaded fast focus eyepiece and touch power selector. These models feature a second generation argon/krypton fill that protects your visor from fogging during rapid temperature change.
Some of the VX-2 models are equipped with the Adjustable Objective (AO) and others with the Custom Dial System (CDS). When you purchase the CDS model, you can order a Leupold custom dial knob for free. This knob will have numbers that refer to the yardage for the specific cartridge you use. So all you need to do is adjust your scope to the proper distance and take a shot. There is no need for elevation or retention adjustments. Leupold VX-2 riflescopes are priced between $299.99 and $599.99.
Leupold VX-3The lenses feature the Xtended Twilight System and Diamond Coat 2. This coating is optimized to transmit more light in the blue-violet color spectrum. The blue-violet color dominates at twilight. Therefore, VX-3 allows 98% light transmission and gives you a bright and clear image even in the early morning or late evening when gaming is most active.
The main tube is made in one piece and has a diameter of 1″ or 30 mm depending on the model. VX-3 scopes are filled with Argon/Krypton gases. 1″ tube and 116 MOA range for 30 tube mm. The VX-3 is equipped with the extremely fast focus lockable eyepiece and touch power indicator with range estimation.
There is a wide variety of Leupold VX-3 riflescopes. There are some models that have adjustable lens or side focus for parallax adjustments. Some models have CDS function or motion sensor illuminated reticles. In total there are 28 scopes and 78 options (reticles and finishes). VX-3 prices generally range from $399.99 to $1099.99.
As you can see, the Leupold VX-1, VX-2 and VX-3 riflescopes have a long history. They have gone through number of upgrades before becoming what they are today. If you are looking for a simple, affordable and reliable riflescope, the VX-1 is the right choice for you. VX-2 riflescopes are the hunter’s most popular choice. They give you the number of useful features and are still in the acceptable price range. If you want to take advantage of the latest technologies in the hunting rifle scope industry, the Leupold VX-3 premium series is your choice.