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10 Best Leupold Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M5C3 FFP Side Focus Riflescope, Illuminated TMR Reticle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,195
Magnification
Turrets

Most important from
34 reviews

Magnification
The quality of the craftsmanship, the clarity of the optics throughout the magnification, and the ease of use are amazing.
Turrets
Very firm clicks on the dials and the glass quality is crazy clear.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm riflescope stands out with its impressive magnification range of 5x to 25x, making it versatile for various shooting distances. The 56mm objective lens diameter ensures bright and clear images even in low light conditions. Its illuminated TMR (Tactical Milling Reticle) in the first focal plane (FFP) is a significant advantage, as the reticle scales with the zoom, aiding in accurate range estimation at any magnification. The scope's eye relief is comfortable, which is crucial for extended use and preventing eye strain.

With a field of view that adapts well across its magnification range, users can quickly spot and track targets. Parallax adjustment ensures precision, particularly at long distances, while the M5C3 turrets provide precise 1/10 Mil per click adjustments, with clear indicators to prevent getting lost during adjustments. One of the standout features is its lightweight design, being up to 20 ounces lighter than similar scopes, making it easier to handle and mount on various rifle platforms.

Durability is assured as it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, and it's backed by Leupold’s full lifetime guarantee, offering peace of mind regarding long-term use. However, it's worth noting that with a weight of 3 pounds, it may still feel substantial on lighter firearms. Additionally, its high performance comes with a higher price point, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The design, quality, and user-focused features make it an excellent choice for serious hunters and shooters who need reliability and precision in diverse shooting conditions.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,195
Magnification
Turrets

Most important from
34 reviews

Magnification
The quality of the craftsmanship, the clarity of the optics throughout the magnification, and the ease of use are amazing.
Turrets
Very firm clicks on the dials and the glass quality is crazy clear.
#2

Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. TMOA Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Reticle
Turrets

Most important from
51 reviews

Reticle
The illuminated HD Fire dot reticle stands out for its brightness and clarity, improving aiming accuracy.
Turrets
The custom top turret dial eliminates guesswork by allowing direct range adjustments, enhancing quick target acquisition.

The Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 riflescope is designed primarily for hunting and offers a versatile magnification range from 3x to 18x, making it suitable for both close and long-distance shots. Its large 50mm objective lens allows good light transmission, which helps in low-light conditions often encountered during dawn or dusk hunts. The scope features an illuminated T-MOA reticle with a CDS-ZL2 ZeroLock system, providing precise aiming adjustments and easy zeroing, which many hunters will appreciate for quick target acquisition.

Made from durable aluminum, the scope is lightweight at about 0.4 pounds, making it comfortable to carry without adding much bulk. Side focus parallax adjustment ensures clear images and sharp focus at various distances, which is useful for accurate shooting. The turrets are designed for easy and reliable elevation and windage adjustments, enhancing precision in the field.

One potential downside is that it does not have night vision capability, so it’s less suitable for very low-light or night hunting situations. Some users might also find the price point higher compared to basic scopes, but that’s balanced by the lifetime guarantee and quality build Leupold offers. This scope is a solid choice for hunters who need a flexible, reliable optic with strong light-gathering ability and clear reticle features without unnecessary complexity.

Rating
10.0
Reticle
Turrets

Most important from
51 reviews

Reticle
The illuminated HD Fire dot reticle stands out for its brightness and clarity, improving aiming accuracy.
Turrets
The custom top turret dial eliminates guesswork by allowing direct range adjustments, enhancing quick target acquisition.

Buying Guide for the Best Leupold Scopes

Choosing the right scope for your needs can significantly enhance your shooting experience. Whether you're a hunter, a competitive shooter, or just enjoy target practice, understanding the key specifications of a scope will help you make an informed decision. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a Leupold scope, along with explanations to guide you through the process.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are ideal for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition. Medium magnification (5-9x) is suitable for mid-range distances, while high magnification (10x and above) is best for long-range shooting. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because a larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. Smaller diameters (20-32mm) are lighter and more compact, suitable for short to mid-range shooting. Medium diameters (40-44mm) offer a good balance of light transmission and size, while larger diameters (50mm and above) are best for low-light conditions and long-range shooting. Consider the lighting conditions and the weight you are comfortable with when choosing the objective lens diameter.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve various purposes. Simple duplex reticles are easy to use and great for general shooting. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles help with long-range shooting by providing holdover points. Mil-dot reticles are useful for range estimation and windage adjustments. Choose a reticle based on your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil firearms. Scopes with longer eye relief (3.5 inches or more) are better for high-recoil rifles, while shorter eye relief (around 3 inches) is sufficient for low-recoil firearms. Ensure the eye relief is adequate for your firearm to avoid injury and ensure a comfortable shooting experience.
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 allows you to see more of the target area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification narrows the FOV. Consider how important it is for you to see a broader area versus focusing on a specific target when choosing the FOV.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate the apparent shift of the reticle when you move your eye position. This is crucial for precision shooting at varying distances. Scopes without parallax adjustment are typically set at a fixed distance (usually 100 yards), which is fine for general shooting. Adjustable parallax (side focus or adjustable objective) is beneficial for long-range shooting and ensures the reticle remains on target regardless of eye position. If you plan to shoot at various distances, consider a scope with parallax adjustment.
TurretsTurrets are the knobs on the scope used to adjust the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) of the reticle. Precise and easy-to-use turrets are important for making accurate adjustments. Target turrets are larger and easier to adjust, suitable for long-range and competitive shooting. Low-profile turrets are more compact and less likely to be accidentally moved, ideal for hunting. Choose turrets based on how often you need to make adjustments and the type of shooting you do.

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