I ask Leupold this question online and was basically told "I don't know" and nothing else.

All other 30mm scope I have seen like this have 24mm objective lenses, but this one is listed as 20mm. Seems odd since the scope body would need to step down which it doesn't unless the interior is just that much thicker at the end. Does anyone know why it is 20mm instead of 24mm?

The non-illuminated is a 1 inch tube, and the illuminated is a 30 mm tube. That may contribute - there seems to be some confusion surrounding this.

Typo

If it is a typo, it is a typo in Cabela's, at Euro Optics and at Leupold itself.

What would illumination have to do with the small 20mm objective in a 30mm scope?

Nothing, other than it’s two models that share the same designation and magnification range. You have to dig to find that the illuminated is a 30 mm tube.

The VX-R was a 30 mm tube and listed a 20 mm objective also. Maybe the reserve the 24 mm for the VX-5/VX-6 line.


I’d recommend getting John Burns on the case.
He’s around; and clearly bored.

"I’d recommend getting John Burns on the case.
He’s around; and clearly bored."


LOL Maybe