Let me start with the disclaimer that I don’t believe this V22-A to be a shining example of that particular model, the glass has not been cleaned and I did have some trouble getting it to focus when doing the 10 yard clarity board test. With all that being said, my points made in this article still stand, so let’s dive into it.
The V22 is a nice optic. Though it’s not the greatest variable scope ever invented, and the eye relief leaves something to be desired, it’s perfectly usable. The glass is clear enough and it feels robust, offering the features of a streamlined variable optic while still retaining the vintage feel. I won’t say too much more about the V22, because we have already covered it in an article here. The V22-A needs a little bit of context.
The V22-A was introduced as new in the Weaver 1970 catalog. The catalog specifies the new design featuring “7/8” tubes made of tough aluminum alloy, highly polished and anodized for a gleaming, hard, abrasive-resistant finish” rest in peace the blued steel tubes of the past. Ascetics aside, I don’t mind the aluminum anodized tube. It’s lighter and less maintenance than a blued optic, but it does contribute to the scope feeling of lesser quality compared to the previous model. By 1970, it’s important to note that Japanese scope makers were nearly dominating the American optics market, specifically lower and middle tier segments. Weaver being somewhat of the “common man’s scope”, there’s evidence to suggest that the V22-A was an attempt to reduce manufacturing costs to compete with the more affordable imports. We will explore this idea more below in the images.
In summary before the photos, the V22-A is rather lackluster compared to the previous model. The eyepiece locking ring is a lightweight plastic that has broken on this example, as I assume has happened with many other 22-A’s. The scope caps, turrets, and eyepiece, though better designed, (I don’t love the original teardrop turret covers) they’re all the same fragile feeling lightweight plastic. Lastly, when looking through both optics, the 22-A feels more so like staring through a tube versus an actual optic compared to the original. Though I couldn’t get a proper focus, the edge distortion and color is far more subpar than the original. Enjoy the photos!
The two gentlemen side by side. V22-A (top) and V22 (bottom)
A closer look at the tube markings. Note the missing ring on the V22-A.
A closer look at the turrets. Though I dislike the teardrop covers on Weaver turrets, the plastic feels much more robust than the plastic on the V22-A.
Ocular lenses of both scopes. Though the plastic not preferred compared to the traditional steel of Weaver scopes, once again the V22 feels more robust.
Objective lenses of both scopes, not much deviation from one iteration to the next.
The cracked eyepiece locking ring on the V22-A. Though it could function without, still disappointing to see. The locking ring on the V22 is steel.
10 yard clarity board test with the V22 in the summer afternoon shade. Edge distortion is good and colors are strong.
10 yard clarity board test with the V22-A in the summer afternoon shade. Edge distortion is fairly noticeable as well as chromatic aberration.
Thanks for reading! If you have any thoughts or comments about the V22 series of Weaver scopes, feel free to reach out to us via our contact page. Cheers!
- Hayes