I have a Leupold 3x9 AO. The serial number on the scope starts with an M, so it dates to 1981. It has no model markings. Best I can tell, it would be a Vari-X ii.

I had never heard of, or seen, a Vari-X ii 3x9 with AO before. My assumption is that this must be one of the very early Leupold variable scopes with AO. I did find a picture of the 1981 price list, which listed the Vari-X ii 3x9AO at $264.70. This was the only variable with AO in the price list.

Does anyone have listings or catalogs which show when Leupold introduced their first variable AO scope?

Bob Bell's book, "Scopes and Mounts," says the AO was added to the 3-9x and some others in 1973.

Bruce

Thank you, Bruce.

I had one , I got it in the mid 70's . I believe i paid about $90.00 for it new , That was "dealer cost" at the time. For years it was on a 7mm rem mag. and later on a 300 Win mag. once sighted in it always held zero until I changed loads . It preformed Many times in Saskatchewan in sub zero temps. I sold it and the 300 Win Mag to a buddy about 7 years ago and its still going strong. I sent it to Leupold just before I sold it just to have it inspected , they said the biggest issue with the scope is it has limited vertical turret travel but that was not an issue on either gun I had it on. KH