I have a couple questions:

What is the difference in Leupold Rifleman and VX-I scopes? I was wondering because they are about the same price.

VX-I is described as the best scope in its price range, well I have been looking at the VX-II 3-9x40 or 4-12x40 AO and was wondering what the best scope was in this price range?

I am planning on getting a VX-I for my fiancee and a VX-II for me.

Any insight would be great, Thanks!!!

I think that the VX-I and the Rifleman are pretty much the same, the difference being the external finish, and possibly the retail channel that they are targeted for.

They are both basically the same as the previous Vari-X II scope line.

The new VX-II scopes have better lens coatings - the 'multicoat' that used to be exclusively on the Vari-X III scopes.

I'm not sure what, if anything, distinguishes the current VX-II scopes from the older Vari-X III line, other than slight differences in the magnification ranges.

At some point in the lineup, you go from 1/2 MOA adjustments on the turrents, to 1/4 MOA adjustments that 'click.' Once sighted in..... I have not found that to be any particular handicap or advantage one way or the other. Note, for the serious target shooter who adjusts for windage / elevation, that may be a consideration.

While in theory, the better lens coatings will help with low light hunting, frankly I've shot pigs at night with several of the different Leupold scopes and all were plenty good enough. Might depend on slight differences in people's eyesight; if you're young then I doubt if it would matter much.

The duplex recticle seems to make more difference in low light than anything else, when comparing the Leupolds to some target scopes I have. The fine crosshairs on a target scope just fade away when it gets dark. I can still see the target; just can't see my crosshairs.

The AO is a nice feature for target shooting.

All for 2004.

Rifleman
New tube construction
1/2 MOA increment friction windage and elevation adjustment
Fully coated with magnesium flouride
matte finish
Wide Duplex reticle

VX-I
one piece tube
1/4 MOA increment microfriction windage and elevation adjustment
Exterior lenses Multicoated, remainder of lenses fully coated with magnesium flouride
matte or gloss finish
Duplex or Wide Duplex reticle

VX-II
one piece tube
1/4 MOA click windage and elevation adjustment
Fully MultiCoat4 multicoated lenses
matte, gloss or silver finish on selected models
tactile power indicator
lockable fast fast-focus eyepiece
adjustable objective on selected models
Duplex, Fine Duplex, Heavy Duplex, Wide Duplex, Post and Duplex, CPC, Leupold Dot, Target Dot, German #1 or German #4 reticle on selected models

All are waterproof, fogproof, have ample, non-critical eyerelief and the Leupold Lifetime Warranty