Leupold VX-7 1.5-6x24

The VX-7 is a relatively new addition and at the top end of Leupold’s range and incorporates many lessons learned from earlier models. The most noticeable aspect is the ‘screw & lift’, low profile, ‘SpeeDial’ turrets. All you do is give the drum a ½ -turn and it will pop up to allow you to rotate the turret, then push back down and turn to re-lock and you’re set and safe. It occurred to me this is a little involved for a hunting scope, as all you really need to do is zero and forget, then use hold over; certainly at the distances you would expect to be using the 1.5-6X at. However, there are also BDC (bullet drop compensation) dials that can be easily fitted, to allow you to dial in your holdover, which is where this facility really scores. For me, although it makes zeroing a lot easier on this particular model, it’s when you get to the Long Range VX-7 models that SpeeDial proves its worth.

Click values are ¼ MOA @ 100-yards, with 60-clicks per turn and three full rotations in either direction. The large adjuster drums give a precise and positive feel and click easily. Given you can get down as low as x1.5 the field of view at this distance and magnification is 62 ft at x1.5 and 16 at x6 power.

Lead Free

The view is bright and crisp due to Leupold’s Xtended Twilight lens system, which we are told optimizes the transmission of low-light wavelengths, to give clearer detail. DiamondCoat 2™ lens coatings on exterior glass surfaces provide a high level of scratch resistance too. All glass is also lead-free, which to a small degree will shave some weight of the bottom line.

The 2nd focal plane reticule is called an XT Duplex and consists of what might be termed a medium/heavy Dual-X. Here the outer arms are quite thick and taper sharply at their ends to meet the central cross. What this offers is a typical double system, the fine inner gives precise aiming with the larger outer bars good for quickly framing a moving target or giving it lead in near all conditions. Initially it does look a bit heavy and cramped but once you get used to it, it’s OK.

The build offers a 30mm body tube with a reasonably large eye piece bell and a big lug on the magnification ring to aid operation. At the rear is a fast focus system, which is preferable to the older lock ring style. Finish offers two options; matte black or grey. With a dual spring, 4x erector system the VX-7 can withstand the most devastating recoil. It virtually eliminates erector system backlash and stress on the internal workings of the system, for longer life.

Light and Dark

Only having a 24mm objective lens light gathering at dusk and dawn is not as good as say 50 or 56mm glass, but it is not bad either. However, you would be unlikely to pick this spec for that sort of work. I found at this time of the year with the light just starting to go earlier I could use this model getting on for 9 o’clock before I needed a lamp. The scope was used on a Browning T-Bolt in 22 rimfire and their BLR Take-Down in 300 Win Mag, as well as a 375 Ruger M77 Hawkeye, so certainly tested in terms of recoil effect. What I did like was that Leupold include a set of their Alumina, flip-up magnetic lens covers.

Distant Drums…

Visually the large turrets look a little at odds with the parallel 30mm body but there’s no denying this is a nice design with good quality lenses that certainly works in all normal conditions. Dare I say it the only thing missing was illumination, which I would have thought on this spec would have been a real boon, but none of the VX-7 range offers this facility, though the long range models have side parallax. Covered by the Leupold® Full Lifetime Guarantee and the VX-7 Custom Care Package the 1.5-6x24 is a tough and well built scope that should not be found wanting.

There are five options available in the range; the 1.5-6x24, 2.5-10x45, 3.5-14x50, 3.5-14x56 and 4.5-18x56. These last three being termed as long range and showing a side focus (parallax) drum on the left of the saddle.

For: Cutting edge technology combined with Leupold’s legendary build quality
Against: Illumination would be a useful option
Verdict: A quality design that should be able to go head to head with equivalent European builds

PRICE: £1435.00 inc VAT.