Leupold Vari-X IIc – The Click-Adjustable Workhorse (1984–2001)

July 4, 1984

The Leupold Vari-X IIc marked an important evolution in the company’s variable-power scope lineup. Introduced in the late 1980s, the IIc replaced the original Vari-X II and brought a key upgrade: precise click-adjustable windage and elevation turrets. This series maintained the reliability and optical quality Leupold scopes were known for while modernizing user features ahead of the VX-era scopes.

Overview & Design

The Vari-X IIc series included popular magnifications like 3–9x40mm, 2–7x33mm, and 4–12x40mm AO. These scopes featured 1-inch main tubes, gloss or matte finishes, and were sealed and nitrogen-filled for fogproof performance. Duplex reticles were standard, though other reticle options were available through the Leupold Custom Shop.

Unlike earlier friction-style Vari-X II models, the IIc added audible and tactile 1/4 MOA click adjustments, a feature that carried forward into the VX series. Objective models like the 3–9x40mm AO included adjustable parallax for long-range shooting and target work.

Available Models

The Vari-X IIc lineup was broad, serving both hunters and precision shooters. All models featured 1-inch main tubes and were available in gloss or matte finishes. Adjustable Objective (AO) versions were especially popular among varmint and target shooters.

Standard Objective Models

  • 2–7x33mm – Compact and lightweight, ideal for brush rifles
  • 3–9x40mm – The most common IIc model, versatile and reliable
  • 3–9x50mm – Larger objective for improved low-light performance
  • 3.5–10x50mm – Extended range with a large objective

Adjustable Objective (AO) Models

  • 3–9x40mm AO – Adjustable parallax, popular for precision hunting
  • 4–12x40mm AO – Versatile option for varmint shooting
  • 6–18x40mm AO – High-power scope suitable for benchrest or long-range use

Specifications

  • Model: Leupold Vari-X IIc
  • Magnification: 2–7x33mm, 3–9x40mm, 4–12x40mm AO, others
  • Main Tube Diameter: 1 inch
  • Adjustments: 1/4 MOA click (windage & elevation)
  • Reticle: Duplex (standard), others optional
  • Finish: Gloss or matte black
  • Objective Lens: Fixed or Adjustable Objective (AO on select models)
  • Eye Relief: Approx. 3.0–3.5 inches (varies by model)
  • Weight: 10–14 oz depending on configuration

Legacy

The Leupold Vari-X IIc occupies a unique place in the company's scope lineage. It bridged the gap between the classic Vari-X II and the more modern VX-II series, offering practical mechanical improvements while retaining Leupold’s hallmark durability and clear optics. Even today, many hunters and shooters still favor the IIc series for its combination of simplicity, performance, and classic styling.

If you're looking for a reliable vintage Leupold scope, the Vari-X IIc remains one of the best values on the used market—especially in its 3–9x40mm AO configuration.

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