Leupold Freedom Line

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I just purchased the Leupold VX Freedom 2-7x33 scope for my CZ 452 American. I've had the rifle for a year or so, and cut the barrel down to 16" and threaded it for a suppressor, and am just now getting around to getting a proper scope for it. In searching the web I haven't seen any reviews on Leupold's new Freedom line so I thought I would do an ongoing short review on it.

In the store I compared 3 scopes:
1. Leupold VX Freedom 2-7x33 ($175.00)
2. Leupold VX-2 2-7x28 ($199.00 on sale)
3. Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35 ($180.00)

They were all within the same price range but I immediately dismissed the Vortex as the Leupold's were clearly brighter and and with better clarity. I asked the clerk what glass the Freedom line has, and his answer was that it will be replacing the VX1 and VX2 lineups. In looking through both side by side it appears to me that the Freedom line has VX2 glass as they both looked very similar.

Exterior differences between the Freedom and the VX2 were the turrets on the freedom were less refined and protruded further out from the scope body. The Freedom gold ring was about twice as thick as the VX2 gold ring, and the Leupold emblem on the side was laser etched white on the Freedom and the VX2 had the traditionally styled embossed logo. The VX2's exterior looks definitely provided a more refined and quality feel, but the main body of the scope was very similar. I asked the sales clerk if he could tell me if the reticle was laser etched and he said it was.

One main benefit to the Freedom line over the VX2 was the reticle that this model had, it had MOA elevation marks rather than the standard duplex the VX2 had. This was the main point that pushed me into getting the Freedom over the VX2, that and the $25.00 cheaper price tag. As far as optical clarity and brightness they appear the same to me in the store.

I'll update this thread once I get out to shoot it and see how well it tracks and functions outdoors and in real world experience. But it looks to me that Leupold is cutting costs on visual appearance for one, and the benefits of consolidating two lines to one (VX1 and VX2 down to Freedom), hopefully the internals remained the same quality as Leupold of old.





Leupold VX Freedom 2-7x33 Webpage

 

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[NWPilgrim]

Let us know what you think as you test it out. I bought a couple of the VX1 2-7x33 on sale for $133 each for a Ruger 10/22 and M&P 15-22. They are centerfire scopes but I will be adjusting the parallax to 50 yds instead of the factory 150 yds. They are just what I was expecting in terms of svelte size and magnification range. I have several other VX1, VX2, FXII and only one VX-3. Since these are being discontinued my future purchases will likely be in the Freedom line if they get good reports. Interested in the Freedom's low light capability. Shooting at the range near dusk some scopes seem more clear than eyesight and others not so good. Even the VX-1 scopes have been good for me in that regard.

 

[slickracer]

I wish Leupold would put a normal reticle in the Freedom rimfire scopes. The current rimfire reticle is too busy.

 

[Walkalong]

I agree, and wish scope manufacturers in general would quit changing everything, sure makes it hard to keep track of what to expect and what is good/better/best, and how it compares to another brand/product level.

 

[Nature Boy]

I agree, and wish scope manufacturers in general would quit changing everything

Then you have the tactical shooting guys that seem to clamor for something new every six months or dismiss it as "dated"

 

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Just got it mounted up last night on my CZ. I'll post some pictures when I get the chance. It's a really clear and bright scope for the price, hopefully they haven't compromised in other areas of the scope to meet the price point.

 

[eastbank]

i bought five 2x7 verix 1,s and five 3x9 verix 1,s with clicks instead of friction adjustments at grices on sale and put one of the 2x7,s on a new Remington 700 SA in .260 and with remington factory 140 gr bullets it shot 3 shots in to 1-1/4 and I think the gun will do better when the rifle is broken in and with reloads. very good scopes for the money and they still have the leupold repair-replace warrenty.