Leupold is a well-known and high-quality rifle scope manufacturer. If you’re looking for a new optic for your AR-15, you have a lot of options. That is why we have compiled a list of the top 5 Leupold rifle scopes for you to explore. Whether you’re tight on cash or looking for the best Leupold scope for AR-15, you will find it here.
Let’s dive in!
Leupold has been in business since 1907 and is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. A German immigrant named Markus Friedrich (Fred) Leupold and his brother-in-law Adam Voelpel started the company. Since then, it has been family-owned and passed down through five generations. Initially, the firm produced surveying equipment. Later, JC Stevens joined the company as a partner in 1914, bringing his invention of the first water level recorder. They renamed themselves Leupold & Stevens, which they still use today. It wasn’t until 1947 that the business began producing rifle scopes. Still today, they are one of the world’s most well-known makers of optical instruments.
Best Leupold Scopes for AR-15
Let’s explore the five top Leupold scopes and see how they stack up against one another.
LEUPOLD VX-3I 3.5-1040
The Leupold VX-3i is the Leupold scope we would suggest as being the best overall Leupold scope.
Here’s why…
The glass in this scope is exceptionally clear. The picture sharpness and edge-to-edge crispness are on par with scopes costing two times as much.
Additionally, it features Leupold’s Twilight Max light control technology. You can see more clearly in low light because of this coating’s ability to absorb ambient light. The best times to go hunting are at dawn and dusk, when you’ll have an additional 20 minutes of visibility.
Wanna know about the reticle?
The VX-3i’s Duplex reticle is listed among the favorites. It’s neat and straightforward, providing you with a clear picture. Furthermore, the stronger edges and fine crosshairs direct your gaze to the center for quick target acquisition. It moves nearly as quickly as an EOTech clone.
The eye relief on the Leupold VX-3i is quite considerable. The 4.4 to 3.6 inches you receive are more than adequate. This is among the factors that make this rifle scope top the list with the highest magnification, it’s a little tighter, but experts discovered that a strong cheek weld makes it far more manageable.
Leupold crafts its scopes to be incredibly robust and long-lasting. The VX-3i is a lightweight scope that is still durable because it is composed of aircraft-grade aluminum. Moreover, it is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
Besides, this rifle scope has DiamondCoat 2, which protects the lenses from scratches. Leupold also provides a lifetime warranty!
You can certainly put this item to the test by dropping it a few times. It still performs flawlessly. There are 1/4 MOA adjustments on the elevation and windage knobs.
It is simple and quick. Additionally, it contains zero. You can use this scope on numerous hunting expeditions and never have to worry about any adjustments. Additionally, you can get the fantastic ZeroLock Custom Dial System. With regular elevation changes, long-range shots are made simpler.
The magnification on this scope is 3.5–10x. With this range, you can shoot accurately from close range as well as a distance away. You can make an 800-yard shot at the greatest magnification! However, this rifle sight performs best in the 300-400 yard range. Even though it can handle close range, it’s a good scope for 10-150 yards. Moreover, the fixed parallax of the VX-3i appears to be functional.
You’ll need to purchase your mount or rings for your setup. The Leupold Weaver-style rings are a great option and function perfectly.
In a nutshell:
This scope is quite functional and can be used for both hunting and target shooting. Try the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-1040 if you want a high-quality scope at a great price
LEUPOLD VX-5HD 3-15×44: BEST FOR DEER HUNTING
When it comes to deer hunting, the VX-5HD is your best bet for a scope.
The best piece of glass you’ve ever looked through is in this scope. Lead-free glass, which offers better optics and is more environmentally benign than conventional glass byproducts, is used to make the lenses.
This indicates that the calcium-fluoride lenses will provide you with realistic clarity and vibrant color.
In addition, the VX-5HD has a top-of-the-line coating for low-light visibility and a Twilight Max HD light management system. This provides you with 20 minutes or more of additional visibility at night and dawn when deer are most active. It has an Impact-29 MOA reticle.
The eye relief is between 3.7 and 3.8. As long as you have a strong cheek weld, this is plenty. Additionally, it boasts a quick-focus eyepiece that guarantees a wide eye box.
The VX-5HD is a long-lasting rifle scope, just like all Leupold models. It is built of lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum that can survive the roughest conditions. In truth, this scope is among the top lightweight rifle scopes available.
Besides, it is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. The Guard-Ion Rain Shedding Coating on the lenses makes them water, grime, and fingerprint resistant. They are also resistant to scratches.
A 1/4 MOA adjustment click value is present on the turrets. They provide a very reliable click that is both audible and tactile. Additionally, it features a CDS elevation dial, which makes long-range photos simpler. This means you won’t have to worry about holdovers or ballistics calculations in the middle of a hunt. This scope is simple to zero in at 100 yards.
Besides, it contains a ZeroLock 2, which stops you from unintentionally spinning away from zero.
Here, You get a varied shooting range with 3-15x magnification. Although it may not be as good as the greatest 1-6x scopes for close-range shooting, it outperforms them at medium to long ranges. At 200 yards, the clarity is so good that you can make out even the slightest characteristics on a deer, and at 600 yards, you can consistently nail an 8-inch target.
Wanna know the best part?
It has a quick and simple side focus parallax adjustment. Depending on your setup, you’ll need a different mount or set of rings. The Leupold BackCountry Two-Piece Scope Mount is a popular option, and it’s fantastic because you can customize it to your needs.
In short:
You’ll receive a top-notch deer hunting scope that will simplify your subsequent journey. Try the Leupold VX-5HD 3-1544 if you want to make your friends envious of the extra 20 minutes of visibility you get in the mornings.
Do share your experience in the comment box.
LEUPOLD MARK 5HD 5-25×56: BEST FOR 1000 YARDS
When it comes to the greatest long-range scopes, nothing tops the Mark 5HD. Not only will you be able to find and follow your prey easily, but you’ll also be able to hunt them with shots from 1000 yards away consistently.
With this scope, you’ll get a clean, clear view from edge to edge. The glass clarity is among the greatest you may have seen. It also has the Twilight Max HD coating, which improves low-light visibility while reducing glare. Moreover, the fast-focus eyepiece enables you to receive a crisp vision and hit your target more quickly.
You have a few options for reticles, but the TMR is the best choice because it is simple and uncluttered. They’re all front focal plane reticles so that you can estimate the range at any magnification. The Mark 5HD has 3.6 low and 3.8 high eye relief. So, for long-distance shots, it’s a good catch.
You may be confident that this scope will handle whatever you throw at it. All Leupold scopes are rigorously tested to ensure they can withstand the hardest conditions. The lenses are scratch-resistant, and the scope is watertight, fog proof, and shockproof.
If that isn’t enough, it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Furthermore, it is the lightest scope in its class. When you’re going through the woods, it’s a big deal that it weighs 10 ounces less than the competitors. That alone qualifies it as one of the greatest rifle scopes available.
Another amazing feature of this scope is the elevation and windage turrets. It has three revolutions of adjustment and 1/10 MIL clicks. The turrets produce an audible and tactile click.
It also features a high-speed throw lever, allowing you to change the magnification quickly. Nothing is more frustrating than missing a shot because you weren’t quick enough with the alterations. It simply takes a few minutes to zero this, and it stays that way, thanks to the zero-locking mechanism.
The Mark 5HD has a magnification range of 5-25x. This performs admirably at mid-range distances while also excelling at long-range shooting. It also has a side focus for parallax adjustment as a bonus. This scope requires a 35mm mount. It does include a lens shade and cover, which is a good addition.
Whether you engage in long-range contests or enjoy hunting and require a scope that enables shots from a distance of one thousand yards, this scope is excellent.
LEUPOLD VX-FREEDOM 3-940: BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
The VX-Freedom blends premium features, robustness, and affordability. This scope excels as a rimfire optic, but it also functions admirably on muzzleloaders and shotguns, making it ideal for deer season.
The VX-Freedom has edge-to-edge crystal transparent glass. It has the Twilight Light Management System, which is standard on all Leupold scopes. Even though this is their entry-level model, you’ll get about 15-20 minutes of low-light visibility. You do have various options for reticle type.
Many people prefer the Duplex because it pulls your attention to the center immediately. It’s not as rapid as holographic sights, but it’s close, and it has the advantage of variable magnification.
One of VX-strong Freedom’s points is its generous eye relief. It has a low magnification of 4.2 and a high magnification of 3.7. When hunting with this rifle sight, you don’t have to think about your head or eye location.
The eye box also provides a great, wide field of view.
The VX-Freedom is extremely tough. It goes through the same testing as all Leupold scopes, so you can be confident that it will last. It, too, is fog proof, shockproof, and waterproof. A lifetime warranty is also included.
The turrets have 14 MOA click adjustments that are accurate and precise. However, this is where you can tell this isn’t a higher-priced scope. They’re still obvious and predictable, so it’s not a major hassle. It doesn’t take long to zero this Leupold scope, as it does with the others.
The magnification ranges from 3 to 9x, providing an excellent vision for short to medium-range shots. The parallax of the VX-Freedom is fixed. You will need to purchase a mounting system, as with all of the Leupold scopes on this list.
You’ll get all of the necessary features at a fair price. With clear glass and good visibility in low light, you’ll be able to quickly and confidently engage your targets.
Leupold FX-3 6X42
It is a known fact that many shooters purchase scopes with way too many “bells and whistles” for their specific needs. Flexible functionality is great, but overcomplicating things can result in valuable seconds lost before hitting the trigger.
The Leupold FX3 – 6X42 fixed magnification scope is intended to simplify your shooting experience. This high-quality scope provides simplicity, tough performance, and pinpoint precision. The crystal-clear glass and 6x fixed magnification allow for quick target acquisition and enough power to knock down your target efficiently.
The company’s Advanced Optical System provides clarity of vision. Every time you look through the scope, you can count on tried, trusted, and true light transmission. When you combine this with best-in-class glare reduction in any strong light environment, you get sharp resolution and outstanding image viewing.
Leupold is well-versed in reticle design. After all, they are the creators of the duplex reticle. This optic features their registered, non-illuminated ‘Wide Reticle’ reticle, which was inspired by the original design.
It is located in the SFP (Second Focal Plane), provides shooters with a bigger center opening, and is extremely simple to use. When combined with the previously mentioned quick target acquisition, this optic is an excellent choice for moving targets and larger prey.
A 1-inch main tube and a high-quality 42mm objective lens round out the 6x fixed magnification. It measures 13.2-inches and adds 13.6 ounces to your weapon. MOA (Minute Of Angle) adjustment is available in 1/4 MOA click stages. The exit pupil is 4mm, and the linear FOV (Field Of View) is 17.3 feet at 100 yards. The eye relief is 4.4 inches, which is very comfortable.
It can be used in any environment. The FX-3 6-42mm is completely waterproof and fog proof. It’s also shockproof so that it can survive bangs, bumps, and recoil. Like all Leupold rifle scopes, is designed, produced, and assembled in the United States. It is also lifetime guaranteed.
What Makes Leupold So Special?
Leupold optics are among the finest in the industry. While Leupold is in the middle of the pricing range, its quality is far but average. Besides, the thing that makes Leupold so remarkable is that they offer inexpensive optics of the highest quality and caliber.
Leupold’s optics are so superb that the US military prefers and uses them. The United States military uses Leupold long-range optics more than any other brand.
Another thing that makes Leupold stand out is that they created the Duplex reticle in 1962. This reticle transformed the industry and is now the most used in riflescopes.
Leupold was also the first business to develop fog-proof scopes, and its technology remains among the best. All of their rifle scopes are incredibly sturdy and have been rigorously tested to endure any environment. Furthermore, they are all equipped with the Twilight Light Management System, which helps gather ambient light for improved visibility at dawn and twilight. Depending on whether you get the system’s regular, Max, or HD edition, you can extend your hunt time by 15 to 30 minutes, which is a significant benefit.
