The following was posted on this site back in September 2003:
"Here is a Leupold Optics Technical Service post over at
www.rimfirecentral.com :
Quote:
...hope this helps.
Trust me, the confusion over these scopes has caused a lot of headache in Technical Service too. Basically, in 2001 Leupold changed the name of the Vari-X II to VX-I and, through economy of scale, reduced the price by about $20 per scope. We then added $198 worth of up grades to the Vari-X II and called it the VX-II and added about $40 to the price.
About mid year 2003 we introduced the Rifleman. For all intents and purposes it is the Old Vari-X II repackaged. The Matte scope is the same price as the Gloss VX-I. We also introduced a Matte VX-I and now offer Pro Shop Options like reticle and adjustment changes on all VX-Is, about $20 more than the gloss VX-I & Matte Rifleman.
To further differentiate between the VX-I and the Rifleman, the VX-I had Multi-Coat added to the external lenses and went to 1/4 MOA friction adjustments. The VX-II has 1/4 MOA click adjustments and is offered in all three finishes and several reticles.
WOW! OK, if you�re still with me let me break it down to the basics. Leupold has reduced the price of, added features to or reduced the price and added features to the nearly 50-year-old tried and true Vari-X II to offer these three new models. Again, none of these models has a lesser quality than the original Vari-X II. All (parts, subcomponent and assembly) are made right here in Beaverton Oregon. And all have Leupold�s Lifetime Unlimited Warranty. THERE ARE NO COMPROMISES.
Sorry for the Marketing flare:
The New Rifleman� Riflescope Series:
Its features make it a Leupold. Its price will make it a legend.
American-made. Accurate. Durable. Rugged. Reliable. These words are those most often said by hunters and recreational shooters when describing the features they most require in a riflescope. These words are also the best description of the Leupold� Rifleman� riflescopes. Just as all Leupold Golden Ring� scopes, they are made in the U.S.A. Accuracy is assured by the use of fully coated lenses for a clear and bright sight picture, and the trustworthy Leupold erector system so long prized by shooters around the world. Hunters will also appreciate the wide field of view, generous eye relief, and the rapid target acquisition offered by the new Wide Duplex� reticle. The durable black matte finish of the sleek, ergonomic maintube resists the nicks, scratches, and abrasions common to field use. Of course, as a Leupold scope, it offers the legendary Leupold ruggedness, ensured by Leupold�s attention to detail in design, manufacturing, and assembly, all proven by our demanding testing procedures. As it�s a Rifleman scope, you know you�re getting your money�s worth, and since it�s a Leupold Golden Ring scope, you can be certain that it�s going to be reliable and waterproof year after year. That�s why, like all Leupold Golden Ring scopes, the Leupold Rifleman riflescope is covered by the Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee.
Leupold Rifleman Scope Features
� Made in the U.S.A.
� Offered at a price that�s startlingly affordable
� Features the new Leupold Wide Duplex� reticle
� Attractive, matte black finish
� Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee
Leupold Rifleman is available in the following models:
New! Rifleman 2-7x33mm
New! Rifleman 3-9x40mm
New! Rifleman 4-12x40mm
The VX-I scopes are multicoated on the exterior eyepiece lens and the objective lens and use an industry standard coating throughout. The windage and elevation adjustments are a silent friction adjustment marked in 1/4" inch increments on the dial. The scopes offer a Standard Duplex reticle. The scopes are offered in black gloss or matte finish. The scopes are waterproof, made in the U.S.A. and are covered by the Leupold Lifetime Guarantee.
The VX-II scopes are multicoated on the exterior eyepiece lens and the objective lens and use an industry standard coating throughout. The windage and elevation adjustments are an audible click adjustment in 1/4" inch click increments on the dial. The scopes offer multiple reticle options. The scopes are offered in black gloss or matte finish and some models are available in silver finish. The scopes are waterproof, made in the U.S.A. and are covered by the Leupold Lifetime Guarantee.
Note: Leupold does not monitor this string for questions or comments. To contact Leupold Technical Service concerning this or other topics please call (503) 526-1400, e-mail
[email protected] or visit the web site at http://www.leupold.com."
The VX-I and VX-II lens coating were upgraded in 2004, but the series kept the VX-I and VX-II name without any obvious way of differentiating between those with the original lens coatings and those with the upgraded lens coats unless you know that the serial numbers with J, K, and L suffixes have the original lens coatings, while those with M thru V suffixes have the improved lens coatings. In 2012, the VX-I became the VX-1 and the VX-II became the VX-2 with lens and lens coating upgrades.
Leupold won't change reticles in the Rifleman line, so what you buy is what you keep.
Optically speaking, the current VX-1 is probably equal to the upgraded VX-II and the VX-2 better yet.
I prefer VX-2 on my 1st tier rifles, but have around 50 other rifles mounted with a variety of Vari-X, Vari-X II, Vari-X IIc, Vari-X III, Rifleman, VX-I, VX-II, and VX-1 scopes.