Leupold Vari-X II – America’s Workhorse Variable Riflescope (1964–2001)

July 4, 1962

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 weight and cost down, making it a popular choice for generations of American shooters.

Overview & Design

The Vari-X II was built to provide reliable performance in demanding conditions. With variable magnification models like the 2-7x, 3-9x, and 4-12x, it offered flexibility for hunting everything from varmints to big game. The scope’s one-inch main tube was machined from solid aluminum, with a black gloss or matte finish depending on production year. The lenses featured Leupold’s proprietary coatings for increased light transmission, and the internal adjustments were designed to hold zero through recoil and rough handling.

Throughout its production life, the Vari-X II saw several logo and branding updates. Early scopes in the 1970s often carried the red crosshair eye logo on packaging and in ads, transitioning to the gold ring and all-caps LEUPOLD wordmark on both scopes and boxes by the mid-to-late 1980s. By the end of its production run in 1993, the Vari-X II was associated with the black-and-gold packaging style featuring the “Performance starts on the inside” tagline.

Specifications

  • Years Made: 1969–1993
  • Main Tube Diameter: 1 inch
  • Maximum Magnification: 2-7x, 3-9x, 4-12x (varied by model)
  • Objective Lens Diameter: Typically 32mm, 40mm, or 50mm
  • Adjustments: Friction-style windage and elevation (no clicks)
  • Finish: Gloss black (early), matte (optional later)
  • Reticle Options: Duplex, standard crosshair, post

Note: Objective lens diameters were rarely listed in mm in Leupold’s early U.S. ads. That convention became more common in the 1980s and 1990s with European influence and larger objective lenses.

Available Models

Throughout its nearly 25-year production run, the Leupold Vari-X II was offered in several variable-power configurations to meet the needs of hunters and shooters across a range of applications:

Standard Variable-Power Models

  • Vari-X II 1–4x20mm – Compact and fast for brush hunting and dangerous game rifles.
  • Vari-X II 2–7x33mm – Lightweight and versatile for everything from rimfire to deer rifles.
  • Vari-X II 3–9x40mm – The most popular all-around scope in the line, ideal for medium game hunting.
  • Vari-X II 3–9x50mm – Larger objective for improved low-light visibility.
  • Vari-X II 4–12x40mm AO – Extended reach for varmint and open-country shooting; includes Adjustable Objective.

Compact Models

  • Vari-X II 2–7x28mm Compact – Shorter and lighter, great for mountain rifles or youth setups.
  • Vari-X II 3–9x33mm Compact – Combines power and portability in a smaller profile.

Special Features

  • Matte and Gloss Finishes – Available in both finishes throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Duplex, Wide Duplex, and Fine Crosshair Reticles – Options varied by model and production year.
  • Friction Adjustments – Most models used non-click adjustments to simplify design and reduce cost.

Legacy

Discontinued in 1993, the Leupold Vari-X II defined an era of American hunting optics. Built for reliability over frills, it became the trusted companion of sportsmen who valued clear glass, simple operation, and proven performance in the field. While newer models with click adjustments and side focus have taken over, the Vari-X II remains beloved for its lightweight construction, rugged internals, and classic design.

Whether still in use or proudly displayed, the Vari-X II is remembered as one of Leupold’s most enduring and practical variable-power scopes.

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