People are missing the point.

I think most of us would agree that the Leupold VX-II and VX-III are very good scopes. Some might think they are overpriced, but good scopes none the less.

The VX-I and rifleman are simply NOT good scopes... NOT OPINION, just facts. Not being fully multicoated they cannot compete with light transmission even with scopes costing half their price (Simmons AETEC). Not being "click" adjustments means that zeroing in is going to be more difficult than if it had it, this is a property of "cheap" scopes. Three piece designs are not as rugged as one-piece designs, no debate please. They do have good eye releif and good customer care (or so I have heard).

I own a VX-II and it is a fine scope, and I must admit it is very attractive (clean lines, not overly cluttered). Having said that I would not pay $300 for it, I would go with a Nikon Monarch.