Are you looking for a rifle scope that is both affordable and free from gimmicks? You can test the limits of your favorite rifle with the Leupold VX1 3 9×40. After 120 years in business, Leupold is an award-winning company that knows how to craft high-quality riflescopes that ensure accurate shots.
If you are ready to make the leap and purchase a solidly-built riflescope, read this Leupold VX1 3 9×40 review through until the end to see if the CX1 3 9×40 is right for you.
Leupold VX1 3 9×40 Specs
- Eyebox;
- Classic/Standard Lockable Eyepiece;
- 3:1 Zoom Ratio;
- Waterproof and Fogproof;
- 1/4 MOA Finger Click;
- Tactile Power Selector;
- 1 inch Maintube;
- Proprietary Nitrogen Fill Process;
- Multicoat 4;
- Durable Lens Cover;
- 6061-T6 Aircraft Quality Aluminum;
- Weighs 11.2 oz (318 g).
Pros and Cons of Using the Leupold VX1 3 9×40
Pros
1. Highly Durable Materials
One of the biggest reasons people keep buying Leupold’s scopes is that they are constructed from high-quality, durable materials. The scopes and rings on the Leupold VX1 3 9×40 can sustain a fair amount of damage without being broken and are ideal if you plan on traveling with your equipment.
Customers can enjoy using these scopes for multiple hunting seasons and rest assured that their financial investments in these scopes are worth it.
2. It Makes Rifles Easy to Zero
Any rifle that is equipped with a Leupold VX1 3 9×40 is going to be incredibly easy to zero. In fact, the adjustability on this scope is incredibly accurate. Each adjustment will make accurate and predictable alterations to the impact point of each successive shot. This is definitely not one of those cheap throw-away scopes that cannot hold zero.
3. Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty
Leupold understands that you are investing a good chunk of change in their riflescope, so not only do you get a high-quality product, you also get a fantastic lifetime warranty with the VX1 3 9×40. In fact, it is hard to go wrong with such an excellent warranty and is not something you will find on cheaper products made by other companies.
4. The Leupold VX1 3 9×40 is Highly Versatile
If you are looking for a scope that can work well with many different rifles, the Leupold VX1 3 9×40 might be right for you. It is highly versatile, and what makes it so adaptable is that Leupold goes above and beyond to test all of their riflescopes to exceed any amount of recoil you can get on different rifles.
You can slap one of these scopes on a Winchester XPR Firing 308 and be good to go.
Cons
1. Trouble With Fog
The lens does, unfortunately, seem to mist over in certain weather conditions, including in a 40-degree temperature with light rain. This will make ranged shots more difficult, so customers who buy this riflescope will have to be mindful of the weather conditions they are using it in.
2. Gloss Finish Has Been Discontinued
Although this is more of an aesthetic gripe than a critique on the riflescope’s performance, this Leupold VX1 3 9×40 review needs to address the fact that Leupold has discontinued their well-loved gloss finish on this riflescope. This might be due to the belief that the gloss finish was spooking game.
However, those who have purchased the gloss finished scopes Leupold has made in the past are disappointed with the switch from gloss to matte finish. Overall, the gloss finish really added a sharp look to these scopes.
3. You Might Want to Invest In Flip Up Covers
The rubber bra that comes with the Leupold VX1 3 9×40 does its job in most hunting situations. However, if you plan on hunting in an environment where the rubber bra might be too awkward to have it be truly effective, you will need to consider investing in flip up covers to help protect your lenses.
4. It Isn’t Made For Close-Range Shots
The Leupold VX1 3 9×40 scope does not have a parallax adjustment, so you will not be able to use it for close-range shots (such as those made at a 50-foot range). Instead, you will have to opt for one of Leupold’s other scopes, such as the VX-2 3-9x33mm Rimfire EFR (Extended Focus Range).
Who Is This Product Best For?
Are you shopping on a budget but don’t want to buy a $50-70 scope that might not make it through one hunting season? The Leupold VX1 3 9×40 is a good choice for those looking to spend moderately on a high-quality, durable product that can be taken on traveling expeditions.
Since the Leupold VX1 3 9×40 works well with most rifles, this scope is a great choice for hunters looking to make long-range shots. Unfortunately, if you plan on doing a lot more at a closer range (of, say, 50 feet or so), the Leupold VX1 3 9×40 is not the scope for you since it is designed to have the focus be parallax free at 150 yards.
If you plan on making more close-range shots, your best bet is to buy one of Leupold’s scopes that have the focus set to be parallax free at 75 yards.
Image: Optic Gear Lab
Price
This Leupold VX1 3 9×40 review wouldn’t be complete without discussing price. If you buy directly from Leupold’s website, you will be paying $315 for the scope. However, this scope is available on Amazon and other online sellers for a fraction of the price. On Amazon, the Leupold VX1 3 9×40 has a starting price of $175.
Verdict
For those who will be making long-range shots and who are shopping on a budget, the Leupold VX1 3 9×40 scope might be one of the best choices. It is made from sturdy materials, comes with a lifetime warranty, and has an impeccable ability to zero.
Hopefully, this Leupold VX1 3 9×40 review has helped you make an informed decision on whether you should buy this scope for your rifle.
