Leupold Introduces Freedom Red Dot Sight

by
posted on January 17, 2019
** 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. **
leupoldvx-freedomrds_lead.jpg

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has announced the introduction of its new Freedom RDS, an innovative red-dot sight designed for the hunter seeking rugged reliability and elite performance at a budget-friendly price.

The Freedom RDS will be available in two models: One features capped precision ¼-MOA click adjustments, the other a precision exposed BDC elevation turret that ships with measurements out to 500 yards for standard 55-grain .223 Rem. ammunition. The RDS is easily installed with an included mount that sits at the optimal sight height for use on AR-style rifles. It can also be removed and mounted using any 34mm rings.

“Consumers have been asking for an American-made, value-priced red dot for as long as we’ve been in the marketplace,” said Tim Lesser, vice president of product development for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The Freedom RDS delivers on that task and more, bringing with it innovative features like the custom BDC elevation turret, allowing end-users to easily dial up for longer shots.”

Both models of the Freedom RDS feature a 1 MOA dot reticle that’s supported by Leupold’s battery-saving Motion Sensor Technology (MST), which puts the sight into standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. When the MST detects motion, it instantly activates the sight and is ready for use. A manual mode allows the sight to be shut off when not in use.

The scratch-resistant lenses feature Leupold’s Twilight Red Dot System, which delivers standard color consistency and premium lens clarity. The RDS is 100 percent fogproof and waterproof, and features 80-MOA of adjustment in both elevation and windage. Its 34mm maintube design measures under 5.5 inches and weighs less than 7 ounces. Its lightweight design helps increase its rugged reliability.

“The RDS features lightweight construction that disperses recoil energy and creates unrivaled durability,” said John Snodgrass, product line manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “It’s been tested and verified on our Punisher, and it absolutely lives up to Leupold’s legendary standards for ruggedness. It won’t fail you, at the range or in the field.”

The Freedom RDS is scheduled to become available in spring 2019. The shelf price of the standard MOA adjustment model is expected to be under $300, and under $400 for the BDC mode. Both models are designed, machined and assembled in the United States, and are backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee.

For more information on the new VX-Freedom RDS, visit leupold.com.

Latest

AR 10 Lower Beauty 3
AR 10 Lower Beauty 3

Lightweight AR-10: Building a Hunt-Focused Backcountry Rifle (Part 1)

Curious how to create a .308-chambered AR-10 that *doesn't* suck to carry into the backcountry? Dennis Bradley does just that, off a DPMS-pattern lower, and comes it at a shocking weight (read on for the exact number, but it is sub 2). Read on, to see how he does it.

ScentLok Launches Realtree XT-3 Apparel

ScentLok is going all-in on Realtree's new XT-3 pattern, dropping it onto more than half of its latest product introductions. This new look is headlined by the Savanna Fuse, Ridge and BE:1 collections.

New for 2026: Latitude Outdoors Whitetail Frame Packs

Mobile whitetail hunters have long faced a familiar compromise: carry a lightweight pack for the hunt, or haul a frame pack for the pack out. Latitude Outdoors has released a pack to solve that problem, with a frame system built from the ground up for the mobile whitetail hunter.

The Problem with Pressures: A +Peak Revolution?

The history of the projectile, and of the centerfire cartridge, is fascinating, and it seems as though we are ready to take the next step forward. Or are we? Let's take a look at how pressures have affected cartridges throughout history, and the evolution that seems to be currently starting.

More than $1.3 Billion Raised by Duck Stamp Sales

On June 26 the 2026-2027 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, aka Duck Stamp, went on sale. The fact it raises about $40 million for conservation annually gets the headlines, but there are underpublicized benefits for making the $25 purchase—even non-hunters.

Hardware Review: Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR

Check out Frank Melloni's review of the Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.