One of the best scopes in the market is the Leupold VX 1. It takes performance to another level without leaving behind durability or going over the top with the cost.
But this product offers several models to choose from. Each one has its own set of features despite all being similar to each other.
To help you learn more about each, we brought a set of Leupold VX 1 reviews so you can have a better idea of what they offer.
So, are you interested in the Leupold VX 1 and everything it delivers in each one of its variants? Then come and learn more about what it is all about.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x / 4-12x / 2-7x
- Type of Magnification: Variable
- Objective Diameter: 40mm / 50mm / 33mm
- Length: 12.3 inches
- Weight: 13.3 ounces / 11.5 ounces / 9.9 ounces
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Field of View: 34.10 – 14.10 feet per 100 yards
- Eye Relief: 4.20 – 3.60 inches
- Exit Pupil: 13.3 – 4.4 mm
- Reticle: FireDot Ballistic / FireDot Duplex / Fine Duplex / Pig Plex
- Illuminated Reticle: No
- Adjustment System: 1/4 MOA/Click
- Lens Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
- Finish: Black Matte
- Waterproof: Yes
- Shockproof: Yes
- Parallax Setting: 150 yards
Features are Here
Before we go deep into our Leupold VX 1 reviews, we need first to explain what they all have in common.
Here are the features you will find on every one of the VX-1 scopes:
Outstanding Zoom
The zoom is one of the most interesting parts of this fantastic model. It comes with a 3:1 zoom capacity that doesn’t go too far to deliver a long-range capacity but still manages to go far enough to provide outstanding aim.
You will have the chance to adapt to all kinds of environments without losing a single second of your time.
And still, you can use it without making any effort in the most accurate way you can hope for.
That’s something that sets the VX-1 apart from the competition on the same price range.
Super Durable Construction
Its magnification is not the only thing that stands out. You will also get one of the most durable builds in the market.
This scope boasts some of the most resistant materials in the market, as well as a unique build with O-ring sealing, and Argon/Krypton gas blends.
Together, they provide one of the most resilient scopes against water, fog, and shocks. Each variant of this scope will set your standards higher in terms of build quality.
Next-Level Optics
While the lenses are super resistant, they’re also fully coated. This means an extra lighting capacity for ultimate clarity, fantastic anti-glare, and superb color transmission for high vividness.
Each time you look through the glass of a VX-1 scope, you’ll see how amazing the optics and lenses are.
The picture will surpass your expectations in every way, and possibly set a new standard in your eyes.
Great for Any Use
Apart from having a fantastic magnification, exceptional build, and precious image quality – the scope still manages to be useful for all kinds of zooming needs.
Yes, you can use this scope for almost anything, including long-range shots, short-range shots, calibrated shots, hunting shots, or just anything.
With the windage and elevation system plus the easy-to-use power selector, you can achieve exactly what you need and never miss your targets.
Unique Reticles
Another exciting part of the VX-1 series from Leupold is the set of crosshairs you can go for. Here, you will find 4 different options for each one with its own set of advantages.
The first one is the FireDot Ballistic. This one uses an illuminated build to provide up to 300 yards zero capacity.
With the right ammunition, you can achieve super-accurate shots without making an effort. And if you use it with the highest of magnifications, you can get it up to 600 yards accurately enough.
Then, the second one is the FireDot Duplex. You get both a thick design and a thin point of focus.
Together, they make it easy to find your target and aim precisely. It looks similar to the standard Duplex but with a considerable advantage in versatility.
If you don’t like thick crosshairs, then the Fine Duplex can be an excellent choice. This is the same reticle as the FireDot Duplex but with a way thinner design.
That makes it even easier to acquire targets and aim effectively. This one is especially useful for tactical needs.
Finally, you can also pick the Pig Plex reticle. This one stands out for its 300 yards zero capacity with holdover points that go up to 600 yards.
Along with thin lines, a red dot, and several brightness levels, this is one of the best crosshairs you can get for hunting.
Superb Adjustments
To finish up the array of features that the Leupold VX-1 offers, let’s now go over the adjustment systems.
Here, you will find the classic MOA adjustments. But they all come lubricated for life, which means every adjustment will be smooth, easy, and super accurate.
But that’s not all. Even the adjustment for the power or magnification is fantastically smooth. That adds up to its already versatile and practical design.
For those who love adjusting their scopes to the max so they can achieve maximum accuracy, the Leupold VX-1 comes like an excellent choice.
Leupold VX 1 Reviews
Now’s the moment to go in-depth about what each model from this Leupold scope series offers.
Let’s start with its more popular model:
1. Leupold VX-1 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
A variable magnification system never disappoints; even less so when we’re talking about the super handy 3:1 zoom that Leupold stands out for.
Like all other variants, this one comes with superb sharpness on the image that will make your vision extra clear.
You will never miss your target, and getting out of sight will be ultra-difficult for it. And you will get fantastic eye-relief as well. It has decent repeatability, so you won’t have to set it up every time.
Of course, it also boasts the durability and overall toughness that stands out in most Leupold models.
Yet, this one has a high thickness thanks to the 40mm lens diameter. That will make it even more resistant while delivering a bigger image when looking through.
Along with the 3-9x magnification, you can achieve short and medium-range shots in the most accurate way possible.
And with the chance to pick 4 different reticles – you won’t have any problem attaining exceptional shots every time. The Ballistics Aiming System takes adjustments to another level as well.
Overall, this is a model you don’t want to dismiss if you’re trying to play on the short and medium range. Its ease-of-use and superb aiming system is something that you won’t find anywhere else.
There are more brands offering scopes under 300 dollars, don’t forget to check.
2. Leupold VX-1 4-12×40 Compact Riflescope
The second VX-1 model we’re going over is the 4-12x40mm. This one has the extra zooming capacity with a superb objective lens diameter for fantastic image quality.
It stands out for a super durable lens cover. This protects the lens against any kind of exterior factor, including water, fog, or even shocks.
And it all comes down to its sturdy materials, but also to the Nitrogen filling process that seals the scope like no other technology.
But the lenses also boast a Multicoat 4 feature. It ensures the highest clarity and brightness of the image. You won’t lose anything out of sight using this superb scope.
From the contrast to the low-light performance – it won’t let you down. The eye relief takes comfort to another level.
You can use it far or close enough so you can feel comfy at all times, and your eye doesn’t tire out too fast.
But the real advantage comes from the Leupold Ballistics Aiming System. You can aim in different ways and achieve either short or long-range accuracy without problems.
Along with the tactile power selector and super handy adjustment system – this scope will make it easy to produce fantastic shots at all times.
Add up the 4-12x magnification, and you won’t have anything to complain about with this model. This scope is categorized in scopes under 400 dollars.
3. Leupold VX-1 3-9×50 Rifle Scope
Coming back to the 3:1 zoom capacity of Leupold VX-1, you can now meet the 3-9x50mm model. This one takes image quality to a whole new level, so aiming and looking in the long-range becomes a piece of cake.
With its 3-9x magnification, getting far enough won’t be too hard. You can aim up to a few hundred yards, and you will still have high accuracy.
It is not that which stands out the most, though. What really sets this model apart is the 50mm lens diameter.
That will set the image quality into a magnificent level of clarity, detail, brightness, contrast, and vividness. Looking through will be a total pleasure, making it easy to aim effectively every time.
All of that comes not only from the size but also the Multicoat 4 system. It extends the edge for a better visual field while adding exceptional low-light performance and superb durability.
You will get the same reticle options with FireDot Ballistic, two Duplex versions, and the Pig Plex. But it is the tactical power or zoom selector that makes it so amazing, along with a super accurate MOA adjustment system.
If you’re a fan of clear & amazingly good-looking lenses, then this is the model to go for. It will set new standards for quality and overall performance.
4. Leupold VX-1 2-7×33 Compact Riflescope
The last VX-1 model on the list is the 2-7x33mm. As its name says, it offers one of the best short-range magnifications, without leaving behind image quality.
You will get an excellent 2-7x zooming capacity. This is enough to get close to things that are a few hundred yards away. If you are a short-range shooter, then you’ll love this X-1 model.
Moreover, the 3:1 zoom ration is one of the most interesting parts. You will get versatile zooming in and out for any kind of situation.
And with the super practical MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation, then there won’t be any limit to what you can achieve with this scope.
But the real thing that sets this model apart from the competition is the LR Duplex reticle. It is a unique version of the reticle that only comes with the smallest version of the X-1 Leupold scope.
That pairs up well with a durable lens, protective accessories, and a light construction so you can use it with any kind of rifle.
If you’re a light rifleman who doesn’t need a long-range capacity, then you’ll easily love the 2-7x33mm version of the Leupold VX-1.
Pros
- Outstanding durability with sturdy materials, O-ring design, and unique gas blends seals
- Excellent array of magnifications and lens diameters for all kinds of users
- Ultra-practical zoom performance & adjustability for easy handling and use
- High-end optics for fantastic image quality, clarity, contrast, and low-light performance
- Top-notch set of reticles for all kinds of users, needs, and applications
Cons
- Lacks an efficient long-range capacity for users who need more than 12x
- Turrets adjustability is not as easy as it seems
- All scopes only come in a matte finish which reduces looks & compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions
After going through our Leupold VX 1 reviews, you’re probably left with a few doubts and confusion. The next section may help you get rid of them. Read on!
1. Is the Leupold VX-1 a budget scope?
Yes, you could say so. Despite not being the cheapest scope in the market, the Leupold VX-1 is decently affordable for most people at around a couple hundred bucks. As a short, medium, and low long-range scope, that price is more than ideal.
2. Are Leupold VX-1 scopes for hunting?
Yes, you can use them for hunting without problems. If you want to take your hunting performance and results to another level, then you can expect no less than that from this set of scopes.
In fact, the Pig Plex reticle is one of the best options for that – and it comes in all models of this series.
3. What is the Ballistics Aiming System from Leupold?
This is a specific type of reticle feature that you get so you can shoot accurately enough in long-range. It offers the chance to aim more effectively at distances between 200 and 300 yards with the right cartridges.
4. Are Leupold VX-1 scopes made in the US?
Yes, all of Leupold riflescopes are made in Beaverton, Oregon. Some of the parts come from different parts of the world. But the design, machinery, and assembly processes all start and finish within US soil.
Final Words
Getting the right VX-1 scope from Leupold won’t be an easy choice. But as long as you take special attention to all the info on this article, then you can pick exactly what you need without fault.
Read our Leupold VX 1 reviews carefully and learn more about each model in this series. That will help you pick the right one according to your needs.
So, are you eager to get one of the best scopes ever created? Then choose one now!