Over the years I’ve used and tested over 100 different Leupold scopes, and I’ve never had even one fail. I’ve heard a rare story about one failing—not holding zero—but I’ve personally never witnessed it. That’s why when someone who’s on a budget asks me what scope I recommend, I tell them to save their money until they can get into Leupold’s VX-3 line for around $600. But if someone asks me what’s the best pure hunting scope available for any amount of money, now I steer them toward the Oregon company’s new VX-6HD Gen. 2 scope that is full of practical features that can actually make you more accurate. If you’re shaking your head in skepticism right now, please let me explain.
Of course, at the heart of every great scope there must be an optical system that’s bright, tough and clear for maximum resolution in low-light (hunting) conditions as well as an unfailing and precise adjustment system—and we’ll get to these later—but what separates the new VX-6HD from most other high-end optics in its class are several main features.
First—and many users will miss this feature because it’s hidden except to those who actually read the user’s manual—is the technology contained in the line’s illuminated models called the Electronic Level System. Did you know that a cant—or scope lean—of just 3 degrees can cause a bullet to be off by 24 inches at 1,000 yards, or a foot at 500? And that’s before even factoring your rifle, the wind or your shooting ability. The problem is, while using one eye to look through the scope, the shooter’s perception is thrown off, making it very difficult to tell what is level. Combine this with uneven terrain or a scope that wasn’t mounted level in the first place and it’s easy to see how even 6 degrees of cant is difficult to detect while on the rifle. That’s why serious long range shooters use a bubble level mounted on their rifle.
Leupold’s engineers addressed the issue by incorporating an electronic level in the scope. Just press and hold the VX-6HD’s on/off button for about 15 seconds and the center red dot will flash when the reticle is canted and go solid when level. It’s ingenious, and I believe that feature alone puts Leupold above all other brands in this price category. What’s more, battery life is great thanks to the scope’s motion-sensing technology that turns the reticle off after five minutes of inactivity then instantly comes back on when motion is sensed.
Secondly, Leupold understands that most long-range hunters and shooters like to dial for elevation nowadays, and they also know that using a generic turret that just has mils or MOAs marked is neither fast nor intuitive. That’s why years ago Leupold created its custom CDS dials that are engraved for your exact rifle, load and environmental factors such as elevation. VX-6HD Gen 2 model is equipped with new CDS-SZL2 turret dials that feature a lever-locking system, allowing the shooter to quickly adjust the zero stop or replace the entire dial with another using only the fingers. It sure beats keeping up with a tiny Allen wrench to loosen and tighten three Allen screws like on most other scopes. Faster and more secure, it’s simply a better mousetrap. During the heat of a hunt you can switch your standard dial to, say, a custom high-elevation dial on a moment’s notice without having to fish out that tiny Allen wrench.
The dials themselves are the industry standard because these hybrid hunting/target turrets feature an integral button that must be depressed to make adjustments. In this way the VX-6HD’s turrets are just as fast as uncovered target knobs, yet they cannot be accidentally moved during the course of a hunt. This feature cannot be overstated.
Internally, the Gen 2’s optical system has been upgraded so it transmits more light than the original model, as well as producing higher resolution—but I must admit that this is very difficult to quantify or test in my non-laboratory backyard range. All I know is that it is extremely bright and clear compared to every high-end optic I’ve tested. I’ll take Leupold’s word that it’s been improved. What’s more tangible, however, is that the company upgraded the VX-6’s adjustment system to mirror that of its top-end tactical Mark 5 units, a line of scopes that virtually every long-range shooter I know lauds for its precision. I tested the adjustments by shooting the square, and found that each click actually measures ¼-inch. Next, I let my rifle fall over 10 times on grass, then submerged the scope upside down in my bathtub, and it printed to the same point of impact, proving it held its zero.
Notably, Leupold put great thought into the magnification and size options offered in the VX-6 line. Of course all of them have a 6x-magnification ratio, meaning the lowest magnification setting can be multiplied 6 times to give you the highest magnification setting. As such, the entire line is incredibly versatile. And I also like the objective sizes offered, because I prefer the scope to be mounted as low as possible on my hunting rifles. For these reasons, the 2-12x42mm and especially this 3-18x44mm model are my favorites. With the illuminated reticle, there is not much these scopes can’t do.
Sure, some of Leupold’s European-made competition is great especially in terms of pure optical quality. This new VX-6 hangs with them optically, but also has a few practical, unique features that puts it ahead of the competition, at least in my eyes. Plus, the company is wholly American, and its warranty can’t be beaten, not that you’ll ever need it.
Specifications:
- Type: variable-power riflescope
- Magnification: 3X-18X
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Length: 14.7″
- Weight: 25.4 ozs.
- Click Value: ¼″
- Eye Relief: 3.7”-3.8”
- Field of View @ 100 Yds: 28.1 ft @ 3X; 4.8 ft @ 18X
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