I am buying a Leupold, the Rifleman or VX-I. I hunt a pretty wide variety of terrain so I think the variable is the best for my needs. Is there any difference?

Not much difference I find. I don't like either. I got a rifelman to mount on a 204 I bought for my brother and he likes it. Lots of glare. I would buy a 3200 elite first. About the same price but little better optics.

Personally I like Burris. I've got a Burris Fullfield II w/ ballistic plex reticle and I especially like the ballistic plex option. Sight in dead on at 100 and use the 200, 300, 400, and 500 Yd hash marks for the long range stuff.

Dead on at 100 w my 30-06 and I'm 1/2" low at 200 using the first hash mark.

firstshot

I have said it before, don't waste your money on the VX-1 or Rifleman scopes... They are completely inferior in quality. For that kind of money consider the Burris FF-II, Elite 3200, Sightron SII, or Simmons AETEC.

The leupolds do not have multicoated lenses, click adjusments or one-piece tubes, something for around $200 you should get.

The VX-II and the VX-III are a lot better scopes, IMHO. I also like Nikons.

I do not own either of the scopes you have mentioned, and the reason is about 95% of the people that have owned them have nothing good to say about them. If you want the "little gold stripe" on your gun pay the extra money and jump up to a II or a III, if money is a concern try the Aetec by simmons, IMO they are the best scope for the money!!! ~$120 on Ebay or $140 from a local shop.

Check out the link below. It shows the differences in the scopes from Leupold. One thing to notice is the 1/2” MOA on the Rifleman compared to the 1/4” MOA on the VX-I. Personally I would go one step up for the VX-II. Good luck in your choice.
http://www.leupold.com/products/Scop...ure_Matrix.htm

Natchez shooters supply was selling the 3-9x40 Bushnell Elite 3200 for 154.99. IMO it is a better scope than the Rifleman and VXI and is cheaper too. You have to call Natchez and ask for a Bushnell price on request.

here is my 2 cents

The Leupold Rifleman is a complete waste of money. It really lacks the features for it's price. For the $200 you spend on Rifleman you could get a Burris Fullfield II, Bushnell Elite 3200 or a Simmons Aetec, which are all fully multi-coated.

If you are set on a Leupold, either spend that $200 on a used Vari-X II, or add about $80 to it & get a new VX-II

I really like my Nikon pro staff & buckmaster they seem to be as good as any in that price range.