The Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm Riflescope is a benchmark in the evolution of riflescopes. It’s in the series of Leupold’s more affordable scopes and is a great optic for hunters.
Leupold does no longer offers the VX-R scopes. We recommend that you instead have a closer look at the affordable Leupold VX-Freedom scopes.
If you’re looking for higher quality then check out the Leupold VX-3HD series. We compared the VX-3HD with the Vortex Viper HST so you can get a good understanding of the quality of that scope series!
Review of the Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm Matte Rifle Scope
It has sophisticated features that make different types of long-range shooting more precise and enjoyable. With its illuminated reticle, you can get unimaginable accuracy that was simply unattainable just a few years ago.
Features
The features on the Leupold VX-R second focal plane scope clearly show how technology is fast getting into the riflescopes industry to deliver better results. Below are the features that you will get from this amazing riflescope:
- The riflescope has index-matched lens coatings as well as edge blackened lenses. These lenses are lead-free.
- Finger Adjustable precision adjustments of 1 centimeter per click or 1/4 MOA (minute of angle)
- Illumination at the push of a button
- A sensor that tells you about any vibrations
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Eye Box that is super-fast at focusing
- Firedot reticle – Sophisticated aiming point that works great during any light condition
Magnification, Field of View & Resolution
The Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm Matte Riflescope comes with an amazing actual magnification of 4x to 12x magnification which is more than many other riflescopes in its price range. This makes it a very good option for your long-range shooting trips.
Its resolution is practically as good as it gets letting you be able to distinguish all the things in your view. With this riflescope, you have a wide field of view of 21.5 feet at 100 yards. This comes in very handy when you are scouring the range for your target.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter of the Leupold VX-R is a solid 40mm. This is on the upper range of what most modern riflescopes offer and provides solid visibility during dusk and dawn.
This means that your viewing will be much brighter as there is plenty of space for light to come through the scope to let you see brighter images. The large 30mm main tube diameter allows for great light transmission.
All Leupold VX-R scopes, including the popular Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm (What does 3-9×40 mean on a scope? – Guide to Scope Number Meaning) come with a 30mm main tube giving these scopes excellent low-light performance for hunting.
Eye Relief & Precision Adjustments
The Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm rifle scope has a very comfortable eye relief of up to 4.9 inches. Once again this beats many other riflescopes allowing you to be safely away from the scope in case of heavy recoil that can make the scope hit your brow.
It is also very important when it comes to taking shots from those angles that would otherwise be impossible if you did not have a longer eye relief.
The precision adjustments are state of the art. The turrets are highly accurate with good feedback and work flawlessly in combination with the illuminated reticle. It is finger adjustable and has 1 / 4 MOA or 1cm per click for the models that have the Firedot reticle.
Elevation and windage can be adjusted by 75 MOA on the Leupold VX-R scope. That range is pretty standard for a scope with a 30mm main tube.
Optical Coatings & Water/Fog Proof
The Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm riflescope also boasts a load of game-changing innovations when it comes to the optical coatings. The riflescope has lead free glass (for environmental protection) with a diamond coat lens protection.
This makes it extremely resistant to scratches and breakage. It also has index-matched lenses that are blackened on the edges.
In addition to allowing for high light transmission through the scope to let you see images brightly. You additionally have the Leupold FireDot illuminated dot in the illuminated reticle that will alert you when the highest brightness is achieved or when you have reached the lowest brightness when aiming. The illumination can be of great aiming support when you’re shooting in low-light conditions.
The scope is also second generation waterproof and fog proof.
Optional Accessory Attachments
When you buy the Leupold VX-R riflescope, it is only wise to get the Leupold standard rings as well. This will make for easy mounting of the Riflescope onto your rifles.
You can also find them in a matte finish to match your riflescope so that you keep up your camouflage. They are extremely cheap considering their quality and their durability will make sure that you can use them as long as you can use your riflescope. You can find the Leupold standard mounting rings here.
Pros & Cons
The Leupold FireDot is a true game-changer as it illuminates a dot in the middle of your target even in broad daylight. The illuminated reticle gives you impeccable accuracy that ensures that you can practically never miss your target again. The blinking that alerts you when you are at maximum or minimum brightness is also helpful.
The only con to this riflescope is that it costs a pretty penny but good things are almost never cheap so it’s a worthy investment.
Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm Matte Riflescope Price
Click on any of the links above to find current pricing, availability, and more information on the Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm Matte Riflescope. It’s a great scope for hunting that features crystal-clear glass and a large 30mm main tube for maximum light transmission. The scope features an illuminated reticle for precision aiming in low-light environments.
Please be aware that Leupold does not offer the VX-R scopes anymore. You should consider the VX-Freedom or VX-3HD scopes if you want to have a Leupold scope that’s comparable in capabilities.
Check out our other rifle scope reviews if you want more in-depth analysis of different hunting scopes.