First Look: Leupold Muzzleloader-Ready 1x Freedom Red Dot Sight (RDS)

by
posted on January 15, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
LEDE Muzzleloader Freedom RDS

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has announced the launch of its true 1x, muzzleloader-ready Freedom Red Dot Sight (RDS).

An evolution of Leupold’s award-winning Freedom RDS, the Freedom RDS Muzzleloader is purpose-built to outperform in states where muzzleloaders are limited to an optic with a 1x zoom for big-game hunts. With 1x magnification, push-button illumination, and a Custom Dial System (CDS)-compatible turret, the Freedom RDS Muzzleloader the ultimate choice for hunters facing optics restrictions on their next western hunt.

“Muzzleloader regulations have changed in several western states over the past few years,” said John Snodgrass, product line manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “Utah banned magnified scopes for muzzleloader hunts. Washington made optics legal on muzzleloaders for the first time–provided they are 1x. The Freedom RDS Muzzleloader is the solution for states with magnification restrictions. It delivers true 1x optical performance, provides a clear and precise aiming point with its dot reticle, and is compatible with our CDS system, which makes it simple to adjust your elevation dial for distance.”

Leupold’s CDS system allows shooters to compensate for bullet drop and make ultra-quick elevation adjustments on the fly. Leupold will customize each Freedom RDS Muzzleloader’s elevation dial to match any load, muzzle velocity and environmental conditions. Each Freedom RDS Muzzleloader ships with a standard ¼-MOA adjustment dial, and one free CDS dial order is included with purchase. Free dials can be redeemed on Leupold.com.

The Freedom RDS Muzzleloader features a 1-MOA dot reticle that is supported by Leupold’s Motion Sensor Technology (MST), This battery-saving technology puts the sight into standby mode after five minutes of inactivity, conserving power. When motion is detected, MST instantly reactivates the sight, ensuring it's ready for action. On the RDS’s medium setting, the sight gets up to 1,000 hours of battery life. A manual mode allows the sight to shut off when not in use. With eight illumination settings, the dot remains clearly visible in both low-light conditions and bright midday sun.

The scratch-resistant lenses feature Leupold’s Professional-Grade Red Dot Optical System, promising to deliver superior light transmission for challenging conditions, glare reduction for a clear image in harsh sunlight, and high clarity and resolution. The Freedom RDS Muzzleloader features 80-MOA of adjustment in both elevation and windage. It measures under 5.5 inches and weighs less than 7 ounces. The ultra-lightweight construction disperses recoil energy, making it the toughest red-dot in its class.

Waterproof, fogproof, and guaranteed to perform for life, the Freedom RDS Muzzleloader is backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee. For more information on Leupold products, visit leupold.comMSRP: $399.99

Latest

whitetail buck big antlers woods leaves
whitetail buck big antlers woods leaves

Don't Fight the Feeling: Setting up a Booner Bowhunt

When your gut tells you to hunt, don’t fight the feeling. Josh Woods didn't, and dropped a legitimate Booner. Here's how he did it.

Range Review: Heritage Badlander Field .410 Bore

This flexible side-by-side from Heritage Manufacturing is ready for a variety of shooting roles including turkey hunting! Check out the full review of the Badlander here.

Win Leica Optics in Sitka’s Diverge 14 Photo Contest

No purchase is necessary to enter the Sitka’s Diverge 14 Photo Contest, and the grand prize winner will net gear worth more than $17,500 from Leica, Sitka, Pelican and Adobe.

Hardware Review: Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL60

Simply put, thermal weapon sights represent the greatest technological advantage a hunter or home protector can have since the advent of the firearm itself. The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF is a great example. Check out Jeff Johnston's Hardware Review of it here.

American Made: What’s New at Griffin & Howe?

The classic brand is once again thriving in New Jersey, offering a hosts of products, services and even courses.

#SundayGunday: Heritage Manufacturing Model 92

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re diving into a rifle that blends classic American design with modern manufacturing: the Heritage Model 92 lever-action. This gun pays homage to one of the most iconic lever-actions ever created, John Browning’s legendary Model 92. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.