One other difference, and this means alot to some hunters, the VX1 only comes in gloss finish.

If you' re on a budget, go with the Nikon Buckmaster. Same price as a VX1, but much better scope in my opinion.

If you only shoot a few rounds each year to check zero and kill a couple of deer, I really doubt if you will notice the difference. I have used the old M8-series fixed-power Leupolds for years, starting from before there were any Vari-XI' s, II' s or III' s, and have been very satisfied with them all. I suspect these old scopes are in the VX-I category as far as optics are concerned, no multi-coating, etc. But they are as rugged as any Leupold as far as adjustment reliability and recoil resisance is concerned, and I' d bet the Riflemans and VX-I' s are up to snuff in these areas too!

I agree that click-adjustments are easier to make accurately, but I have never had any problems with the friction-type adjustment system ON LEUPOLDS!! On some others, it' s a different story (have also had problems with the click-types on some of the cheapies!!).

Just to let everyone know, Leupold have just come out with a Matte Finish VX-I.

Jon Jackoviak
The Optic Zone
www.theopticzone.com
[email protected]