It’s daunting to select one riflescope from another when most details in physical features and characteristics match. We assess the VX and VXR models of riflescopes to determine which one is more superior.
One of my favorite riflescopes for hunting is the Leupold VXR 4-12x40mm. I’ve used it successfully on an elk hunt a few years ago and much recently on a pig hunt in Texas. It was soon after my last hunt when my friend, George borrowed my beloved VXR scope.
The feedback I got back from George, being his first time using the red-dot illuminated riflescope, was so positive and he sounded so elated with his buck kill that I decided to gift the riflescope to him as a hunting present.
This is the reason why this season, I am back to the store shopping for an upgrade to my VXR riflescope. So, I looked into the VX models to see how they compare. And boy, was I presently surprised.
What are the differences between VX vs VXR?
Model |
VX |
VXR |
Reticle |
FireDot Duplex Illuminated |
Ballistic FireDot Illuminated |
Magnification |
2-12x |
4-12x |
Objective Lens Diameter |
42mm |
40mm |
Eye Relief |
3.8 inches |
3.7 inches |
Field of View |
57.5-10.2 feet/ 100 yards |
21.5-10 feet/ 100 yards |
Weight |
16.8 ounces |
14.6 ounces |
Length |
12.5 inches |
12.6 inches |
Availability |
VX vs VXR – How do they compare?
Magnification
The VX scope features a 2-12 magnification power with 42mm of the objective lens which has a Fire Dot Duplex CDS reticle with Matte finish. The VX scope features unsurpassed light transmission, uncompromising mechanical performance, and unbeatable optical clarity.
The 2-12 zoom ratio is ideal for all ranges and it has a good field of view with the ability for placing the crosshairs approximately right.VX has the smooth focus eyepiece and ¼ MOA clicks adjustments for both elevation and windage, side parallax adjustment and a custom dialed system turret that is built specifically for your gun cartridge.
The VXR offers 4-12 magnification power on a 40mm objective lens. More than just the Fire Dot CDS reticle, this model is also Wind-Plex enabled to help account for wind adjustment with its Matte finish.
Both scopes are built with aircraft-grade aluminum but the difference comes in that the VXR is Wind-Plex enabled compared to VX which makes it better in accounting for wind adjustment.
Reticle
VX has the fire-dot illuminated reticle that is activated by a slight push of the button which makes it excellent for low light performance. VX has proprietary motion sensor technology that deactivates illumination within five minutes of inactivity and reactivates with any movement detected.
The VXR scope is illuminated with 8 settings and it is motion activated which means it turns off when not in use and turns back on to the last setting. This illumination lights just the middle of the reticle and the brightest setting, works best in daylight situations.
Both riflescopes have quality reticles that offer illumination and are fitted with motion sensors to regulate their on and off power states.
Field of View
VX has a quantum optical system with legendary extent twilight lens coating and Diamond Coat 2 combined with edge black and LED free lenses to enable the scope to ride crystal clear images at critical hours when the game is most active.
The eyepiece is extremely fast focused with a general eye box, superior field of view, and a diopter adjuster in the field.
The VXR has blackened lens edges and an index-matched lens system. The optics are LED-free, fully multi-coated with bright and clear images.The lower illumination settings are best for low-light conditions like dusk or dawn and the highest setting is best for full-daylight hunting.
With the VX scope, you get a wider field of view with a fraction of better eye-relief as compared to the VXR scope which is limited in range distance.
Turrets
VX has a Twin Bias Spring Erector system and a pop-up re-zero finger-click adjustments with up to 12 different settings for maximum precision.
VXR dials are finger adjustable in quarter minute increments that are precise and accurate every time. Eye adjustment is fast focus and very smooth in adjustments.
VX scope is better than VXR because it is fitted with the Twin Bias Erector system which allows the shooter to repeat the precise performance of the previous shot.
VX vs VXR – A Comparison Review
VX Review
VX has no limit on parallax and leaves it to infinity going upwards of 150 yards. It has the smooth focus eyepiece and ¼ MOA clicks adjustments for both elevation and windage, side parallax adjustment and a custom dialed turret that is built specifically for your gun cartridge.
This scope is both compact and lightweight. It has a quantum optical system with legendary extent twilight lens coating and Diamond Coat 2 combined with edge black and LED free lenses to enable the scope to ride crystal clear images at critical hours when the game is most active.
The eyepiece is extremely fast focused with a general eye box, superior field of view, and a diopter adjuster in the field. Illumination is super bright and the one-button low-profile design allows for users to choose between 12 intensity settings.
Proprietary motion sensor technology deactivates illumination within five minutes of inactivity and reactivates with any movement detected. It has a twin erector system and a pop-up re-zero finger-click adjustments for maximum precision.
Pros
- Great for low-light conditions
- Zero-Lock Windage Dial
- Wider field of view
- 12 intensity settings
Cons
- Heavier than VXR scope
VXR Review
- Leupold Model #120620 - VX-R 4-12x40mm with Illume. Fire Dot Wind-Plax CDS reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fog proof, & shockproof
- Illuminated Reticle, ideal for lowlight conditions
- Motion Sensor Technology extends battery life by deactivating illumination after 5 minutes of inactivity
This scope is illuminated with 8 settings and it is motion activated which means it turns off when not in use and turns back on to the last setting. The lower illumination settings are best for low-light conditions like dusk or dawn with a parallax of 100 yards. The highest setting is best for full-daylight hunting.
The VXR has blackened lens edges and an index-matched lens system. The dials are finger adjustable in quarter minute increments that are precise and accurate every time.
14.3 ounces hard anodized frame. VXR provides an excellent field of view 33.6 feet at 4 power and 14.6 feet at 9 power. With 60MOA of adjustment and ¼ minute per click for elevation and windage, it allows you to use rings of varying heights and still get easily dialed in.
Pros
- Red-dot illumination
- Impeccable accuracy
- Blinking alerts for notification brightness
Cons
- Limited field of view
Conclusion
The VX scope stands out because it offers users a wider field of view, better eye relief, Zero Lock system, and the Wind Plex functions.
While VXR comes close in performance and features, it fails to provide a dependable field of view and focuses much of its benefits on the illuminated red dot function which is its unique selling point.
Final Verdict: So, which is better? VX or VXR?
Based on all aspects assessed, the VX scope is a little bit better compared to the VXR scope. With its improved Light Management and Zero Lock systems, this scope is ideal for use in all light conditions and for a wider range of shooting that most hunters look for.
FAQ
How can I get the CDS dials?
You only need to provide the Leupold brand with details of your rifle’s velocity, bullet, altitude, and temperature in order for them to calibrate a custom CDS turret that matches your gun load.
Is the VX a first or second focal plane scope?
All Leupold VX scopes are second focal plane.
