I have a VX-6 HD, which is the same scope as the VX-5 HD with a few more bells and whistles, like a dial wind turret and 6x mag range vs 5x mag range. I have a 2-12x42 that I put on an AR for varmints and coyote hunting.
I really like the scope. The optical clarity is pretty good from edge to edge in the scope, but I haven't had much of a chance to shoot it in low light conditions. The turrets are nice, I really like the zero stop/lock feature, and they dial and track nicely. Very easy to zero. Magnification ring is smooth and comes with a cool throw lever to make adjustments quicker if you want to put it on. The aluminum scope caps have magnets in them to keep them closed, which is kind of cool, but I feel like they pop open just a little easier than say a Butler Creek scope cap. The scope is pretty lightweight for what is is, that's always a bonus on a hunting rifle.
As far as not wanting a reticle to clutter things up, I have the T-MOA and really like it. Gives me some marks to reference for wind calls, impacts, etc (although the reticle only reads true minutes at 12x because it is a second focal plane scope), but isn't so busy to clutter my sight picture. The illuminated reticle is a cool feature and has a level in it that will flash the reticle if your scope isn't level. I never really use an illuminated reticle though, so doesn't mean a whole lot to me.
All in all, they're good scopes and I really like mine. I would certainly recommend one for a hunting rig and I would buy one again for myself if I needed glass for another rifle.
Hope that helps you out.
