The VX-L is available in 3.5-10X 50mm, 4.5-14X 50mm, and 3.5-10X 56mm with a one-inch-diameter main tube. You can also get the VX-L with the oversize 30mm main tube in 4.5-14X 56mm and 6.5-20X 56mm models. There is even a 6.5-20X 56mm Extreme Varminter model for long-range varmint shooting.

Designing the recessed objective was an enormous feat, and Leupold even made accommodations for its famous gold bell-housing ring.

The 50mm objective VX-L mounts as low as a typical 36mm riflescope while the 56mm VX-L sits as low as a typical 40mm scope and lower than standard 42mm and 44mm models.

Other features that set the VX-L apart from other riflescopes include Leupold's Index Matched Lens System with new blackened baffles and lens edges for maximum light transmission. Leupold's new second-generation waterproofing utilizes an exclusive blend of argon and krypton gases to keep the scope fog proof and waterproof. Also new are titanium nitride coated stainless-steel adjustments that are designed for smooth, precise operation and additional strength and ruggedness. The adjustments are backed by a dual erector spring system to ensure that the internal workings of the VX-L can withstand hard use and the heaviest recoil.

Possesses Legendary Quality
I received a Leupold VX-L 3.5-10X 50mm with a matte finish. And I just happened to have a brand-new custom .30-06 rifle that was made in my shop. It's built on an FN action and is stocked in English walnut with 24-line checkering and a ribbon pattern.

The stock wears a skeleton grip cap, shows two-screw sling swivel bases on sculpted pedestals, and is fitted with custom designed bottom metal. The rifle sports a Timney trigger, three-position safety, and titanium striker. The metal is bead blasted and rust blued. The rifle has Leupold rings and bases that were also bead blasted for a matte finish and blued along with the rifle to match. I figured the elegant new Leupold scope would be a perfect fit for this elegant rifle.

The new scope has a wide gold band on the bell housing, and the turret caps are slightly concave. With a turret cap removed you can see distinct gold markings on the knob, and the marks clearly indicate the direction of rotation for point of impact movement.

The 50mm VX-L mounts as low as a typical 36mm scope. The 56mm VX-L mounts as low as a typical 40mm scope and lower than typical 42mm and 44mm scopes.

Also indicated on my scope is that one click moves point of impact 1/4 minute of angle. This is approximately 1/4 inch at 100 yards. The increments on the scope correspond to true click movements, unlike other scopes without audible and felt clicks. I like to be able to adjust a scope by feel, and to be honest, I cannot see the markings clearly without reading glasses. If a scope has click adjustments that are easily felt, a hunter does not have to see the markings. The scope is easily adjusted by feel alone. The click movements for point of impact alteration and the collar rotation for magnification change are snug and smooth. The scope exudes quality--to the eye and to the touch.

With the new scope mounted on my new rifle, I was ready to bore sight and test fire the combination. After bore sighting, the first shot landed two inches low left of the aiming point. My plan was to sight-in so that the bullets would impact low left when I began my testing, which I'll describe in a moment. Point of impact moved around a bit as the initial few shots settled the barreled action into the stock.