Hey there, fellow hunters and shooters! Joel Mccartan here, back with another gear roundup to help you dominate the field in 2024. Today we’re talking Leupold scopes – and let me tell you, this year’s lineup is something special.
I’ve been using Leupold glass for over 20 years now, and they just keep getting better. Whether you’re a newbie looking for your first quality scope or a seasoned pro demanding the absolute best, Leupold has options that’ll make your shooting dreams come true. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s explore the cream of the crop for 2024!
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm: Best Overall Value
Kicking things off, we’ve got the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm. This scope is like that trusty hunting buddy who never lets you down. I’ve had mine mounted on my .30-06 for three seasons now, and it’s been an absolute game-changer.
Key Features:
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Made in the USA
What I Love: The glass clarity on this scope is outstanding for the price point. Even in those tricky low-light conditions at dawn and dusk, I’m still able to pick out details on distant targets. The Twilight Light Management System really shines here (pun intended), giving you those crucial extra minutes of shooting light.
The simple duplex reticle is perfect for most hunting situations. It’s uncluttered, allowing for quick target acquisition, but still provides enough reference points for holdovers at longer ranges.
- Model #181307 – VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope with a Hunt-Plex Reticle, Capped Finger Click Adjustments and a Matte finish
- A 3:1 zoom ratio is very common in many scope models. It gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power so you can dial your power down for close encounters or all of the way up for long-range shots.
Durability is also top-notch. I’ve accidentally banged this scope against tree branches and truck doors more times than I’d like to admit, but it holds zero like a champ.
Room for Improvement: While the eye relief is generally good, it can get a bit tight at higher magnifications. Just something to be aware of if you’re using a hard-kicking caliber.
Perfect For: Hunters and target shooters looking for a high-quality, versatile scope without breaking the bank. This is an especially great choice for beginners who want to invest in quality glass that’ll grow with their skills.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus: Best for Serious Hunters
Now, if you’re ready to step up your game, the VX-5HD 3-15x44mm is where it’s at. This scope is like upgrading from a trusty pickup truck to a luxury SUV – you still get the job done, but with a whole lot more comfort and capability.
Key Features:
- 3-15x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock elevation dial
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Guard-ion lens coating
What I Love: The optical quality on this scope is stunning. The Twilight Max HD system takes low-light performance to another level – I’ve successfully taken deer during those last few precious minutes of legal shooting light when other hunters were calling it quits.
The side focus parallax adjustment is a game-changer for long-range accuracy. Combined with the CDS-ZL2 elevation dial, making precise shots at extended ranges becomes almost effortless.
- Model #175834 – VX-5HD 3-15×56 Riflescope with an Illuminated FireDot 4 Reticle, CDS-ZL2 and a Matte finish
- The CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2) provides two revolutions of elevation adjustment while eliminating accidental dial movement with the push-button ZeroLock system. It also features Leupold’s award-winning Custom Dial System (CDS), which allows shooters to order a laser-marked bullet-drop dial to match their exact ballistics and conditions.
I’m also a huge fan of the Guard-ion lens coating. It repels water, dirt, and fingerprints like nothing else I’ve used. Even in nasty weather, a quick wipe with a lens cloth is all it takes to restore crystal-clear vision.
Room for Improvement: The price tag might give some hunters pause. However, I firmly believe you get what you pay for when it comes to optics.
Perfect For: Serious hunters who demand top-tier performance across a wide range of distances and lighting conditions. If you’re regularly taking shots beyond 300 yards or hunting in challenging environments, this scope is worth every penny.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm: Best for Long-Range Precision
Alright, long-range enthusiasts, this one’s for you. The Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm is Leupold’s answer to the growing demand for precision shooting at extreme distances. It’s like having a high-powered spotting scope that you can actually shoot through.
- Model #180222 – Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope with a Front Focal PR2-MIL reticle and a Matte finish
- M5C3 Turrets – Low Profile 1/10 Mil per click dials provide 30 Mils of adjustment in 3 revolutions (Visual and tactile revolution indicators ensure you don’t get lost in the travel)
- First Focal Plane (FFP) – The reticle magnifies along with the image, so you can estimate range at all magnification settings
Key Features:
- 5-25x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- First focal plane reticle options
- M5C3 ZeroLock adjustments
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
What I Love: The optical clarity on this scope is simply jaw-dropping. Even at max magnification, the image stays razor-sharp from edge to edge. The massive 56mm objective lens gathers light like nobody’s business, giving you a bright, clear picture even in less-than-ideal conditions.
The M5C3 ZeroLock adjustments are a precision shooter’s dream. They offer positive, audible clicks and rock-solid return to zero. I’ve used this scope in PRS-style matches, and the ability to quickly dial for different distances is a huge competitive advantage.
For reticle options, I’m partial to the TMR (Tactical Milling Reticle). It provides tons of useful holdover and windage references without cluttering up the sight picture too much.
Room for Improvement: This is a big, heavy scope. It’s not something you’d want to lug around all day on a mountain hunt. Also, the learning curve for utilizing all its features can be steep for newer shooters.
Perfect For: Long-range target shooters, precision rifle competitors, and hunters who regularly take shots beyond 500 yards. If you’re serious about stretching your shooting distances, this scope will help you reach new limits.
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm: Best for Close-Range & Dangerous Game
Switching gears entirely, let’s talk about the VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm. This compact powerhouse is perfect for those heart-pounding close encounters with big game.
- Model #180590 – VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 Riflescope with a MOA-Ring Reticle, Capped Finger Click Adjustments and a Matte finish
- A 3:1 zoom ratio is very common in many scope models. It gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power (model magnification ranges are available in powers of 3x: 1.5-5, 2.5-8, 3-9, 3.5-10, etc.), so you can dial your power down for close encounters or all of the way up for long-range shots.
- Hardened surface coatings are added to meet extreme military standards in scratch resistance and added lens protection.
Key Features:
- 1.5-4x magnification
- 20mm objective lens
- Extremely lightweight (9.6 oz)
- Generous eye relief
- Pig Plex reticle option
What I Love: The low-power variable optic (LPVO) design of this scope makes it incredibly versatile. At 1.5x, it’s almost like shooting with both eyes open, giving you lightning-fast target acquisition. Crank it up to 4x, and you’ve got enough magnification for precise shot placement out to 200 yards or more.
The Pig Plex reticle option is fantastic for hunters. It provides an illuminated center dot for quick aiming in low light, surrounded by a classic duplex design for more deliberate shots.
The compact size and lightweight construction mean this scope won’t throw off the balance of your rifle. This is crucial when you need to make quick, instinctive shots on moving targets.
Room for Improvement: The 20mm objective lens means light gathering isn’t this scope’s strong suit. It’s best suited for daytime hunting or use with supplementary illumination.
Perfect For: Hunters pursuing dangerous game in thick cover, hog hunters who need quick target acquisition, and anyone looking for a do-it-all scope for an AR-15 or lever-action rifle.
Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm: Best All-Around Hunting Scope
The VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm hits a real sweet spot for hunters who need versatility without compromise. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of rifle scopes – ready to tackle just about any hunting scenario you can throw at it.
Key Features:
- 4.5-14x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- CDS-ZL Zero Lock elevation dial
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Optional illuminated reticle
What I Love: This scope offers an incredibly useful magnification range. The 4.5x low end is perfect for tracking moving game or shooting in dense timber. Crank it up to 14x, and you’ve got more than enough power for those long shots across open country.
The 50mm objective lens strikes a great balance between light gathering ability and overall scope size/weight. Combined with the Twilight Max HD system, this scope delivers a bright, clear image even as legal shooting light is fading.
- Model #180629 – VX-3HD 4.5-14×50 Riflescope with an Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter Reticle, CDS-ZL and a Matte finish
- The CDS-ZL (ZeroLock) provides quick dialing of elevation adjustment while eliminating accidental dial movement with the push-button ZeroLock system. It also features Leupold’s award-winning Custom Dial System (CDS), which allows shooters to order a laser-marked bullet-drop dial to match their exact ballistics and conditions.
The CDS-ZL Zero Lock elevation dial is a fantastic feature for hunters who like to dial for longer shots. You can get custom turrets made for your specific load, making precise long-range shots a breeze.
Room for Improvement: While not a deal-breaker, I do wish the side focus parallax adjustment started a bit closer than 50 yards for those occasional up-close shots.
Perfect For: Hunters who pursue a variety of game in different terrains and need a scope that can do it all. Whether you’re chasing elk in the mountains or whitetails from a treestand, this scope has you covered.
Leupold FX-II 2.5x20mm: Best Scout Scope
For the scout rifle enthusiasts out there, the FX-II 2.5x20mm is a classic choice that’s still going strong in 2024. This fixed-power scope embodies the scout rifle concept perfectly.
Key Features:
- 2.5x fixed magnification
- 20mm objective lens
- Extremely lightweight (7.5 oz)
- Extended eye relief (9.3 inches)
- Duplex reticle
What I Love: The extended eye relief on this scope is its standout feature. Mounted forward on a scout-style rifle, it allows for both-eyes-open shooting and maintains excellent peripheral vision. This is crucial for tracking moving targets or staying aware of your surroundings while hunting.
The fixed 2.5x magnification hits a sweet spot for general-purpose use. It’s enough power to make accurate shots out to 200 yards or more, but still allows for quick target acquisition at closer ranges.
Despite its compact size, the optical quality is still top-notch. The image is bright and clear, living up to Leupold’s reputation for excellence.
Room for Improvement: The fixed magnification means you lose out on the versatility of a variable power scope. Also, the 20mm objective lens isn’t ideal for low-light conditions.
Perfect For: Scout rifle enthusiasts, dangerous game hunters who need quick target acquisition and situational awareness, and anyone looking for a compact, lightweight scope for a brush gun or truck gun.
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm: Best High-End All-Purpose Scope
If you’re looking for the absolute pinnacle of Leupold’s hunting scope lineup, look no further than the VX-6HD 3-18x44mm. This scope is like having a high-performance sports car in your gun safe – it might be more than you need for a trip to the grocery store, but boy is it fun to take out for a spin.
- VX-6HD 3-18×44(30)CDS-ZL2 SF Mat FD Dplx
- Scopes & Accessories
- Optics
- 3-18x44mm, 30mm Tube, FireDot Duplex Reticle, Matte Black
- VX-6HD Riflescope
Key Features:
- 3-18x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- Electronic reticle level
- Motion sensor technology
- ZeroLock 2 adjustment system
What I Love: The optical quality on this scope is simply breathtaking. The edge-to-edge clarity and color fidelity are among the best I’ve ever seen. Even at max magnification, the image stays tack-sharp.
The electronic reticle level is a game-changer for maintaining proper rifle cant, especially on those steep uphill or downhill shots. Combined with the motion sensor technology that automatically turns the illumination on and off, this scope feels like it’s straight out of the future.
The 3-18x magnification range covers everything from close-quarters brush hunting to long-range precision work. I’ve used this scope successfully on everything from whitetail deer at 50 yards to steel targets at 1000 yards.
Room for Improvement: The price tag is definitely up there. Also, all those electronic features mean you’ll need to keep spare batteries on hand.
Perfect For: Hunters and shooters who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay for it. If you want one scope that can truly do it all at an elite level, this is it.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Muzzleloader: Best for Muzzleloaders
Last but not least, we’ve got a scope designed specifically for the growing muzzleloader market. The VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Muzzleloader scope is tailored to meet the unique challenges of these modern primitive weapons.
- Model #174184 – VX-Freedom Muzzleloader Specialty Riflescope with a UltimateSlam reticle and a Matte finish
- Leupold’s Advanced Optical System offers tried and true light transmission for extended glassing sessions, best in class glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that recreational sportsmen and sportswomen demand.
Key Features:
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- Ultimate Slam reticle
- Generous eye relief
- Rated for magnum muzzleloader recoil
What I Love: The Ultimate Slam reticle is the star of the show here. It provides aiming points out to 300 yards, calibrated specifically for common muzzleloader loads. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of longer shots with a muzzleloader.
The optical quality is excellent, especially given the price point. I’ve used this scope in the field, and it provides a bright, clear image even in the low-light conditions often encountered during muzzleloader seasons.
The generous eye relief is much appreciated when shooting heavy muzzleloader loads. You don’t have to worry about scope bite, even with stout charges of Blackhorn 209 powder.
Room for Improvement: While the Ultimate Slam reticle is great, I wish there was an illuminated version available for those last-minute shots at dusk.
Perfect For: Muzzleloader hunters looking for a scope that’s purpose-built for their weapon. It’s also a great choice for anyone using a hard-recoiling rifle who wants extra insurance against scope bite.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it, folks – my top 8 picks for the best Leupold scopes of 2024. Whether you’re a beginner just getting into the sport or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade your glass, there’s a Leupold scope here that’ll help you take your shooting to the next level.
Remember, investing in quality optics is one of the best things you can do to improve your accuracy and overall shooting experience. Leupold has been at the forefront of rifle scope technology for decades, and their 2024 lineup shows they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up one of these fantastic Leupold scopes and get out there! The mountains are calling, the deer are moving, and that perfect shot is just waiting for you to take it. Happy hunting, and as always, shoot straight and stay safe out there!