i need a scope for my open-country-rifle.
it will be used for hunting game down to roe and various sheep/goat species out to 400m.

do you think a leupold vx-1 4-12x40 will be good enough for this use?

Yes I do. I think I would prefer the 3-9 better though.

The VX I is a great scope. It's the old Vari XII.

I own several of the VX-I 4-12 Leupolds. I like them and find them fairly versatile. They are virtually identical in size to the 3-9, and unless you anticipate some very close-in, fast action shooting, the low end of 4X provides an adequately wide field of view.

I've decided I like a 4-12 better than a 3-9 variable. Like the other poster, I don't think the 4x on the botton end is a hindrance but the 12x on the top is a big improvement for longer shots.

In that price range, I doubt you will do much better. If you will spend a bit more money, the options open up quite a bit. Otherwise, get that one.

LWD