Leupold Rifleman & VX1

[Kjay]

The Rifleman and VX1 have what's called "friction" adjustment vs. the click adjustment of their other models. How do these compare and how do you guage the amount of adjustment without the "click?" I plan on putting one of these scopes on a K-31. Thanks!

 

[ArmedBear]

Have you looked through a Burris Fullfield II? I'd consider doing that, first.

 

[pgeleven]

it makes it a lot easier to 'over adjust' and you aren't able to keep track of adjustments as easily because there is no clicks to count, but it gives you the feel of doing a more fine tuned job. if you can get over those aspects youll like it.

 

[rbernie]

The friction adjusters look just like a click adjuster, only they don't have the detent click thingee. So you count hash marks. This is how it used to be done in the days before detent click thingees, and it really works JUST FINE.

I would not be afraid of having a scope without click adjustments, especially one with the warranty and corporate backing of a Leupold.

Have you looked through a Burris Fullfield II? I'd consider doing that, first.

Agreed - for the same money, you can get scopes that put their money into different areas that does Leupold with their Rifleman/VXI line; better optics coatings, fancier reticles, click adjusters, etc. But they all will have other tradeoffs to make that price point; in the case of the Burris and Nikon offerings, their scope bodies will be thinner (dent and bend more easily) and their finish coating will be far less durable.

I have a couple of FFIIs on range/casual rifles, and I like them a lot. I have a BUNCH of Sightron SIIs on my non-critical hunting rifles, and I really like them. I have Leupolds on my serious rifles, and on those rifles I would have not much else (excepting maybe a Swarovski or S&B).

 

[MartinBrody]

I have 2 VX-Is with friction adjustments and an FX-II with the click adjustments. The VX-Is still have marks so you can see how much adjustment you are making. I'm not going to lie, the clicks feel good, but my VX-Is have held their zeroes fine, and were just as easy to zero.

 

[pbrktrt]

my thoughts exactly Rbernie. there are many fine scopes out there today & the ones you listed are some of the best. but with the Leupold you never wonder, never worry.

 

[unlearned69]

I've shot plenty of 3/4 MOA with my custom Mauser topped with a rifleman 4-12x40. I'd have bought better glass if I hadn't gotten such a smoking deal on the rifle, but since it works so well I'm glad I didn't.

 

[32winspl]

I have a vx1 (2.5-7x32 I think) on a Marlin 1895mr (.450 Marlin).
The downside to friction is that if you need to adjust, you have to take the rifle from your shoulder so you can see how much you're adjusting. For me, that's not a big deal. Mine is zeroed at 100 yds and there it stays. An extremely long shot where I hunt might be 150 yds, but most are 35-100. I've shot about 100 rounds since zeroing and hasn't needed any readjustment. This rifle/scope combination sometimes shoots (off sandbags) 3 shot groups that can be completely covered by a quarter (coin), and usually 2 shots covered by the quarter, and half the third shot showing. I guess a little over 3" is my average on my hind legs. It's a good scope. Plenty bright on low power setting early morning.

 

[ThomasT]

According to John Barsness at Rifle Magazine the VX-1 is the old Vari-X II before the new Vari-X models got more lens coating and clicks in the adjustment knobs.

All scopes from Leupold have to withstand the same testing standards.

I think they are a good deal for the price. I have 3 of them. The Burris Fullfield II is also a very good scope.

I have 3 of the Nikon Pro-Staff scopes and like them as well.

 

[shootr]

I have both types of Leupolds and wouldn't think twice about it. My old friction ring Vari-X ll has been used on several of my rifles over 15 years or so and has done it's share of airline travel. It's a tough, rugged design that holds its zero very well. For an average guy's hunting scope - it's great. If you're a varminter/target shooter and regularly changing your sight adjustments, then clicks and turrets would be easier.

FWIW, I have an older - "Made in USA" Burris FFll and I like it a lot too. Not so keen on the newer, Philipine ones. I also have a couple Sightron lls and have been impressed. But when it's a serious hunting rifle, I've come to trust Leopold exclusively.