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

by
posted on January 15, 2025
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

Herman Shooting UXR
Herman Shooting UXR

#SundayGunday: Primary Weapons System UXR

One look at the UXR Elite rifle system from Primary Weapon Systems may make some folks ask, “Can you hunt with it?” Our answer is yes. You can hunt with it, you can target shoot with it, you can plink with it and just generally have a blast with this rifle that is built to do a lot of things for a lot of different people.

Throom Targets Adds Official Size NRA Silhouette Duck to its HangTuff Series

Throom Targets has added the NRA-sized Silhouette Duck Target to its line of HangTuff targets.

Member's Hunt: A Family Tradition

Back in December of 1959, the Model 99 at the heart of this story cost my mother $85.25. It has become a wise investment in precious metal, walnut and stories that cannot be traded for any amount. 

Fair Chase in a Technologically Advanced World

The speed at which mind-boggling advances were introduced last year underscores the importance of the joint effort launched by the Boone and Crockett Club and National Rifle Association’s Hunters’ Leadership Forum (HLF) in 2023. Last year the result of that project, the free Fair Chase and Hunter Ethics Course, went live.

Kansas Blast and Blast: Deer and Ducks in the Sunflower State

Our man in the field tags out on a stud of a buck, before finding out there's more to Kansas than just the deer. 

Berger Expands Hunting Ammunition for 2025

For 2025, Berger is expanding its Hunting Ammunition line, adding popular .30-06 Springfield and 300 WSM cartridges.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.