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10 Best Leupold Rifle Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x44 (30mm) CDS-SZL2 Side Focus Illum. TMOA

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,212
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
4 reviews

Magnification
Delivers clear, sharp optics across a versatile magnification range ideal for both close and long-distance shooting.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle enhances quick target acquisition, especially valuable in low-light conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Lightweight yet durable design balances ruggedness with ease of handling in the field.
Turrets and Adjustments
Precision turrets provide reliable windage and elevation adjustments for accurate zeroing.

The Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x44 is a high-quality rifle scope designed with hunters in mind. It offers a versatile magnification range from 3x to 18x, making it suitable for both close and long-distance shooting. The 44mm objective lens allows for good light gathering, which helps provide clear images in various lighting conditions. It features a TMOA illuminated reticle that is easy to see and useful for quick target acquisition, especially in low light. The side focus parallax adjustment helps ensure your target stays sharp at different distances, improving accuracy.

With a 30mm main tube, the scope balances durability and weight well, weighing just 17.4 ounces and made from tough aluminum with a matte finish to reduce glare and resist harsh weather. The turrets are designed for precise windage and elevation adjustments, which is important when zeroing your scope or making changes in the field. A major plus is Leupold’s lifetime warranty, which covers repairs or replacement without proof of purchase, reflecting confidence in their build quality.

A downside is that it doesn’t support night vision compatibility, making it less suited for nighttime hunting. Additionally, at its price point and features, it may exceed the needs of casual shooters but serves as a solid choice for serious hunters seeking reliability and sharp optics in a lightweight package.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,212
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
4 reviews

Magnification
Delivers clear, sharp optics across a versatile magnification range ideal for both close and long-distance shooting.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle enhances quick target acquisition, especially valuable in low-light conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Lightweight yet durable design balances ruggedness with ease of handling in the field.
Turrets and Adjustments
Precision turrets provide reliable windage and elevation adjustments for accurate zeroing.
#2

Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm M5C3 FFP Side Focus Riflescope, Illuminated TMR Reticle

The Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm riflescope is designed with precision and durability in mind, making it a top choice for serious hunters and shooting enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the high magnification range, from 7x to 35x, which allows for versatile use in various shooting scenarios, from mid-range to long-distance targets. The large 56mm objective lens diameter ensures excellent light transmission, even in low-light conditions, further enhanced by the Twilight Max HD Light Management system, which provides up to 30 minutes of additional shooting light, reduces glare, and offers edge-to-edge clarity.

The illuminated TMR reticle on the front focal plane is another key feature, enabling accurate range estimation at all magnification levels. The M5C3 low-profile turrets offer precise adjustments with tactile and visual indicators, making it easy to track settings without losing count. This riflescope is built to withstand the elements, being 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, thanks to its rugged aluminum construction. However, at 3 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might not be ideal for those looking for a lightweight option.

Additionally, its high-end features and performance come at a premium price, making it more suitable for dedicated shooters rather than casual users. The eye relief of 3.8 inches is adequate but may require careful positioning to avoid scope bite, especially at higher magnifications. The Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm riflescope excels in durability, clarity, and precision, catering well to advanced users seeking reliable performance in challenging conditions.

#3

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP PR2-MIL Dark Earth Riflescope

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
37 reviews

Magnification
The optical clarity and crispness are exceptional across the entire magnification range, delivering a clear, sharp image that enhances precision.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle and wide magnification range provide versatile, reliable performance for both close and long-distance shooting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Craftsmanship and build quality feel like a true work of art, reflecting attention to detail and premium materials that justify the investment.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 riflescope is a solid choice for serious shooters who need precision and reliability in various lighting and field conditions. Its wide magnification range (5-25x) allows for versatile use, from closer to long-distance targets. The large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving visibility in low-light situations like dawn or dusk. The first focal plane (FFP) TMR reticle is a standout feature, meaning the reticle scales with magnification and stays accurate for range estimation at any zoom level, which is helpful for hunters and tactical shooters.

Eye relief and field of view are designed to provide a comfortable and clear viewing experience, with a 20.4-foot field of view making it easier to track moving targets. The turrets and adjustments, including parallax correction, are precise, allowing for fine-tuning your shot even at long ranges. Built from durable aluminum, this scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it can handle rough conditions and harsh weather, backed by Leupold’s strong reputation and customer support.

The weight of 3 pounds might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially on lighter rifles. It does not support night vision compatibility, making it best suited for daylight or twilight use. The Dark Earth finish provides a stylish, tactical look and helps with camouflage. This scope fits well for professional guides, hunters, and shooters who demand high optical clarity and rugged durability in a precision rifle scope.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
37 reviews

Magnification
The optical clarity and crispness are exceptional across the entire magnification range, delivering a clear, sharp image that enhances precision.
Reticle
The first focal plane reticle and wide magnification range provide versatile, reliable performance for both close and long-distance shooting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Craftsmanship and build quality feel like a true work of art, reflecting attention to detail and premium materials that justify the investment.

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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