America’s Rifle Scope: Leupold VX-6HD

When you think of iconic symbols in the hunting/outdoor industry there are more than a handful of names and companies that come to mind. However, in my opinion the most recognizable of them all is not even a logo… it’s the timeless gold ring that eloquently wraps around a Leupold rifle scope that instantly represents heritage and quality. 

Leupold has been a titan in the outdoor industry for many decades, but they began as a family business in 1907 and still to this day remain a family-owned business. I’m not going to get into too much o[pf Leupold’s century long history, because I could probably write an entire book about that, but if you’d like to learn more about it (highly suggest you do) give their website a visit and you can see a timeline of their start and evolution that has led to the impressive legacy they have created. 

What has remained a constant in all these years is their devotion and dedication to you, the customer. That dedication includes using the highest quality materials for their innovative products, investing in American manufacturing, implementing thorough quality control processes, and standing behind their products with a lifetime warranty. 

For many years, I had always seen that iconic gold ring being used in countless hunting images, and I had always wanted to take part in what Leupold represented. So, I decided to choose a Leupold scope for my hunting rifle and went with a VX-6HD 3-18x50. I wanted a versatile scope that I could put to use on any western game and had the ability to withstand the rough conditions and terrain we put our gear through. Whether you go with the VX-5HD or the VX-6HD, the features are identical with the difference being a 5:1 zoom ratio and a 6:1 zoom ratio. Personally, having a 3-power scope when it’s dialed down is ideal for me when it comes to field of view and those quicker target acquisitions. The 18-power maximum magnification is plenty for me out west, and if I need more than 18x then I wouldn’t take a shot at the animal and would choose to get closer anyways. I don’t plan on ever shooting at an animal past 600 yards. However, they have a whole bunch of different magnification options and reticle choices that you can choose from that meet your needs.

Leupold VX-6HD Feature List

In my opinion, the VX-6HD is solidified on the Mount Rushmore of the greatest all around hunting scopes ever made. Why? The incredible value that you get in this scope is pretty astonishing when you look at all the quality features this thing has. Let’s take a look at the long list:

• 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Built to handle anything you or Mother Nature throws at it. 

• Professional-grade optical system and HD-lenses provide you with incredible light transmission, edge to edge clarity, and great image quality, color, and resolution. 

• The CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2) gives you two revolutions of elevation and the push-button ZeroLock eliminates any accidental dial movements. The CDS (Custom Dial System) allows you to order a laser marked bullet-drop dial based on your exact ballistics and conditions. 

• Motion Sensor Technology extends battery life for illuminated reticles by automatically deactivating after 5 minutes of inactivity, and reactives instantly as movement is detected. 

• Illuminated reticle (if you choose illuminated) with brightness adjustability  and an electronic reticle level indicator that flashes when your scope is not level. This makes for easier long distance shots and a much easier scope mounting process. 

• Two included Alumina flip back lens covers that have responsive clicks and effectively keep dirt and debris out of your lenses. 

• Included reversible throw lever for quick and easy magnification changes. 

• Lifetime guarantee and warranty.

My Recent Experience with the VX-6HD

I told you it’s a long list… this feature packed rifle scope is an absolute workhorse of a tool and boasts versatility. In fact, I recently put it to work on a Spring bear hunt in Idaho this year and I was very happy with my experience with it. We went through some nasty thick stuff and I took a few questionable slips that definitely put this rifle scope's durability to the test. It got thrown around, it got heavily rained on, hung up on branches, etc., and still performed flawlessly when it was time to put the bullet where the reticle was aimed. Not only that, but when I got home, I wiped it all down and it looked like new, so that protective outer coating on it was awesome. The iconic gold ring not only lived up to the expectations I had for it, but it exceeded them all as well. 

This is why I believe it to be one of, if not the best all-around value rifle scopes on the market and it’s no surprise to me that Leupold is one of the preferred and trusted choices for hunters, competition shooters, and our military/LE. 

If you want to learn more about the Leupold VX-6HD you can visit the optic experts over at Outdoorsmans