Riflescopes have become so ubiquitous that many rifles no longer ship with iron sights. Optics have slowly transitioned from fixed power tubes, to variable optics, to high-tech offerings. Modern long-range scopes feature exposed dials, parallax adjustments, Christmas tree reticles, and illumination. However, simple variable scopes like the Leupold VX-2 continue to dominate the marketplace. What is so ageless about these basic optics?
History
Telescopic optics have been around since the turn of the 20th century. However, they took a while to catch on. By WW2 many countries were using telescopic sights on their sniper rifles. However, the scopes of the 1940’s fragility and external adjustments prevented them from widespread popularity. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that rifle scopes became commonplace on the civilian market.
Fixed power scopes were the first to become common on the civilian market. Many hunters found that a 4 power scope allowed them to shoot more accurately at longer range, while still providing a large enough field of view for closer opportunities. Slowly, as scope durability and optical quality improved, hunters gradually favoured variable power optics for their versatility.
Leupold VX-2 Specifications
The Leupold VX-2 line is a discontinued variable power riflescope made in popular hunting magnification ranges. The review scope was a 3-9 power with a 40mm objective lense and a Duplex reticle. The scope features a fixed parallax at 150 yards and weighs just a hair over 11 ounces. The turrets on the VX-2 are covered to prevent accidental adjustment. Eye relief is 3.7-4.2 inches depending on the magnification range, which is adequate to shoot more powerful cartridges without fearing scope bite.
Leupold VX-2 Line
Leupold has been a long-time manufacturer in rifle scopes. They are responsible for several innovations that dominate the market today. Chief among these is the Duplex reticle. Another important feature pioneered by Leupold is nitrogen purging and waterproofing scopes. This ensures that the scope does not fog up on the inside of the lense. To this day, the VX-2 line features antifog purging and the Duplex reticle.
The Leupold VX-2 is the predecessor to the modern VX-Freedom line. Originally, Leupold offered the VX-1, VX-2, and VX-3i scopes as a a three tiered hunting optic line. Eventually, the VX-Freedom replaced the VX-1 and VX-2 and the VX-3HD replaced the VX-3i. The naming conventions can be confusing, so you’re probably wondering how the VX-2 stacks up.
Comparing the VX-2 3-9×40 with a VX-Freedom 3-9×40 there is no perceivable difference in optical quality. This is consistent with Leupold’s marketing, which says the VX-Freedom and VX-2 have the same glass. The VX-Freedom is a more compact optic than the VX-2. This makes it less cumbersome on top of the rifle. However, the shorter tube makes it harder to mount. The VX-Freedom offers a slightly larger adjustment range than the VX-2.
Reliability
In my opinion the Leupold VX-2 hits something of a sweet spot for its type of optic. First off, the scope is incredibly rugged. After several seasons of hunting on a 30-06 rifle as well as almost 500 rounds at the range, the VX-2 never lost zero. This is including during many drops and falls climbing through the coastal rainforests of BC.
On one occasion, I mounted the VX-2 on a Ruger American in 30-06. While crossing over a log around 10 feet over a dried out creek bed, I slipped and fell off the side of the log. I tumbled through the air before landing hard on my rifle in the rocky creek bed. Miraculously, I was uninjured. However, the same could not be said about the rifle. The plastic molded stock had broken on impact. I knew I had to confirm the zero on my scope before I continued hunting. I fired a three round confirmation group at 100 yards and to my surprise it was around 1 inch and right where it should be.
Glass Quality
The Leupold VX-2 has adequate glass quality that is quite good for the price range. In my opinion people focus too much on glass quality when it comes to hunting riflescopes. Responsible hunters locate and observe game using binoculars and spotting scopes. The riflescope is only to provide an aiming point on the animal. In this respect, the VX-2 provides more than adequate clarity and brightness, even in low light.
Dimensions
In addition, perhaps the biggest strength of the VX-2 is the weight. Today, some optics marketed for hunting weigh over 28 ounces! In contrast, the 11 ounce weight of the VX-2 is almost unheard of. This helps keep your rifle set up light. Light rifles let hunters cover more ground and find more game.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the VX-2 is an excellent hunting scope and in many ways better than the VX-Freedom that succeeded it. Due to the lack of external turrets and a ballistic reticle, the VX-2 is not recommended for ranges exceeding 400 yards. However, inside of those ranges the VX-2 is unmatched.
The practical magnification range and simple duplex reticle make it easy to find game and center it in your scope. Also, the glass quality is good enough that locating game is possible even at dawn and dusk. The capped turrets will not adjust accidentally in the field. Additionally, the VX-2 is very durable and will reliably hold zero in tough conditions. Finally, the light weight of the VX-2 makes it an excellent pairing for a lightweight hunting rifle intended for heavy use.
For long range fanatics who want to be able to shoot their hunting rifles at 1000 yards, the Leupold VX-2 doesn’t pack in enough features to be ideal. However, for most hunters can utilize the Maximum Point Blank Range principle to shoot out to 400 yards with the VX-2. For most hunters this is as far as they can comfortably shoot anyways. If you fall into the latter group, the VX-2 is an affordable, durable, and lightweight offering that will provide years of service.