Leupold VX-2 Riflescopes

by
posted on October 16, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2012101691244-leupoldvx-ii_f.jpg

10/16/2012

Leupold introduced the Vari-X II riflescope line in late 1963; it wasn’t until 2002, though, that Vari-X II scopes were revamped and renamed, becoming the VX-II series. For 2012, the company has once again upgraded and re-titled its popular mid-price scopes. Tested here is the new VX-2 4-12X 40 mm AO variant.

The basis of the VX-2 is a one-piece 6061-T6 aluminum main tube; despite its 1-inch diameter the scope offers 65- and 85-m.o.a. worth of windage and elevation adjustment, respectively. The tool-free adjustments are valued at 1/4 m.o.a. per “click,” with each movement being both audible and tactile. Covering the low-profile turrets and housings are screw-on aluminum caps.

The traditionally placed magnification band has numerous ribs, as well as a single tab, to enhance purchase. Its movement also has sufficient friction so as not to be inadvertently bumped when changing the setting. On specific models, including the variant tested, there’s a parallax-adjustment band on the objective bell; in this case, it offered settings from 25 yards to “infinity.”

As for the Index Matched lead-free lenses, they are purported to offer 94 percent light transmission, as well as feature Leupold’s DiamondCoat treatment on the exterior surfaces to enhance abrasion resistance. The edges of the lenses are blackened for improved resolution and contrast. Whereas nitrogen was used to purge VX-II riflescopes to prevent internal fogging, for VX-2 scopes it uses an Argon/Krypton blend.

Although the scope tested featured a fine Duplex reticle, the company also offers VX-2s with standard Duplex, Long Range Duplex and target dot reticles, among others. There’s even the new Custom Dial System (CDS), which is custom-tailored to a specific load, available on select models.

Evaluation of the VX-2 began with the longstanding freeze and submersion tests, which determine if an optic is truly purged and waterproof; failures are revealed via air bubbles and internally fogged lenses. The VX-2 exhibited no issues.

We then mounted the optic atop a Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 Synthetic rifle in .240 Wby. Mag. and a “shooting-the-square” evaluation—30 m.o.a. high and 30 m.o.a. wide—was conducted to determine the repeatability and accuracy of the turrets’ adjustment. When the group size—around 0.3 inches—was subtracted from the shot placements, the results were very good. The vertical turret mechanical error at 100 yards was less than 0.02 inches. The windage turret’s error was a bit more, but still excellent 0.028 inches (or about 1/4 m.o.a.).

Optically speaking, the VX-2 compared favorably with scopes of similar price. The scope proved especially impressive in the low-light conditions at which it will likely be called upon to perform.

Although the model tested weighed only 13.2 ounces, some weigh as little as 8.1 unces. Perhaps our only complaint is the small amount—4.9 inches—of mounting surface on the main tube; mounting it atop some rifles will prove problematic.

Based upon our findings, the VX-2 is a well-designed, mechanically sound riflescope that should provide a lifetime of service.

Manufacturer: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.; (503) 646-9171; (800) 538-7653; www.leupold.com
Model: VX-2
Magnification and Objective: 4-12X 40 mm AO
Finish: matte black (tested), silver
Field of View (Ft. @ 100 Yds.): 20.4 ft. (4X); 9.7 ft. (12X)
Eye Relief: 4.9" (4X); 3.7" (12X)
Click Value: 1/4 m.o.a.
Windage and Elevation Adjustment Range: 65 m.o.a. (w); 85 m.o.a. (e)
Reticle: fine Duplex
Length: 117⁄8"
Weight: 13.2 ozs.
Features: objective bell parallax adjustment band correction from 25 yds. to infinity; click adjustable turrets
Accessories: owner’s manual, scope cover
Suggested Retail Price: $375 to $688

Latest

Woodward Double Rifle Ihtog 1
Woodward Double Rifle Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Woodward .500 Express Double Rifle

Produced by J. Woodward & Sons at the end of the 19th century, this double rifle, chambered for the .500 Express cartridge, was tailor-made for dangerous-game hunting.

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Pistols In 5.56 NATO & 9 mm Luger

Springfield Armory added two new pistol variants to its popular Saint AR-15 lineup, and the new models are chambered for 5.56 NATO and 9 mm Luger, respectively.

Review: Winchester 400 Legend

Winchester Ammunition decided to split the difference, caliber-wise, between the .45-70 Gov't and the company's previous 350 Legend to create the new 400 Legend.

More Public Ranges Coming After EXPLORE Act Implementation Order Signed

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed off on a Secretarial Order in late June to begin implementation of key provisions of H.R. 6492, which means more hunting and shooting opportunities on public lands across the U.S.

The Marine Corps Scout Sniper Memorial Project

With the United States Marine Corps celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, an elite force within that branch is collecting funds to remember the service and sacrifice of its fallen with a dedicated memorial in Quantico, Va.

Silencer Central Banish 12: A Hunter-Friendly Shotgun Suppressor

Billed by Silencer Central as "the first shotgun suppressor designed specifically for hunters," the new Banish 12 has a number of field-friendly features and also stands out as one of the few shotgun suppressors on the market.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.