Comments on older Leupold eyepiece locking ring versus new style?

[Canuck Bob]

I'm getting ready to buy a Leupold for my 223 bolt. In another thread folks mentioned preferring the earlier lock ring type eyepiece over the new style. Do shooters have problems with the new eyepiece system?

Edit: I'm talking about the VX-2 in particular regarding the fast focus ocular.

 

[FLHTCUI]

I like the old system...eye lock ring myself...
thats just me though.
No other reason than I have used them on many more scopes before and the lack of lock annoys me.
Again, just my .05 of opinion.
Tight Groups,
Rob

 

[hoytcanon]

There really is no discernable improvement in light transmission or clarity between the VX-II & VX-2... I have tried them side by side in low light and asked numerous shooter's to try them, and if anything there was a preference for the VX-II... but most said they could not tell the difference... I know I can't... as a result, I prefer the VX-II with ocular lock ring... and this is what I usually recommend. It will also save you about $50 or so on the used market. This was done with more than a dozen scopes, so it is not simply an individual manufacturing issue... I think Leupold's published numbers are more about selling new scopes to old friends than any significant improvements.

 

[Canuck Bob]

Thanks guys, with the slump here these decisions become more important. Some folks do complain about the VX2 eyepiece particularly when a cap is installed. I'm researching VX-1 now to save a few bucks. These comments are much appreciated.

 

[porpoise]

I dont have a problem with my scopes eyepiece turni g on any scope i dont have a lock ring. I have 2 vx 3 scopes with lock rings that dont want to stay in place and you can wobble the eyepiece and the reticle moves . The lockring might be a good idea but it doesnt work well.

 

[cam1936]

I also prefer the new style. I find the lock rings always work themselves loose rather quickly.

 

[GMC403]

Don't pass by the VX-1 line, they are great scopes for the money. For the cost/value I would personally go with a VX-1 before a VX-2 (if a VX-II wasn't an option).

I have never had a locking eyepiece Leupold scope work itself loose, if tightened down correctly I don't see how it could.

 

[hoytcanon]

I dont have a problem with my scopes eyepiece turni g on any scope i dont have a lock ring. I have 2 vx 3 scopes with lock rings that dont want to stay in place and you can wobble the eyepiece and the reticle moves . The lockring might be a good idea but it doesnt work well.

You don't know how to use it then... they don't move once locked down... I have seen many guys at the range trying to tighten down the ring, but that is the opposite of what you do... find the position you want the eyepiece in, then position the ring against the ocular bell, then back the bell out a half turn, then put one more quarter turn on the lock ring, then holding the ocular bell in your strong hand turn it back into the ring... you use the bell to tighten, not the ring... your grip on the bell is much more positive and you have a far greater ability to torque it down tight than the with the thin locking ring.

I once watched a guy put a flathead screwdriver into the lock ring knurling and tap it with a crescent wrench (obviously making a mess of the finish)... I asked him what he was doing, and he said he was willing to damage the scope to keep it from moving... I picked up my rifle and showed him how to back the bell into the nut... his embarrassed comment was; "well... sh!t."

 

[caramel]

If i can avoid a scope with the locking type, i will, on the other hand i have a couple installed on some rifles and they do stay in focus very well...
Just a personal choice here... JP.

 

[cam1936]

You don't know how to use it then... they don't move once locked down... I have seen many guys at the range trying to tighten down the ring, but that is the opposite of what you do... find the position you want the eyepiece in, then position the ring against the ocular bell, then back the bell out a half turn, then put one more quarter turn on the lock ring, then holding the ocular bell in your strong hand turn it back into the ring... you use the bell to tighten, not the ring... your grip on the bell is much more positive and you have a far greater ability to torque it down tight than the with the thin locking ring.

I once watched a guy put a flathead screwdriver into the lock ring knurling and tap it with a crescent wrench (obviously making a mess of the finish)... I asked him what he was doing, and he said he was willing to damage the scope to keep it from moving... I picked up my rifle and showed him how to back the bell into the nut... his embarrassed comment was; "well... sh!t."

I use the bell to tighten, but do find them to come loose on occasion. Perhaps I should use more force. That being said, I never have issues with the quick focus style turning.

 

[struff55]

Personally I prefer the vx11 over the vx2

 

[hoytcanon]

I use the bell to tighten, but do find them to come loose on occasion. Perhaps I should use more force. That being said, I never have issues with the quick focus style turning.

The problem is unless you have some visible index to note the rotation you would never know. I have Butler Creek flip caps on mine with the hinge located at 12 o'clock... using the hinge as an index, I am constantly relocating the ocular bell... it moves and sometimes a lot.