Freedom rimfire 3x9x40

[BigDog1955]

Anyone use this on their rimfire?

https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle-scopes/vx-freedom-rimfire-3-9x40

 

[VoodooMountain]

No experience with the freedom series but from what I understand it is the vx2 glass.

Even if just vx1 I would have no hesitation using it

 

[cdb1]

The Freedom line is so new it would be the luck of the draw for a THR member to have that scope.

I can understand Leupold streamlining their scope offerings like they have been for a couple of years. It’s makes good business sense. I wonder though if they’ve shot themselves in the foot though and gone too far. A prime example is their rimfire line. If I’m going to spend $200.00 and up on a rimfire scope it’s gonna have an AO or side focus. Leupold doesn’t offer an EFR rimfire scope anymore. You can of course buy a Leupold centerfire scope with AO or side focus but then you are in a price realm very few people, including myself are willing to go to for a rimfire rifle optic.

It won’t bother me a bit if you ignore my suggestion BigDog1955 but I’d take a serious look at the Clearidge Ultra RM 3-9x32 AO. I have one and they are well thought of on Rimfire Central. And this is coming from someone who owns more Leupold scopes than any other brand.

 

[BigDog1955]

'm not looking to purchase a new scope, my rimfire is the Nikon 3x9 Target EFR I'm happy with it, just thinking Leupold may have made a mistake with no AO adjustment for a rimfire scope?? I also use the VX-3i line for my rifles. I like them also with the CDS on each scope. I also use the wind plex retical and the CDS makes life real easy I will look at the clearidge, never thought about them. thanks

 

[cdb1]

I’m not a fan of Nikon scopes personally because I see better through other comparably priced scopes, with two exceptions. The 3x9 Target EFR and original Buckmasters. I think the Nikon Target EFR Rimfire is an excellent scope. My understanding is the Clearidge is made by LOW in Japan.

As stated I also believe Leupold is making a mistake by not offering an EFR rimfire scope.

 

[wanderinwalker]

I haven't tried one of the rimfire-specific VX-Freedom scopes, but I recently installed one of the 1.5-4x20mm models on a Model 700 in .30-06. I'll get a chance to put a few rounds through it this weekend (hopefully). The optical clarity is very good to my eyes though, at least as good as my VX-2 3-9x33mm EFR.

As for offering a "rimfire" scope with an AO, I saw over on RFC that there was an announcement in American Rifleman that Leupold will be bringing a 3-9 mm EFR to the VX-Freedom line. No timeline on when they may be available in the wild; I just checked the Leupold website and they aren't listed in the options under that model line, yet.

 

[cdb1]

I haven't tried one of the rimfire-specific VX-Freedom scopes, but I recently installed one of the 1.5-4x20mm models on a Model 700 in .30-06. I'll get a chance to put a few rounds through it this weekend (hopefully). The optical clarity is very good to my eyes though, at least as good as my VX-2 3-9x33mm EFR.

As for offering a "rimfire" scope with an AO, I saw over on RFC that there was an announcement in American Rifleman that Leupold will be bringing a 3-9 mm EFR to the VX-Freedom line. No timeline on when they may be available in the wild; I just checked the Leupold website and they aren't listed in the options under that model line, yet.

That is excellent news.

 

[BigDog1955]

yea I may have to purchase a new rimfire rifle if Leupold gets it right, "God Help My Wifeie"

 

[Skylerbone]

I have their standard 3-9 Freedom mounted on a centerfire and I can say it makes me a tad nervous. I plan on twisting dials every range trip just to be sure it doesn’t give out early on. If I’m spending $4k on a hunt out West or down South the last thing I want is to be scrambling for a replacement. Feels cheap like a Rifleman but does resemble a VX-2 for glass.

For rimfire, hunt down a leftover EFR or buy a Clearidge. If they’re both out of the price range, Hawke has a solid line of near focus capable glass in a wide range of magnification.

 

[wanderinwalker]

After putting a box of ammo through my .30-06 with the 1.5-4x20mm VX-Freedom mounted on it, I'm inclined to echo Skylerbone's assessment. Maybe not "nervous", but after clicking through the adjustments to zero it, I'm not sure the finger-adjustable windage/elevation are an improvement over the friction adjustments of the previous VX-1/FX-1 and older series scopes.They felt kind of vague and insubstantial. Definitely not a scope I'd want to spin the knobs on constantly, though probably perfect on a set-and-forget combo.

Incidentally, that VX-Freedom scope is now on my 10/22, for a "more thorough" firing test. It seems nicely suited to the accuracy and range of a mostly stock 10/22 carbine. I also assume a semi-automatic .22 rifle that will see a few bricks of ammo over the summer will be more of a test than on a .30-caliber hunting rifle that will see a couple boxes of ammo a year.

 

[cdb1]

I’m a set and forget shooter. As such Leupold works very well for me. If I smiled and dialed I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t use Leupold, much as I like them.