Leupold Target Scopes
Today, target matches are being won with 5-shot groups measuring as small as .100″, at 100 yards. It takes sights designed and manufactured for extreme accuracy to accomplish this. Leupold target scopes provide the resolution to clearly see bullet imprints at 100 or 200 yards. Changing conditions, such as wind or mirage, almost seem as…
Read MoreLeupold Vari-X IIc – The Click-Adjustable Workhorse (1984–2001)
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…
Read MoreLeupold Logos – Part 3: The Black & Gold Boom (1980s–1990s)
The 1980s ushered in a bolder, sleeker visual identity for Leupold. Gone were the serif fonts of the 1970s—in their place came a high-contrast, tall sans-serif “Leupold” wordmark that projected authority and modern precision. Paired with the emerging gold-on-black color scheme, this look formed the foundation of what would become Leupold’s enduring style into the…
Read MoreLeupold Vari-X III – Precision Hunting Optics with Click Adjustments (1973–2004)
Overview & Design Introduced in 1979, the Leupold Vari-X III represented a major leap forward in riflescope design. It replaced the internally upgraded but externally identical Vari-X IIc as Leupold’s flagship variable-power optic. With the addition of 1/4 MOA click adjustments, a fully multi-coated optical system, and improved internal construction, the Vari-X III was designed…
Read MoreLeupold Logos – Part 2: The Golden Ring Era (1968–Late 1970s)
In 1968, Leupold entered a bold new era of identity with the introduction of the Golden Ring—a design element that would become one of the most recognizable scope markings in the industry. While core scope construction remained rugged and reliable, the outward branding became more intentional, with new logos, marketing themes, and scope engravings appearing…
Read MoreLeupold M8 – Legendary Fixed-Power Riflescopes (1964–1983)
Introduced in 1964, the Leupold M8 series replaced the earlier M7 and quickly became a defining standard for fixed-power scopes. With decades of refinements and performance testing behind it, the M8 line was trusted by hunters, target shooters, and law enforcement professionals throughout its nearly 20-year run. Overview & Design The Leupold M8 was engineered…
Read MoreLeupold Vari-X II – America’s Workhorse Variable Riflescope (1964–2001)
Leupold Vari-X II – 1964–1986 Leupold Vari-X IIc 1984-2001 The Leupold Vari-X II debuted in 1969, positioned as America’s dependable mid-range variable riflescope. Designed for hunters and sport shooters alike, the Vari-X II became famous for its toughness, affordability, and simplicity. It combined Leupold’s nitrogen-sealed, fogproof construction with a streamlined friction-adjustment system that kept…
Read MoreLeupold M7 – Nitrogen-Sealed Fixed 3X & 4X Riflescopes (1959–1963)
Overview & Design Introduced in 1960, the Leupold M7 marked a new generation of scopes featuring a 1-inch aluminum tube, internal windage and elevation adjustments, and the company’s nitrogen-sealed “Golden Ring” fogproof design. It replaced earlier steel-tube models like the Mountaineer and Westerner, streamlining the product line into a more modern and lightweight package. The…
Read MoreLeupold Vari-X – The First Variable-power Riflescope (1960–1963)
1960 VARI-X 3×9 arched stamp
Read MoreLeupold Westerner – Adjustable 6X & 8X Varmint Scopes (1955–1959)
Overview & Design Introduced in 1955, the Leupold Westerner marked a major step forward in scope design. It was Leupold’s first model to offer both internal windage and elevation adjustments along with an adjustable objective for parallax correction — features that set it apart as a precision tool for long-range and varmint shooting. The Westerner…
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