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10 Best Leupold Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. TMOA Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,454
Field of View
Reticle

Most important from
37 reviews

Field of View
This scope is bright, clear, and offers a wide field of view, comparable to more expensive options.
Reticle
The Fire Dot reticle helps bring the crosshairs onto the target quickly, though it's best used at a lower brightness setting.

The Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44 riflescope is a versatile and high-performing scope tailored for hunting enthusiasts. With a magnification range from 3x to 18x, it offers flexibility for both close and long-range shooting. The 44mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission for clearer images. One of its standout features is the Illuminated TMOA reticle, which is particularly useful in low-light conditions, enhancing target visibility.

The Twilight Max HD Light Management system is another significant advantage, providing up to 30 extra minutes of shooting light and reducing glare for clearer views even at dawn or dusk. The scope’s ZeroLock CDS-ZL2 system simplifies long-range shots by allowing users to customize the dial to their specific rifle and ammunition, eliminating complex ballistic calculations on the field. Additionally, its side focus parallax adjustment enhances precision over various distances. Built from robust aluminum, it is designed to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, guaranteeing reliability in harsh weather conditions and rough handling.

The in-scope electronic level further aids in accurate mounting and shooting. However, it is worth noting that this scope is on the heavier side at 1.3 pounds, which might affect balance on lighter rifles. While the price might be steep for some, its lifetime guarantee assures durability and high-quality performance. Suitable for serious hunters who demand precision and reliability, the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44 riflescope combines advanced features with rugged construction.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,454
Field of View
Reticle

Most important from
37 reviews

Field of View
This scope is bright, clear, and offers a wide field of view, comparable to more expensive options.
Reticle
The Fire Dot reticle helps bring the crosshairs onto the target quickly, though it's best used at a lower brightness setting.
#2

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Reticle
Objective Lens Diameter
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
24 reviews

Reticle
The CCH reticle excels for hunting, offering excellent hold points for tracking moving targets.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope delivers exceptionally clear and bright glass, enhancing target visibility.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged yet surprisingly lightweight design makes it ideal for extended use in the field.
Turrets and Adjustments
Initial reliability in tracking required a break-in period due to internal springs, but performance improves significantly afterward.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm riflescope is a solid choice for hunters and shooters looking for a versatile and reliable optic. Its magnification range from 3.6x to 18x covers both close and longer-distance targets well, while the 44mm objective lens strikes a good balance between light gathering and size. The First Focal Plane PR1-MIL reticle scales with magnification, allowing accurate range estimation at any zoom level. Eye relief is a comfortable 3.65 inches, which helps prevent scope bruising and offers ease of use. The turrets provide precise 1/10 Mil adjustments with clear tactile and visual feedback, ensuring accuracy when dialing in settings.

Although the scope’s parallax adjustment feature is not explicitly detailed, the overall design supports accurate shooting at various distances. Weighing about 737 grams, it is lighter than many similar scopes while remaining rugged—waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof—making it well suited to endure rough outdoor conditions. One consideration is that the scope does not have night vision capabilities, which may limit use in extremely low-light situations. Priced at a premium level, it comes with a lifetime warranty that provides peace of mind regarding its durability.

This riflescope is well suited for serious hunters and shooters who want precision, lightweight design, and dependable performance across a variety of environments.

Rating
10.0
Reticle
Objective Lens Diameter
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
24 reviews

Reticle
The CCH reticle excels for hunting, offering excellent hold points for tracking moving targets.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope delivers exceptionally clear and bright glass, enhancing target visibility.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Its rugged yet surprisingly lightweight design makes it ideal for extended use in the field.
Turrets and Adjustments
Initial reliability in tracking required a break-in period due to internal springs, but performance improves significantly afterward.
#3

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 (35mm) M5C3 FFP PR2-MIL Dark Earth Riflescope

Rating
9.9
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
24 reviews

Magnification
Optical clarity is outstanding, delivering bright and clear images that support confident target acquisition.
Reticle
The reticle design excels in hunting scenarios, offering excellent holds for moving targets that enhance precision.
Turrets and Adjustments
Initial tracking inconsistencies are resolved after a break-in period, indicating internal components stabilize with use.
Durability and Weather Resistance
This scope impresses with a remarkable combination of toughness and lightweight construction, making it easy to carry without compromising durability.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 rifle scope is designed for serious shooters and hunters who need a reliable, high-performance optic. It offers a versatile magnification range from 3.6x to 18x, which covers both close and long-distance shooting needs. The 44mm objective lens is generous enough to gather good light, helping you see clearly even in challenging lighting conditions. This scope features a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle, meaning the reticle size changes with magnification, allowing accurate range estimation at all zoom levels — a useful feature for professional use. The PR2-MIL reticle style is well-suited for tactical and precision shooting. Eye relief and field of view are practical, with a wide 28.3 feet field of view that lets you find targets quickly.

The turrets and adjustments are precise, enabling fine-tuning for windage, elevation, and parallax, which improves shooting accuracy. Built with aluminum, this scope is lightweight yet durable, plus it is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it dependable in tough outdoor environments. The dark earth finish adds to its rugged aesthetic and helps with camouflage. While it doesn’t support night vision, it excels in daylight and low-light conditions thanks to excellent glare reduction and clarity.

Some users note that the price is on the higher side, but the quality and American-made craftsmanship justify the cost for those who want a premium optic. This scope is a strong choice for hunters and professional shooters who prioritize durability, clear optics, and versatility in magnification.

Rating
9.9
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
24 reviews

Magnification
Optical clarity is outstanding, delivering bright and clear images that support confident target acquisition.
Reticle
The reticle design excels in hunting scenarios, offering excellent holds for moving targets that enhance precision.
Turrets and Adjustments
Initial tracking inconsistencies are resolved after a break-in period, indicating internal components stabilize with use.
Durability and Weather Resistance
This scope impresses with a remarkable combination of toughness and lightweight construction, making it easy to carry without compromising durability.

Buying Guide for the Best Leupold Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right rifle scope is crucial for enhancing your shooting accuracy and overall experience. A good rifle scope can make a significant difference in your ability to hit targets at various distances, in different lighting conditions, and in diverse environments. When selecting a rifle scope, it's important to consider several key specifications that will determine how well the scope meets your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you get the best fit for your shooting requirements.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it affects your ability to see and aim at distant targets. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For general hunting, a 3-9x magnification range is common, while long-range shooting might require 10x or higher. Choose a magnification based on the typical distance of your targets and the type of shooting you plan to do.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm) allow more light and are better for low-light conditions, but they can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller lenses (e.g., 32mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider the balance between light-gathering ability and the weight/size of the scope based on your shooting environment.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Reticles come in various designs, such as duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). The choice of reticle is important because it affects how you aim and compensate for factors like bullet drop and windage. A simple duplex reticle is good for general hunting, while a mil-dot reticle is useful for range estimation and long-range shooting. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and the complexity of your aiming needs.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (e.g., 4 inches or more) is better for powerful rifles to prevent the scope from hitting your face during recoil. Shorter eye relief (e.g., 3 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil firearms. Consider the recoil of your rifle and your comfort when choosing the appropriate eye relief.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV is important for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification narrows the FOV. If you need to track fast-moving targets or require a broad view of your surroundings, opt for a scope with a wider FOV. For precision shooting at long distances, a narrower FOV may be acceptable.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) of the reticle. This is important for zeroing your scope and making precise adjustments for different shooting conditions. Some scopes have exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. Consider whether you need quick access to adjustments or prefer a more protected setup. Also, check if the adjustments are in MOA (minutes of angle) or MRAD (milliradians) and choose based on your familiarity and preference.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Some scopes have a fixed parallax setting, while others offer adjustable parallax. For general hunting and short to mid-range shooting, a fixed parallax setting is often sufficient. For long-range precision shooting, an adjustable parallax is beneficial to ensure the reticle remains on target regardless of eye position.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. These features are important for maintaining performance in various environments, from rain and snow to extreme temperatures. Consider the typical conditions you'll be shooting in and choose a scope that offers the necessary protection to ensure reliability and longevity.

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