Leupold VX-1: quality and value - Rifleman

Guns Magazine, Dec, 2002 by Dave Anderson

Leupold scopes are noted for their ruggedness and reliability. The company is highly respected for the way it stands behind its products. The new moderately-priced VX-1 scopes are remarkably good values -- so good, in fact, that some shooters think there must be a catch.

Hang around gunshops or other shooter's havens and you'll hear skeptical comments such as, "they're made in (fill in the blank) and imported" or, "they don't have the same warranty as the other models."

In fact, the VX-1 scopes are made in the same Beaverton, Ore plant as other Leupold scopes. They carry the same lifetime warranty as the top-line models.

Cutting Costs, Not Quality

Many people think the only way to sell a product at lower cost is to cheapen it, to use lower quality components or less stringent quality controls. Actually, savvy companies use all sorts of means to lower production costs.

One way is to use methods to reduce the amount of money tied up in inventory, such as "ZIP" (zero inventory production) and "just in time" delivery of components. Items in inventory, whether components or finished product, take up storage space and tie up money.

One way to reduce inventory of completed product is to limit the number of options. Henry Ford's comment on color choices for the Model T -- "any color you want as long as it's black" -- is an example. By making all Model T's the same, Ford could lower production costs and sell them at lower prices.

The principle still holds true. A few years ago I tried to save money when ordering a new pickup by deleting the power window option and substituting manual windows. The dealer told me they would be glad to, but it would cost several hundred dollars extra. Since all the trucks were being built with power windows, my request would disrupt the assembly line and take additional work.

How does this relate to the VX-1 series? Currently the series includes three variables: 2-7x33 mm, 3-9x40 mm and 4-12x40 mm. If there were three finish options offered, and four reticle choices, there would be 36 possible combinations -- all of which would have to be made and kept in inventory, ready to supply distributors and dealers.

With the VX-1 line Leupold has kept it simple. Only one finish -- gloss black -- is offered, and the only reticle available is the excellent and very popular Duplex. With just three model variations instead of 36 or more, Leupold achieves savings in production and inventory costs which are passed on to the buyer.

In terms of construction, the VX-1 scopes use fully coated lenses and infinitely-adjustable friction lock adjustments. While click adjustments are handy, especially for shooters who change sight settings in the field to allow for elevation and windage, they cost more to produce. For hunters who sight in on the range and keep the turret caps on while in the field, friction lock adjustments are perfectly adequate.

Testing the Leupold VX-1

The sample 3-9x40 mm on loan is a handsome scope, the gloss finish smooth and even. Clarity and resolution are excellent, equal to a 3-9 Leupold Vari-X II on hand. Adjustment turrets are centered on the main tube, permitting maximum flexibility in mounting. Focusing and power adjustment rings turn smoothly and with a feeling of precision.

After removing the turret caps I immersed the scope in a basin of warm water for about 20 minutes. No air bubbles appeared, an indication that the various internal seals were doing their job. From its warm bath the Leupold went into the deep freeze for an hour. After being removed from the freezer and warmed to room temperature there was absolutely no fogging. The scope appeared as good as new.

Using Ruger rings, I fitted the VX-1 to a Ruger 77/22 VMBZ, the .22 Magnum model with laminated stock and 24-inch medium-heavy barrel. This rifle has proven to be very accurate, especially with the premium .22 Magnum loadings currently offered. Winchester Supreme ammunition consistently shoots 3/4 inch or better groups at 100 yards in this Ruger.

Groups fired while changing the power for each shot were similar in size to those fired with the scope fixed at 9x, indicating the scope maintains point of impact very well throughout its power range. Adjustment turrets are marked indicating direction of point of impact change, with four index marks per minute-of-angle. After sighting in, I adjusted windage right 24 index marks (six minutes of angle), then down 24 and back left 24, firing a group after each change. Each change moved point of impact 6 inches, just as it should have.

With the VX-1, Leupold has achieved something quite remarkable. They didn't make a cheap scope; they made a good scope at a moderate price. And who can't appreciate that?

SPECIFICATIONS: Leupold 3-9 x 40 VX-1

MAIN TUE DIAMETER: 1"

OVERALL LENGTH: 12.3"

WEIGHT: 12.0 oz.

EYE RELIEF: 4.2" (3x), 3.7" (9x)

FIELD OF VIEW @ 100 YARDS: 32.9' (3x), 11.0' (9x)

ADJUSTMENT RANGE, ELEVATION AND WINDAGE: 56" at 100 yards