The lens coatings are different, with the VX2 having "fully coated" lenses, so, all things being equal, it will allow for a couple of percent more light transfer. As a practical matter, you would probably never see the difference except at very first or very last legal hunting light. If you get the heavy duplex reticle in either scope, you are likely to lose sight of the target before you lose sight of the reticle.
I have several 2-7x33 Leupold Shotgun scopes in Vari-X II, Rifleman, and VX1 models and can't tell the difference between the 3 if the lenses are clean and dust free. I also have several 2-7x33 VX2s and find that the limiting factor in low light is the reticle, rather than the lens coatings. The standard duplex reticle in a VX2 is lost before the heavy duplex reticle in any of the 3 lower grade Leupolds, at least to my aging right eye.
'Hope this helps.
JEff
PS - If the 30-30 isn't a primary/1st tier hunting rifle, I would go with the lower grade Leupold. If it is a primary/1st tier hunting rifle, the difference in cost between a VX1 and VX2 is very small if you amortize the cost difference over the life of the scope. For example, a $100 difference in purchase price amortized on 20 years is $5 per year or about $0.42 per month or about $0.014 per day. A penny a day to buy peace of mind is probably money well spent.
Last edited by 260Remguy; 06/20/11. Reason: Added PS comment
