Bought a new VX-2 6-18x40 from custom shop with M1. The new 2, not the older II.
I like the optics for the money. Tracked well. The problem is the ocular assembly. The new VX-2 uses a fast focus eye-piece, but not the "euro" style (ring). The entire ocular rotates on the VX-2, like the older FFII and NXS but its for reticle focus NOT magnification.
The problem? If you put an ocular scope cap on a new VX-2, the hinge on the cap acts like a little lever arm. Bump it, and your reticle focus changes! Not a huge problem since it will only go so far BUT... your release button will NOT be where you expect! Try thumbing it and it AIN'T there! There goes that buck while you're thumbing air.
This happens with the Alumina and Butler Creek caps. Happens when I sling/unsling, or even set the rifle down on its side on an uneven surface... ocular rotates.
Anyone else notice this?
This one seems to have slipped through the cracks at Leupold. The only way it wouldn't be an issue would be if your eyes allow you to focus such that the ocular is tightened to full lock. Anything else, and the friction is too loose to keep the ocular in place.
Another trait to this design that has been discussed here is that there's noticeable wobble of the entire ocular assembly. Push on it and it moves. It does seem to return to the same spot. This also bugged the heck out of me so I did some tests at 100y, 500y, and 800y with my 300 Win and convinced myself there wasn't an issue, at least within my shooting ability. Does not instill confidence though.
The older VX-II uses the lockring/jamnut so its not an issue. Not sure about the VX-R or VX-6 with the Alumina since they use the "euro" style ring, but BC caps shouldn't be a problem.
I never cared much for the lockring design, but now I do. Or, the "euro" style with a BC covering everything so it don't move.
Not using an ocular cover is not an option. Will not use a scope bikini or condom on my rifles either.
Scope has been at Leupold for 6 weeks. Rifle buck starts in less than 3 weeks.
I like the optics for the money. Tracked well. The problem is the ocular assembly. The new VX-2 uses a fast focus eye-piece, but not the "euro" style (ring). The entire ocular rotates on the VX-2, like the older FFII and NXS but its for reticle focus NOT magnification.
The problem? If you put an ocular scope cap on a new VX-2, the hinge on the cap acts like a little lever arm. Bump it, and your reticle focus changes! Not a huge problem since it will only go so far BUT... your release button will NOT be where you expect! Try thumbing it and it AIN'T there! There goes that buck while you're thumbing air.
This happens with the Alumina and Butler Creek caps. Happens when I sling/unsling, or even set the rifle down on its side on an uneven surface... ocular rotates.
Anyone else notice this?
This one seems to have slipped through the cracks at Leupold. The only way it wouldn't be an issue would be if your eyes allow you to focus such that the ocular is tightened to full lock. Anything else, and the friction is too loose to keep the ocular in place.
Another trait to this design that has been discussed here is that there's noticeable wobble of the entire ocular assembly. Push on it and it moves. It does seem to return to the same spot. This also bugged the heck out of me so I did some tests at 100y, 500y, and 800y with my 300 Win and convinced myself there wasn't an issue, at least within my shooting ability. Does not instill confidence though.
The older VX-II uses the lockring/jamnut so its not an issue. Not sure about the VX-R or VX-6 with the Alumina since they use the "euro" style ring, but BC caps shouldn't be a problem.
I never cared much for the lockring design, but now I do. Or, the "euro" style with a BC covering everything so it don't move.
Not using an ocular cover is not an option. Will not use a scope bikini or condom on my rifles either.
Scope has been at Leupold for 6 weeks. Rifle buck starts in less than 3 weeks.