Leupold M8 – Legendary Fixed-Power Riflescopes (1964–1983)

July 4, 1964

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 as a robust, weatherproof, and fogproof optic that balanced compact size with premium optical clarity. Featuring a single-piece aluminum tube and nitrogen-filled internals, the M8 scopes offered dependable field performance in virtually any environment. Leupold promoted their Golden Ring guarantee throughout this period, backing the M8 series with a lifetime warranty.

Models in the M8 line ranged from compact 2X and 3X scopes—ideal for rimfires and shotguns—to 12X AO (Adjustable Objective) variants favored by varmint hunters and benchrest shooters. Reticles available during this time included Duplex, CPC, Post & Duplex, Crosshair, and Dot (BR style).

Specifications

  • Maximum Magnification: Fixed 2X, 2.5X, 3X, 4X, 6X, 7.5X AO, 8X AO, 10X AO, 12X AO, 24X AO
  • Tube Diameter: 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Length: Varies by model (approx. 8–14 inches)
  • Weight: Approx. 8–16 oz depending on configuration
  • Eye Relief: Approx. 3.0–4.2 inches
  • Parallax Focus: Yes, on AO models
  • Adjustment Style: Coin-slot or target-style; 1/4 MOA clicks
  • Reticle Options: Duplex, CPC, Dot, Post & Crosshair, Crosshair
  • Finish: Gloss black standard; matte available later
  • Fogproof/Waterproof: Yes – nitrogen-sealed, internally purged

Available Models

Over the course of its production, the Leupold M8 series included at least 13 distinct fixed-power scopes, offered in both standard and specialized configurations:

Standard Fixed-Power Scopes

  • M8-2X – Ideal for short-range rifles and heavy recoil.
  • M8-3X – Compact with a wide field of view.
  • M8-4X – A popular all-around hunting scope.
  • M8-6X – Medium- to long-range clarity and precision.
  • M8-7.5X AO – Adjustable Objective for target and varmint shooting.
  • M8-8X AO – High magnification with parallax correction.
  • M8-10X AO – Designed for precision and long-distance shooting.
  • M8-12X AO – Long-range accuracy for varmint or benchrest use.

Compact Scopes

  • M8-2.5X Compact – Lightweight and short; excellent for rimfires or brush guns.
  • M8-4X Compact – Same compact design with increased power.

Extended Eye Relief (EER) Models

  • M8-2X EER – For handgun or scout-style forward mounting.
  • M8-4X EER – Higher magnification extended eye relief scope.

Target Scope

  • M8-24X AO – Ultra-high magnification model for benchrest and competition shooting.

Optional Accessories

The M8 scopes could be paired with Leupold STD and Dual Dovetail mounts, many of which were highlighted in ads from this era. For precision applications—especially with AO models—Leupold also offered target knobs and sunshades. Compact M8 models (e.g., 2.5X and 4X) were marketed as ideal fits for lever guns, rimfires, and handguns, helping them maintain balance and eye relief without compromise.

Legacy

Discontinued around 1983, the Leupold M8 series left behind a legacy of dependable simplicity and enduring quality. Unlike the rising popularity of variable-power scopes, the M8 held its ground as a go-to option for those who valued minimalism and optical purity. Even today, vintage M8 scopes are praised for their crisp edge-to-edge clarity and rugged dependability. Whether mounted on a classic rifle or kept as a collector’s piece, the M8 stands as one of Leupold’s most beloved fixed-power optics.

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