Most companies don’t make a rimfire-specific scope. Instead they simply crank out a bunch of scopes rated for centerfire calibers and call it a day, ignoring the unique challenges that come with putting optics on a small caliber gun. Leupold is not one of those companies, and released a rimfire-specific optic in their VX-1 line of rifle scopes specifically targeted at people looking to put a nice piece of glass on their barrel . . .
The Leupold VX-1 Rimfire 2-7x28mm is built from the ground up to be a dedicated rimfire scope, taking full advantage of the ballistic envelope of rimfire calibers to produce a scope tailor made for the market.
The first thing I noticed on this scope was the magnification. The most popular magnification range for variable power optics is 3x to 9x, which gives the shooter acceptable close-range performance as well as the ability to get a good look at objects a few hundred yards away. Leupold’s rimfire offering bucks that trend and boasts a 2x to 7x range instead. That’s a pretty smart move in my opinion. Rimfire scopes typically aren’t going to be used very much further than 100 yards, if that far, and by chopping out the higher magnification end Leupold saves on both weight and size.
Weight is one of the more important considerations for rimfire optics. Having a scope that weighs as much as the rifle itself isn’t an ideal situation, and it can throw off the balance of the gun when shooting offhand. Leupold’s rimfire scope threads the needle perfect at 8.5 ounces, just heavy enough to be substantial but light enough to work on any rimfire rifle.
The overall aesthetics of the scope are very appealing, in my opinion. Leupold offers this scope in both a matte black and this glossy black finish, allowing the shooter to choose which one they prefer. Matte black might be better for hunting and such, but if you’re looking for pure class then this glossy finish is perfect. For me, it matches the finish on my CZ 455 Varmint rifle. I think it looks snappy, but that’s just my somewhat biased opinion.
The only real complaint I have is about the reticle. The scope uses standard 1/4 MoA adjustments for the elevation and windage, but for the reticle it uses a plain-Jane duplex crosshair. It’s good enough for the average rimfire shooter, but I would love to see other options for varmint hunters and those trying to practice long range accuracy on a budget. Then again, it might just be that I want the reticle from their Mark AR Mod 1 line in everything.
I really can’t find much not to like about the Leupold VX-1 Rimfire 2-7x28mm. It’s a lightweight scope made to suit the rimfire shooting environment perfectly, and I think they did a great job.
Specifications: Leupold VX-1 Rimfire 2-7x28mm
Weight: 8.5 oz
Length: 10.10 inches
Adjustments: 1/4 MoA
Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Tube: 1 inch
MSRP: $289.99
Ratings (out of five stars):
Optical Clarity * * *
It’s not the best glass I have ever seen, but for rimfire it’s good enough.
Feel & Function * * * * *
Everything feels and functions as it should. The zoom zooms, the clicks click, and the zero is held.
Overall Quality * * * * *
No complaints at all.
Overall * * * *
For a rimfire scope, this is about the tops that I have tested. It’s not going to be the end-all be-all for everything you want to do, but if you’re picking soda cans off a rail or shooting groups at 50 yards, you’re good to go with this. Plus, it just looks so darned classy.