If you are in the hunt for the best Leupold rifle scope, you are in the right place. In this post, we are going to take you through the best Leupold rifle scopes available on the market currently.
Whether you are an avid hunter, competitive and tactical shooter, or in the military, getting the correct scope for your needs is vital to having accurate target acquisition. It will boost your shooting confidence, enhance your shooting accuracy, and ensure that nothing is left undiscovered.
Leupold is one of the oldest brands in the industry of optics having been in the market for over 100 years. It makes a plethora of high-quality optics and this is clear in their rifle scopes. Leupold rifle scopes offer unmatched performance in any environment and unmatched reliability in any situation. Besides, they are flexible enough to be used for multiple applications.
With all that’s said, let’s jump right into the best Leupold rifle scopes that make a handy companion in the toolset of every modern hunter and shooter.
Best Leupold Rifle Scopes – Top Picks
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Scope
First up is the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Scope. This rifle scope is built with versatility in mind. It combines a host of high-quality and user-friendly features that make it ideal for nearly every shooting application.
The scope is ideal for taking shots at varying distances from close quarters to long ranges. This is thanks to the versatile 3-9x zoom power. It also offers a decent field of view at every zoom range which is vital for quick target finding and identification.
Another feature that makes the scope shine is its high-end optics that yield crisp clear images with repeatable accuracy. It also employs Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System to ensure that the images generated are bright and color rich from sunrise till sunset.
With a weight of 12.2oz/346g only, this is one of the lightest scopes on the market today. The lightweight design makes it very easy to carry and use as well. Besides that, it offers an accommodating eye relief to ensure fast target acquisition and comfortable shooting for all users with or without eyewear.
Above all, this rifle scope is ideal for use in temperatures ranging from -40 to 160℉ and is fully waterproof and fog resistant for all-weather performance.
Features
- 1-inch main tube
- 3-9x magnification range
- Waterproof and fog resistant
- Twilight Light Management System
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustment for windage and elevation
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Great build quality
- Budget-friendly cost
- Long eye relief
- Bright and clear images
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
- The reticle might be too fine for some users
2) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope
The VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope is built for anything and everything. Its vast and variable 3-15x magnification range makes it ideal for shooting tactical as well as hunting in forested areas and large open plains as well.
To complement the versatile zoom power, the scope also possesses a large 44mm aperture to enhance low light resolution and ensure that the quality of image generated is clear at every zoom power. Besides, it employs a Twilight Max HD System that delivers unmatched image detail even in the harshest lighting conditions.
In terms of construction, the scope is built to offer unbeatable durability. It has a 30mm body crafted from high-quality material to maximize durability. The entire tube also has advanced sealing methods to stand up to extreme temperature changes and keep the optics free of moistures and dirt.
To top it all off, the scope has an illuminated reticle that ensures optimum visibility is nearly all lighting conditions and a fast focus eyepiece for quick and simple reticle focusing.
Features
- Free CDS dial
- Side focus
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Guard ion rain shedding coating
- Twilight Max HD System
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Blackened lens edges
Pros
- Crisp clear optics
- Reticle illumination
- Holds zero well
- Perfect for any application
- Durable make
Cons
- Pricey
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm Side Focus Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a Leupold scope for long range hunting and shooting, the VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm Side Focus Rifle Scope is your ideal option. It delivers reliable performance under any situation and is very easy to use as well.
With the variable 6-18x zoom, you can use the scope to take shots at both medium and long ranges. Furthermore, it is tested to perform in different temperatures and with the fully waterproof and fog proof design, you are guaranteed of reliable performance, even in the most extreme weather conditions.
Construction-wise, the scope is built to last. In addition to having a robust housing, it is punisher tested to be recoil proof and shockproof as well. It also possesses military-grade scratch resistant lenses which guarantee extra protection while on the field.
Best of all, the scope has a compact and lightweight design so it won’t interfere with your movement in the field.
Features
- Vast 6-18x magnification range
- 30mm main tube
- Ergonomic Power Selector
- Black matte finish
- Second focal plane reticle
- Twilight Light Management System
- Military grade scratch-resistant lenses
- Extreme recoil tested
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and compact design
- Great for any outdoor enthusiast
- Great value for money
Cons
- It has a narrower field of view
4) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope
Next on our list is the VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope. This particular scope is built to do it all. Firstly, it features an ultra-versatile 3x to 18x magnification which gives you the flexibility to pursue game in different environments and distances as well.
Moreover, the scope is built with the latest technology to ensure that you achieve the most from your hunting or shooting expedition. It has a removable throw lever for smooth magnification adjustment irrespective of your shooting position. It also features a CDS-ZLS ZeroLock elevation dial which optimizes versatility while ensuring that it is easier to use.
Another good thing is that Leupold made this rifle scope for use under any lighting condition. It utilizes Leupold’s Professional Grade Optical system that yields unparalleled light transmission from dawn till dusk. This translates to high-quality image views even in poor light settings.
Above all, the scope is fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof to ensure that it performs reliably, even in the harshest weather conditions.
Features
- 3-18x variable magnification
- CDS-ZLS ZeroLock elevation dial
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- 30mm main tube size
- Fiber optics illumination
- Guard Ion rain shedding coating
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Twilight Max Light Management System
Pros
- HD image clarity
- Comfortable eye relief
- Manageable weight
- Great durability
Cons
- Heavy on the wallet
5) Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50mm Side Focus Riflescope
As one of the best Leupold Riflescopes, the VX-3i LRP 4.5-14×50 delivers unmatched long range precision in a package that is compact, feather-light and easy to traverse with in the fields. It also has an adjustable magnification that spans from 4.5x to 14x for taking shots at intermediate to long ranges.
The scope is designed to offer unparalleled low light performance. It features a Twilight Max Light Management System that lets you see the targets in a bright and clear manner, even in low light settings. The lens system also provides an addition of 20 minutes of shooting light in twilight conditions.
Moreover, the scope is built ready for outdoor handling. It has a ruggedized housing that is shockproof to hold up to anything you subject it to. On the exterior surface is a matte finish which reduces glare when you are hunting in broad daylight while offering added protection from scratches. The scope is also 100% waterproof and fog proof for use in all weather conditions.
For added convenience, the scope has an ultra-lightweight design which disperses recoil energy for unmatched durability and a generous eye relief for comfortable glassing. Other noteworthy features included are a first focal plane reticle, quick-turn throw lever and a Zero-Stop function.
Features
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Long range precision (LRP) target adjustments
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Built-in throw lever
- First focal plane reticle
- Matte finish
- 30mm body tube
- 5-14x magnification range
Pros
- Great low light performance
- Excellent long range precision
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Easy to use
Cons
- The turret design could be better
6) Leupold VX-2 4-12x40mm Riflescope
The VX-2 4-12×40 is arguably one of the best Leupold rifle scopes for hunting in low light settings. Built with the avid hunter in mind, the scope delivers the performance and features every serious hunter demands, even in the most demanding low light settings.
When it comes to construction, this model has a rugged housing that weathers anything you subject it to. The windage and elevation dials are finger-adjustable for ease of access and have an audible click as well. The scope is also fully waterproof and fog resistant to ensure that it is ready for use in all weather conditions.
Furthermore, the riflescope has an ultra-versatile 3:1 zoom ratio which makes it ideal for nearly any situation. It also comes with an adjustable objective which aids with quick and simple parallax adjustment and a CDS custom dial system which makes sighting it in a walk in the park.
Best of all, the scope has a lightweight housing that optimizes portability while ensuring that recoil is scattered effectively for greater durability.
Features
- 4-12x magnification range
- Adjustable objective
- 1-inch tube
- CDS custom dial system
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments
- 40mm objective lens
Pros
- Lightweight
- Superior low light performance
- Great glass quality
- Good reticle
Cons
- Fairy narrow eye relief
7) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire Rifle Scope
Rimfire shooting is fun but it’s even more fun when you use a quality optic like the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire Rifle Scope. This scope features a 60-yard focus setting and a variable 3-9x magnification range to help make your plinking more rewarding.
Designed and built around Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, the scope provides true light transmission and the best glare reduction. This results to generation of bright, crisp and color accurate sight pictures from dawn till dusk.
Furthermore, you can use the scope under any environment. This is thanks to the waterproof and fog proof housing. Besides, it has a shockproof housing that is rigid enough to hold up to rough handling. The exterior lenses are also scratch resistant for extra protection and greater durability.
Features
- Advanced Optical System
- Second focal plane reticle
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- 60-yard focus setting
Pros
- Easy on the wallet
- Lightweight design
- The glass is bright and clear
- User-friendly design
Cons
- The parallax is fixed
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Leupold Rifle Scopes
Given the multitude of Leupold rifle scopes available on the market today, choosing the right model for your needs is not that easy. Here are some of the important factors to consider when making your selection.
Intended Usage
The activity you plan to use the scope for play a big role in determining the model that you pick. If you purpose to use the scope for hunting, plinking or shooting, make sure that the model you select is suited for that activity. This will help you get the most from it.
Magnification
When going through the wide selection of scopes available, think about the intended use of the scope and how far you will be shooting. This will going a long way to help you find the right scope magnification.
If you plan on using the scope to take shots at close and mid-ranges, a scope with 3-9x magnification will do. On the other hand, you will need a higher magnification scope for hunting or shooting at long ranges.
Lens Quality
If you want to see targets clearly irrespective of the lighting condition, go for a scope that employs high-end optics. It will offer true light transmission which translates to bright, crisp and ultra-sharp sight pictures from sunrise till sunset. Most Leupold scopes also bring to the table a Twilight Light Management System that yields superb optical performance even in low light settings.
Weight
The weight of any scope determines how portable and user-friendly it will be. If you are in the hunt for the best Leupold rifle scopes for hunting, make sure that the model you pick has a lightweight design. A light scope will be much more convenient to carry around in the field and easy to use as well.
However, if you intend to use the scope to shoot targets from a stationary point, you don’t have to worry much about the weight.
Eye Relief
Make sure that the scope you get offers adequate eye relief. This is the distance from the scope’s eyepiece to your eye.
A scope with a comfortable eye relief will keep you safe from high recoiling rounds. It will also ensure that you observe targets comfortably irrespective of whether you put on eyewear or not. A tip is to go for a scope that has at least 3.5 inches of eye relief.
FAQs
- Are Leupold scopes any good?
Yes. Leupold offers some of the best scopes out there. When compared to scopes from other brands, Leupold scopes feature superior build quality and excellent low light performance. They are also reliable and more versatile.
- Where does Leupold get their glass?
All Leupold lens systems are designed in their optics labs in USA. The glass is however procured from vendors in and out of the country who meet stringent quality standards.
- What do the numbers mean on rifle scopes?
A rifle scope is always represented by a set of two numbers. The first number shows the magnification power while the second number refers to the diameter of the objective lens. So, in a 4-12x40mm for instance, the scope has a variable 4-14x magnification power and a 40mm objective lens.
Conclusion
The right Leupold rifle scope will guarantee better target acquisition once you set your foot in the hunting ground or shooting field. Though the scopes listed above come from the same manufacturer, each model is unique in its own way. Irrespective of the model that you choose to buy, we are hopeful that you have found this post informative, useful and you are now able to make an informed buying decision.