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Review Summary
2025-10-26T20:00:00
great glass one of the clearest scopes I have looked through. great in the early morning. My gun took a tumble and the scope is still on and works.
Lynn w.

2025-10-26T20:00:00
Extremely happy! Very high quality optic.
Michael D.

2025-10-25T20:00:00
Outstanding Performance
RE

2025-10-25T20:00:00
Great Scope for my FN15.
Luke S.

2025-10-21T20:00:00
Just incredible clarity, and I love the MRAD reticle. Finest optic I have owned!
Benjamin C.

2025-10-20T20:00:00
Excellent as always!!
Jeffery A.

2025-10-20T20:00:00
This is the best scope I have ever owned. Rugged and crystal clear, it held up great in the back country hunting off of horses through rain, snow, and mud. I also recommend the alumina scope covers as a pair to this. It won't be my last one.
William C.

2025-10-12T20:00:00
I'll start by saying that I am a fan of Leupold optics and I've been using and recommending them since I bought my first one circa 2004. They are usually the lightest optics in their class. I place a premium on light weight and durability when selecting an optic and Leupold has never disappointed me. Glass quality is another big reason I recommend Leupold. Their entry level scopes outperform other brands that cost 2-3 times more. In regards to this VX-5HD 3-15X44, for me it was a splurge. Sadly, I'm a bit disappointed. My VX-3HD 2. 5-8 has a better throw lever because this scope doesn't have a throw lever and I paid more than twice as much. The windage adjustment is very mushy which is crazy because all my other scopes from Leupold even the entry level VX-Freedom line have better feedback when dialing for windage. I'm not a snob in this regard and I know that I'm not the type to dial but I literally was having a trial and error process when zeroing. I could not feel the clicks and know how much adjustment I was making, it cost me time and ammo. Another dissatisfaction is the cheap plastic and elastic lens covers. The VX-3HD line has better "bikini type" lens protection. But at this price point they really should include folding lens caps. Furthermore, when I tried to source the factory lens caps I was shocked at the price, but I figured I would splurge again. It was very difficult to figure out which specific lens caps to order so I asked Leupold via e-mail and didn't get a reply for days. I ended up ordering Butler creek caps through amazon and had them delivered before Leupold even responded to my email. To close on a positive, I do like the image quality and the CDS dial. I went with the original and not the cost prohibitive gen 2. I also like the auto-shutoff of the illumination as a way to keep the dot on and ready when you pickup the rifle but it hibernates to save battery. I'd prefer a dial over a button although it is nice and trim in this configuration. To me Leupold has amazing entry level scopes, they are so good that they even make their own higher end scopes seem ill advised. The VX-3HD is the best balance of features and price point in my opinion and would be perfect if they offered a wider range of magnification ranges. I'd love to see their product line separated by glass quality instead of by magnification multipliers. A 2-10x40mm "VX-3HD" glass quality with CDS and illumination at the VX-3HD price point would be a dream. Same for a 1-6 with the same quality level and illumination. I wonder how many Leupold fans share my frustration?
Robert R.

2025-10-11T20:00:00
Great optic, own several, when I need new glass I don't even think of anything else. Easy to zero, easy to adjust.
Scott H.

2025-10-07T20:00:00
Absolutely Smashing! Bore sighted by eye through barrel. 4 shots at 100yd range, zeroing to 3"high (285yd zero). Moved to Long-Range crushed painted iron to 880yd. Under a half box of off the shelf ammunition. Still breaking in the barrel, selected a respectable pronghorn @460yards. Couldn't have placed a better shot. Vx-5 hd is just as reliable as my Vx-6. No regrets. Leupold Backcountry ringset (low) was excellent to stabilize new leupold optic to pic rail.
Steve L.

2025-10-01T20:00:00
Great optic, superior quality glass.
Jon R.

2025-10-01T20:00:00
Just what I was looking for. Wanted a target dot and the illuminated dot does the trick. Little larger and heavier than I was expecting . Sighted in 3 shots and ready to go hunting. Needs to come with the flip up lens covers as 52mm covers are not easy to find. Only pev was after taking a few month to decide and receive this one out comes the Gen 2 two weeks later.
glen c.

2025-09-30T20:00:00
It's clear and fits great on the gun I mounted it on!
Shaun F.

2025-09-25T20:00:00
Excellent scope! I put this on a Browning x-bolt 2, SPR, cal. 6. 8 Western. Sighting this scope in was very easy. First use was on a moose in Newfoundland, at 230yds the moose was easy to find and was spot on. One shot put the moose down.
Richard S.

2025-09-24T20:00:00
Quality, design, performance and warranty is the best in the industry. The glass is crystal clear and the scope performs extremely well in low light. The Custom Dial System is a huge bonus and it's simple, fast and accurate.
William S.

2025-09-23T20:00:00
Top quality optic!
James H.

2025-09-21T20:00:00
Great scope with easy set up. Tack driver once its mounted and sighted in.
Ethan B.

2025-09-21T20:00:00
I bought this b/c I thought it would be great for the inexperienced shooters in my family. Not sure if they like it or not, but it's my new personal favorite!
Wray W.

2025-09-17T20:00:00
Very nice. I'd like to see some more affordable FFP options with long range shooting in mind.
mathew c.

2025-09-17T20:00:00
Great scope for the money!
Shane M.

2025-09-16T20:00:00
This is by far the best scope I've had. I will be buying another one for my other rifle.
Jennifer B.

2025-09-15T20:00:00
Great eye relief and clarity
Joshua H.

2025-09-15T20:00:00
One of the best scopes I have been around
Meade D.

2025-09-14T20:00:00
This is the 3rd VX5HD that I have purchased. In my opinion this is the best overall scope made. It covers everything a hunter could need. As always Leupold quality is second to none.
Christopher G.

2025-09-14T20:00:00
Great scope
Rich M.

2025-09-14T20:00:00
Absolutely love this scope! I put it on a Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed chambered in a 6. 5 PRC. I am using a rangefinder bino with Applied Ballistics so I haven't had the need to get a custom dial yet and the pair are performing phenomenally! I will most likely get a couple dials made once my barrel is broke in but for now I'm confident in my current setup.
Tom M.

2025-09-13T20:00:00
A decent scope but a expensive for what it is
Michael W.

2025-09-09T20:00:00
I recently zeroed my newly purchased Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56 scope on a Tikka T3x Hunter chambered in 9. 3x62, equipped with a powerful Anima Libra suppressor. The scope was mounted using Warne components - both the rail and rings - ensuring a solid and precise setup. Zeroing was performed at 100 meters with a point of aim approximately 4-5 cm above the bore axis. From the factory setting, I needed 35 clicks up and 4 clicks to the right. The scope responded predictably and accurately - just two shots were enough to zero, with the rest fired for confirmation. The optical clarity, light transmission, and turret precision are outstanding. The VX-5HD inspires confidence from the very first use. So far, everything looks extremely promising - I'm looking forward to testing it further in real hunting conditions. Thank you, Leupold, for delivering a truly high-performance product.
Ivars

2025-09-07T20:00:00
Great scope, but I like my VX 6 4-24 better! Duh!??????
mark w.

2025-09-04T20:00:00
excellent products
MICHAEL K.

2 - 10x
42mm
30mm (1.18")
Illuminated FireDot Duplex Reticle
2nd focal plane
57.5 - 11.7' at 100 yd (19.1 - 3.6 m at 100 m)
150 yd / 137.2 m
3.8" (96.52mm)
21.0 - 4.2mm
1/4 MOA
120 MOA
Argon/krypton-filled, water and fogproof
1x CR-2032 battery
Required, included
Lithium
CR2032
1
12.5" (317.50mm)
16.4 oz (464.93g)
030317012151
Best in class by a long shot!!
By Axman
This is the latest addition to my Leupold family and man did they raise the bar. I have long favored the VX3 LR in 4.5x14x50 and own several in various reticle configurations. The features they loaded into this scope are top notch. The low light performance is second to none. CDS and zero lock are the icing on the cake. Born and raised in America. Buy American.
Leupold, why buy anything else?
By BTN
I've been buying Leupold for 25 years or so, used Leupold extensively in the Military over that time and can say that every product I have used has been Sailor, Marine, and Soldier proof and built to be precise before, during, and after rough use. The VX5HD is no exception. Crystal clear 30 mins before and after sun rise and set. Most importantly for me, this scope offers as much or more in quality and ability as higher priced competitors at a (at times significantly) lighter weight. Equally ...
View full Review
Just when you thought precision optics couldn't get any better, the 2-10x42 VX-5HD Riflescope with an Illuminated FireDot Duplex Reticle emerges as a game-changer in the field of high-performance hunting and shooting gear. Engineered with a High-Definition optical system, this riflescope delivers unparalleled clarity, ensuring that every detail is razor-sharp. The Twilight Max Light Management System further enhances this clarity, providing exceptional low-light performance that gives hunters and shooters a critical edge during the crucial moments of dawn and dusk when visibility is paramount.
The innovative CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2) elevation dial is a standout feature, offering a secure lock that prevents inadvertent adjustments away from zero. With a simple button press, users can engage up to two full turns of elevation for long-range precision shooting. The intuitive design includes a revolution indicator, so you'll always know you're on the second turn, ensuring you never lose your bearings when it matters most.
Precision is further refined with the covered pop-up windage dial, which allows for swift and accurate sight-in adjustments and effortless rezeroing. Each VX-5HD CDS-ZL2 riflescope comes with a complimentary Custom Ballistic Dial, enhancing your shooting accuracy tailored to your specific ammunition and conditions.
The FireDot illumination system is a testament to the advanced technology infused in this scope, offering a bright, red dot-like performance that's easily adjustable with a single button. This feature is particularly beneficial in varying light conditions, ensuring a clear aiming point at all times.
Built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, the 30mm maintube is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum, offering exceptional strength and an expansive range of windage and elevation adjustments. The 5:1 zoom ratio provides versatility, with a broad field of view at lower magnifications and detailed target identification when zoomed in.
Comfort and ease of use are not overlooked, with a generous eyebox that facilitates quick target acquisition, even at higher magnifications. The edge-to-edge brightness and full sight picture ensure a comfortable and clear viewing experience.
The scope's exterior is fortified with Guard-Ion rain shedding coating, which repels water, dirt, and fingerprints while resisting scratches. The Motion Sensor Technology (MST) intelligently deactivates the illumination after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life but reactivates instantly upon detecting movement.
For windage adjustments, the Pop Up Rezero feature is both user-friendly and secure, with a thread-on aluminum cover for added protection. The Twilight Max Light Management System works to maximize light transmission, enhance contrast, and reduce glare, allowing you to discern fine details in low light conditions where others cannot.
Lastly, the Twin Bias Spring Erector System ensures the internal components of the scope are protected from stress and backlash, significantly extending the life of your investment.
In summary, the 2-10x42 VX-5HD Riflescope is the epitome of high-quality, durable, accurate, reliable, and advanced optics. It's the ideal choice for hunters and shooters who demand the best in low-light performance, precision adjustments, and rugged durability. Whether you're tracking game or hitting targets, this riflescope is designed to excel in every scenario.