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

American Hunter Staff

posted on January 15, 2025

News, Optics, Muzzleloaders, New For 2025

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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.com. MSRP: $399.99

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