7 Best Leupold Rifle Scopes for Beginners & Professionals

  • By: Sana Ijaz

If you never skimp on your shooting gear and wish to own best-of-the-lot rifle scopes, Leupold Optics has assorted some terrific options for you. This time, we are going to explore Leupold rifle scopes and see if they suit all glassers’ needs or not. Also, these best Leupold rifle scope reviews will let you compare various options and pick one depending upon your requirements.

Here is a list of our top 7 Leupold rifle scopes that will 10X your game;

Are Leupold scopes any good?

From being the first optics company to making military rifle scopes to introducing nitrogen purging in lenses, Leupold is always setting quality standards instead of following them. If you want to see what does high-end glassing look like, pick any of the Leupold rifle scopes and let the resulting accuracy captivate you.

Leupold scopes provide excellent accuracy, regardless of the target’s distance and always magnify the minutest details so that you shoot precisely. The provided accuracy and optical performance are different in all scopes, and we cannot simply generalize this vast range of scopes.

That’s the reason we’ll evaluate some hand-picked Leupold rifle scopes individually, and see if they are yay or nay. To know our verdict about are Leupold scopes any good, read on!

7 Best Leupold Rifle Scopes: Beginners to Advanced

1. Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm riflescope

Specs

  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Objective diameter: 40mm
  • Tube diameter: 1inch
  • Eye relief: 4.2-3.7inch
  • FOV: 34.6-14.6ft at 100 yards
  • Weight:  11.2oz

Pros

  • Edge-to-edge image sharpness
  • Comfortable eye relief
  • Rugged
  • Large tactical knobs
  • Perfect for lowlight adventures

Cons

  • Sighting in takes time

This Leupold VX-1 scope comes with a fully multicoated lens system that repels all kinds of glare and presents well-differentiated views of the target. If you are tired of optical illusions and mirages during broad daylight shootings, this scope will solve your problem.

It comes with 4.2-3.7inch eye relief, which is ideal for glasses wearers and non-wearers alike. Whether you wear the thick-framed shooting glasses or your regular shades, this eye relief will always make focusing effortless for you.

This matte black scope is crafted from resilient aircraft-grade aluminum, which can survive all wear and tear. You can leave this scope mounted on your gun without worrying about the lens scratches because Leupold has already made this scope strong enough to wade through these hardships.

Leupold VX-1 is a rugged yet lightweight scope that will complement your indoor and outdoor ventures alike. You can just throw this scope in your hunting back and be on-the-go without worrying about its safety or weight.

The large windage and elevation knobs are textured to provide you with a stable grip. These knobs turn with an audible click so that you can track the changes in noisy places.

Also, this scope’s hand-turn knobs are easy to move and don’t move unnecessarily. You can quickly focus on your target and zero-in on it instantly without worrying about any wobble.

This VX-1 rifle scope has Leupold’s proprietary nitrogen sealing, which protects the lens’s interior and doesn’t let any impurity distort it. This nitrogen sealing makes it thoroughly water and fog proof so that weather conditions never become troublesome for you.

The versatile FireDot reticle is easy-to-read and reduces the usual guesswork by clearly indicating where your bullet will land.

Also, this scope is perfect for lowlight shooting as its premium quality lens will make the target clearer, and the reticle will help you shoot precisely.

This VX-1 scope is light, compact, ergonomic, and rugged, and when all features of a good rifle scope are in it, what are you waiting for?

If you are looking for Bushnell or Vortex riflescopes, give a read to my top collection of Bushnell riflescopes here and Vortex riflescopes here, respectively.

2. Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope

Specs

  • Magnification: 3-18x
  • Objective diameter: 50mm
  • Tube diameter: 30mm
  • Eye relief: 3.7-3.8inch
  • FOV: 38-7ft at 100 yards
  • Weight:  20.4oz

Pros

  • Twilight max HD lens system
  • Wide zoom range
  • Ergonomic illuminated reticle
  • Super-clear image quality
  • Resilient build

Cons

  • Narrow eye relief

If you prefer the first focal plane reticles, this VX-6HD scope will suit you the best. Its ergonomic and illuminated reticle is made for lowlight shooting activities, which is always very demanding.

Leupold optics has made the focusing process effortless for you with this 50mm objective lens, an illuminated reticle.

The central multicoated lens provides excellent light transmission, which helps you aim precisely and avoid eye strains as well.

Similarly, the ergonomic reticle has well-differentiated crosshair, which magnifies with the image and helps you quickly estimate the target’s distance.

The wide zoom range in the VX-6HD scope complements all long-range activities and is perfect for backcountry hunters.

If you spend days chasing frisky animals in the mountains, this Leupold scope is going to be a treat for you, thanks to its powerful magnification.

This scope has an added advantage of a twilight Max light management system that offers crisp and vivid image quality even when the surrounding light is dim.

This max light management system offers an additional 30 minutes of shooting, which are crucial during dawn/dusk hunting and can make or break the competition for you.

VX-6HD scope’s twilight performance will enable you to chase your target irrespective of the time, and that too, with ultimate accuracy.

The rugged aluminum construction makes this scope a go-to pick for wildlife hunters who cannot bother taking care of the gear.

Whether you use this scope in extremely cold weather or on pouring days, the nitrogen purged lens will always perform like a pro.

This scope has a large and easy-to-grab dial, which will add to your comfort and save your time during shooting sessions.

The stay-on aluminum lens and eyepiece covers will protect your scope in windy/rainy conditions and will never expose the scope to any crack/scratch. Also, the hydrophobic lens coating prevents moisture and rust from distorting the scope’s glass.

Incredible lowlight performance and thorough protection from external harms make this scope an excellent pick for competitions and hunts which involve careless handling of the gear.

3. Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44mm Riflescope

Specs

  • Magnification: 3-18x
  • Objective diameter: 44mm
  • Tube diameter: 34mm
  • Eye relief: 3.8-3.9inch
  • FOV: 36.8-6.3 at 100 yards
  • Weight:  23.6oz

Pros

  • Glare-free views
  • Large turret knobs
  • Excellent accuracy
  • Easy-to-sight
  • Light yet durable

Cons

  • Ambiguous user

Leupold Mark 6 is one of the US military’s trusted scopes, which indicates its compatibility in combat and tactical settings. If you need a sturdy fellow for rough-tough adventures that performs equally well, get this one without a doubt.

Leupold Mark 6 offers a comprehensive range of magnification that matches with indoor and outdoor shooters’ needs simultaneously and becomes a sharp third eye for you in all settings.

Whether you are a sniper shooter or a backpack hunter, the Leupold scope with a stout first focal plane reticle is going to make your adventures more thrilling.

Its 44mm objective lens produces super-crisp views and never lets excessive light disturb the final imagery. A thin anti-reflective layer on this lens prevents glare and assists you during broad light adventures.

Its large tactical turrets automatically lock the zeroing position so that you don’t have to alter the settings repetitively.

The twilight max management system provides extra 30 minutes that come handy during competitions and outdoor ventures. When you want to try lowlight shooting, get along a Leupold Mark 6 scope, and it’ll be a worthwhile addition to your gear.

Since Leupold never compromises its gear’s safety and resistance capacity, this scope is also fully sealed and nitrogen purged. Whether you drop it from a high point or let the rain hit it directly, this scope will survive all hardships.

Its tactical capability is evident from its compatibility with all rifles. Whether you work with AR-style rifles or short guns, this scope can be easily mounted on all.

Its body is made up of light aluminum and has a matte finish that offers solid grip even during moist conditions. If your gear is always in use, investing in this tough gadget is nothing but smart.

Leupold Mark 6 is aimed to provide the military-level gadget to masses, and if you are fond of thrilling hunting/shooting adventures, this one will be your buddy all-the-way.

4. Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Specs

  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Objective diameter: 40mm
  • Tube diameter: 1inch
  • Eye relief: 3.6-4.3inch
  • FOV: 33.5-14.1ft at 100 yards
  • Weight:  12.4oz

Pros

  • Multicoated lens system
  • Light polymer construction
  • Fully weatherproof
  • Comfortable eye relief
  • Tactile power selector

Cons

  • Reticle marks are quite hard-to-read

Leupold Mark MOD 1 offers impressive comfort and optical performance simultaneously. If you are tired of narrow eye relief that the scopes offer usually, this one will help you.

Its 3.6-4.3 inch eye relief is wide enough to facilitate you during extended shooting sessions and never lets the focusing process strain your eyes.

The tactical adjustment knobs move with slight pressure and are easy to set. These knobs offer a good grip and are placed ergonomically at the scope’s body so that you don’t have to move while adjusting.

This scope is made from light polymer that not only cuts at its overall weight but is also incredibly durable. This light-yet-strong rifle scope weighs only 12 ounces and is perfect for frequent travelers that want their gadget to be ready-to-go.

The 1inch central tube ensures excellent accuracy and reduces the chances of missed shots with the help of the stout reticle.

The FireDot reticle will do the necessary guesswork beforehand and provide you with a precise estimate of the target’s distance. This smart reticle always increases your bullets’ success rate and comes in handy when your target is continuously moving. 

The 40mm multicoated lens offers edge-to-edge image clarity and never lets chromatic aberration affect the imagery.

Weatherproofing is never a down point in Leupold scopes, and the same is the case with this one. Its rugged polymer body is purged with compressed nitrogen and is exhaustively tested beforehand.

From gusty winds to snowflakes, Leupold Mark MOD aces all conditions and makes the guy behind it a pro shooter for sure.

With this fully coated premium lens and the well-placed reticle crosshair, you’ll experience quality scoping without even spending a fortune.

Leupold Mark MOD is an inexpensive yet apt model that is specially manufactured for enthusiastic shooters. To enjoy high-end glassing in a not-so-high-end budget, try Leupold Mark MOD 6 scope.

5. Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope

Specs

  • Magnification: 4.5-14x
  • Objective diameter: 50mm
  • Tube diameter: 1inch
  • Eye relief: 3.6-4.4inch
  • FOV: 19.1-7.4ft at 100 yards
  • Weight:  14.5oz

Pros

  • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Outstanding twilight performance
  • Multicoated lens for edge-to-edge clarity
  • Weather and shockproof design
  • Great precision

Cons

  • Hard to zero-in

This one is a simple and light scope on which every shooter can rely during rough, tough conditions without worrying about the set-up time.

Leupold optics manufactured this scope from solid aircraft-grade aluminum so that nothing can affect its performance. The innovative shockproof design will help you ace all difficult challenges and will ensure that the scope stays unharmed.

The premium 50mm central lens gathers an ample amount of light, which eventually produces bright imagery. This multicoated lens repels light scattering and shows the actual color of your target.

Most rifle scopes show slight distortion at the edges, but this Leupold VX-3i has outstanding glass quality that doesn’t let optical distortion affect the views.

This scope’s twilight max management system will give you some extra shooting time, which is perfect for outdoor activities. When you spend the whole day chasing the targets and cannot succeed in killing any, these twilight minutes feel like a gift, and Leupold knows that.

Its duplex scope has fine crosshair that allows you to focus a point and calculate the bullet drop distance quickly.

Its tactile power selector will quickly clarify your sight so that the running/moving target doesn’t escape, and you shoot accurately.

Leupold VX-3i has a scratch-resistant lens that can survive regular use/abuse and will still be unharmed.

The dual-spring precision knobs quickly save your settings and ensure that you don’t lose it.

Once you spot a target, the tactile power selector will magnify it, and the precision knobs will lock the view; this whole process will be quick and effortless.

So, if you cannot be bothered with poor image quality and setting/resetting your scope, Leupold VX-3i is your answer. Its apt lens system and nicely-manufactured body is one-of-a-kind.

6. Leupold VX-R Patrol Riflescope

Specs

  • Magnification: 1.25-4x
  • Objective diameter: 20mm
  • Tube diameter: 30mm
  • Eye relief: 3.74-4.17inch
  • FOV: 74.2-29.4ft at 100 yards
  • Weight:  12oz

Pros

  • Exclusive motion sensor technology
  • Textured adjustment knobs
  • Solid matte finish
  • Illuminated reticle
  • Wide FOV

Cons

  • Thick reticle

Long-range hunting requires a competent field of view which can keep you in-the-know and doesn’t let the target run from your sight.

If you are a backcountry hunter, this Leupold VX-R patrol scope should be your priority. With its vast field of view and incredible clarity, you can glance at vast regions in one go.

This scope comes with a 74.2-29.4ft field of view, which is perfect for long-range shooting, and when we combine it with the crystal-clear image quality, the result is outstanding.

You are definitely in for a treat with this scope as it has an ergonomic illuminated reticle. If you are a newbie who is struggling with the gun’s precision, this FireDot illuminated reticle is your solution.

This precise reticle makes focusing a lot easier and doesn’t let your eyes strain either. Also, since this scope has a comfortable eye relief, you can wear specs while practicing with it without any problem.

As Leupold optics keeps introducing newer technologies in its gadgets, this one is no exception. VX-R scope has a built-in motion sensor that automatically turns off the reticle after 5 minutes.

As the reticle works on a battery, this sensor will save its power and keep your scope ready for lowlight focusing.

The twilight max management system works as a cherry on top and lets you experience impressive imagery even in dim light.

This basic-level scope comes with 1.5-4x magnification, which somehow restrains your range. However, the broad field of view compensates for this magnification problem and doesn’t bind you to a specific limit.

Instead, you can cover most shooting ranges with VX-R patrol scope and that too, with secure handling.

Its tactical knobs move with an audible click and have textured surface for added grip. Moist conditions often make windage and elevation calculation quite troublesome, but with this sturdy scope, you’ll always feel comfortable and a step ahead of the competition.

7. Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm Riflescope

Specs

  • Magnification: 6.5-20x
  • Objective diameter: 50mm
  • Tube diameter: 30mm
  • Eye relief: 4.41-3.62 inch
  • FOV: 14.7-6.1ft at 100 yards
  • Weight:  21.7oz

Pros

  • Large, easy-to-grab adjustment dial
  • Ultra-light design
  • Impressive twilight clarity
  • Incredible long-range precision
  • Durable body

Cons

  • Expensive

If you want to experience high-end precision and are ready to spend good cash for it, try out this Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20×50 scope without a second thought.

Its massive 50mm central lens gathers an impressive amount of light, which brightens your target and helps you see the little objects better.

You’ll get glare-free and super clear imagery with this scope, all thanks to its anti-reflective coatings.

Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20×50 is an ultra-light scope that you can pack easily and haul it to wherever you go.

This matte black scope is made from sturdy aluminum, which can bear regular recoiling and shelters the lens from scratches/dents.

This aluminum body is purged with dry nitrogen and has a rubber sealing so that no weather hardship can harm it, and you enjoy endless shooting hours comfortably.

Another exciting feature of this scope is its large and easy-to-grab setting dial. No matter how intense of a shooting competition you are in, this dial is always there to quickly change your focus and make sure that you don’t miss a shot.

This adjustment dial saves your time and focus both so that you can zero-in on different objects comfortably.

The windage and elevation knobs are slightly uplifted in Leupold VX-3i scope, which adds to your comfort. These knobs are designed ergonomically so that you can reach them right from your shooting position without tilting your head.

The lens is scratch-resistant and made from military-grade glass that makes this scope a top-notch choice for serious hunters/shooters.

Leupold optics has ensured that this scope is sheltered from most harms, be it weather extremes or careless handling.

Whether you look through this scope in early morning or post-sunset, you’ll feel incredible brightness in the views because of Leupold’s benchmark twilight management system.

Most scopes offer glitch-free clarity to a specific range, and after that, the views get blurry. Fortunately, that’s not a problem in Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20×50 scope. From the nearest objects to the farthest ones, you’ll see incredible precision once this scope is in your hand.

Although this one will cost you a good sum, it’s all worth it. The optical quality, the durability, and comfort; everything is spot-on in this scope. 

Also Read: Where are Leupold Spotting Scopes Made?

Also Read: The Best Leupold Binoculars (2023)

Leupold Rifle Scopes Summary

Leupold rifle scopes are always regarded as high-end ones due to their manufacturing and performance. If you are to invest in a reliable rifle scope that serves you for the years to come, get any of the above-described Leupold rifle scopes and take your shooting passion to another level.

These best Leupold rifle scope reviews were compiled after thorough research so that you get a clear idea of what to expect from them and what not to. And as a final verdict, I’d say that all of these scopes are brilliantly manufactured and perked with helpful features to facilitate shooters from all fields. 

From incredible image quality to bearing harsh weather conditions, all of the Leupold rifle scopes are great and reliable. The difference, however, is in the price range, which eventually depends upon your passion. That being said, I wish you good luck with your scope shopping, go, and find your dream rifle scope (haha)!

Image credit: Leupold 

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