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I have my first straight 8 fixed power Leupold, friction adjustment, AO , fine duplex reticule. The scope came on a 65,66' vintage .225 win mod 70 . I have several 10 and 12X fixed AO Leupolds but this is my first 8X fixed, does anyone know time frame these were made? I like this scope! very best WinPoor

Leupold scopes made after 1974 have a letter in the serial number that indicates the year of manufacture.

Poco, I just walked out in the sunlight with the gun, my shot out eyes see an 'R' prefix, where would I find the codes? very best and thanks for the tip,I sure would like to have a few more of these scopes! WinPoor

Poco, nothing like Google! low and behold Varmint Guy posted codes in 09, looks like my scope is an 84' model...very best WinPoor

Dog gone the M8 - 8x was,is popular or they did not make that many as GB had 0 and flee bay only had 1, I got it but it was 50 to high. very best WinPoor

I like the Leupold 8X M8, too. I've had several. The older 7.5X is also a great scope. The mid to late 80's are the best made, optically. And Leupold will always fix it.

I also like later, PermaCenter Lymans; they are still excellent fixed power scopes and can usually be found at less than stupid prices. And Parson's in Ohio has parts for repair. I've sent back several for reticle change and re-sealing.
Bob

Winchesterpoor: My local pawn/sport shop has a Leupold straight 10 power scope in on consignment sale.
The asking price is $300.00 and IIRC it has an extended elevation knob added.
It has the Du-Plex reticle and has an "H" prefix which means it was manufactured in 1977 (34 years old!)!
That consignment price is approximately 2 1/2 times what that scope sold for new!
The same consignee brought in a Leupold straight 12 power scope at the same time but that scope has sold already.
I offered $225.00 on the 10 power but that offer was rejected by the consignee.
It amazes me how well good condition Leupold scopes hold their values and in many cases APPRECIATE in value.
I have owned many, many dozens of Leupold scopes and did indeed enjoy the older 7.5, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 power Leupolds from days gone buy.
I also still have a couple of very old Leupold "Westerner" scopes on vintage Varminters - these scopes will make your jaw drop (when properly focused) because of the clarity of the image!
These Westerners were straight 8 power scopes with the first version of Leupolds adjustable objective system.
I know these "Westerner's" were available in the 1950's just not sure when they started and stopped manufacture.
I see on page 59 of the 2,014 Leupold catalog that an interested party can buy a Leupold FX-2 8x40mm A/O (straight 8 power) scope directly from Leupolds Custom Shop.
This scope apparently has an extended elevation knob - not sure about the windage knob.
Long live Leupold & Stevens Company!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Good info guys.