WESTERN EDGE
model called the FX-I 4x28mm and the two variable magnifi cation models, the Model VX-I 2-7x28mm and Model VX-II 3-9x33mm AO EFR. Currently all three of these models come standard with fi ne Duplex reticles and with the exception
of the 3-9x, each is offered in a choice of either glossy black or matte black fi nish. The 3-9x is currently available only in a gloss black. For many years I have tried to convince optics manufacturers that they need to produce a rimfi re scope based on a scaled down main-tube diam- eter of ⅞ " or ¾", like those that were once produced by Browning and Redfi eld. I like the smaller stature scopes that would match the trimmer lines often found in rimfi re rifl es. Seemingly, those pleas con- tinue to fall on deaf ears, likely because of the increased tooling costs needed to deviate from the standard 1" tubes. The good news here is that Leupold was able to achieve much of my intended objective by scaling back their design in other areas. Even though they held to the 1" main-tube, the company was able to maintain a trim appearance that matches most rimfire rifles very well. While I persist in my desire for a smaller main- tube I found that the Leupold scopes matched very nicely any rifl e I decided to mount them on. While I believe they would still appear a little on the large size if I mounted them on my petite framed semiautomatic Browning BAR 22, for most other rifl es I believe they are near perfect in size and proportion. My introduction to this series of
rifl escopes came a couple of years ago when I purchased a new Savage .22 WMR rifl e. I wanted a good quality scope for this rifl e in order to help enhance what I viewed as its inherent excellent
Page 90 October — December 2011
accuracy. I’d intended to dedicate the new Savage primarily for shooting close to moderate range ground squirrels and prairie dogs and decided on the Model VX-I 2-7x28mm. This selection was based largely on the fl exibility that this scope would provide me in the fi eld. After using it for a few months I became so enamored with its performance, quality, and versatility that I decided to purchase another one of the series. This time I wanted to try the Leupold VX-II 3-9x33mm AO EFR. It seems that I sometimes have a tendency to switch scopes around a bit more than I probably should and this was certainly the case with these two new Leupolds. I rotated them through various rifl es, using them for a variety of applications including range use, plinking, and hunting, and in every instance I found them to be the perfect match. Overall, I have found both scopes to be of exceptionally high quality and tremendously versatile. THE VX-I 2-7X28MM
The VX-I 2-7x is a trim appearing
little scope that weighs a mere 8.2 ounces and is a conservative 9.9 inches long. Classified as having a magnification range of 2-7x, its actual power is report- edly 2.5x to 6.6x. The parallax-free adjust- ment is set at the factory at 60 yards. But, when set on the highest magnifi cation of 7x, I found the view through the scope was clear as close as 20 yards, and when set on the lower setting of 2x even the toe of my boot seemed clear. The lenses come from the factory treated with Le- upold’s Multicoat lens system to help in providing a crisper, clear image with good contrast and defi nition. Because of this scope’s compact size, the mounting space is a bit limited at only 4.9 inches, but I didn’t fi nd this to be problem on any of the rifl es I mounted this scope on. The optimum eye relief is 3 to 3.8 inches and the elevation and windage adjustments are ¼ MOA. A full 80 MOA reticle ad- justment is built into this scope for both elevation and horizontal adjustments. I would characterize the reticle adjustment system to be on par with that found on the company’s centerfi re model scopes. The movements were crisp and precise. Living in the rural West, it seems
that pest control often has a tendency to develop into almost a fulltime job. On one occasion my wife looked out our front window and noticed a rab- bit running frantically helter-skelter
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