6 bestLeupold Scopesof July 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Leupold Optics, VX-Freedom Riflescopes - 4-12x40mm, 1", 1/4 MOA, Creedmoor Reticle, Matte
Leupold
9.8
2
Leupold Optics, VX-Freedom Riflescopes - 3-9x50mm, 30mm, Matte, Illuminated Fire-Dot Twilight Hunter
Leupold
9.6
3
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Rimfire MOA Reticle, Matte Finish
Leupold
9.3
4
Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50mm Riflescope
Leupold
9.1
5
Leupold VX Freedom 350 Legend 3-9x40mm
Leupold
8.8
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A Guide to Selecting the Best Leupold Scopes
Choosing the right rifle scope is all about matching your needs with the features that will help you shoot accurately and comfortably. Whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or just enjoying time at the range, understanding the key specifications of a scope will help you make a smart decision. Think about how and where you’ll use the scope most often, and let that guide your choices as you compare different models.
Magnification
Magnification tells you how much closer the scope makes your target appear. This is important because it affects how well you can see and aim at your target, especially at different distances. Scopes come in fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification (like 4x) is simple and reliable, good for close to medium ranges. Variable magnification (like 3-9x or 4-12x) lets you adjust the zoom, making it more versatile for different distances. If you mostly shoot at short ranges or in thick woods, lower magnification is usually best. For longer distances or open areas, higher magnification can help you see more detail.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens is the front lens of the scope, and its diameter (measured in millimeters) affects how much light enters the scope. More light means a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. Smaller lenses (around 32mm) make the scope lighter and easier to handle, but may be dimmer in low light. Larger lenses (40mm or more) are brighter but heavier and bulkier. If you hunt in low light or want a brighter image, go for a larger objective lens. If you want a lighter, more compact setup, a smaller lens may be better.
Reticle Type
The reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. There are many types, from simple crosshairs to more complex designs with dots or lines for estimating distance and bullet drop. Simple reticles are easy to use and great for beginners or general shooting. More advanced reticles can help with long-range shooting or adjusting for wind and distance, but may take more practice to use. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and comfort level.
Tube Diameter
The tube diameter is the width of the main body of the scope, usually measured in millimeters (like 1 inch or 30mm). A larger tube can allow for more adjustment range and sometimes better light transmission, but it can also make the scope heavier and require special mounting rings. For most casual shooters, a standard 1-inch tube is fine. If you need more adjustment for long-range shooting, a 30mm tube might be worth considering.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance you can hold your eye from the scope and still see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with rifles that have strong recoil. Short eye relief (less than 3 inches) can be uncomfortable and risky with powerful rifles. Longer eye relief (3.5 inches or more) is safer and more comfortable, especially for high-recoil firearms. If you use a powerful rifle or wear glasses, look for a scope with generous eye relief.
Adjustment Turrets
Adjustment turrets are the knobs on the scope that let you change the point of impact for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). Some turrets are simple and capped, meant for set-and-forget use, while others are exposed and designed for quick, frequent adjustments. If you plan to shoot at varying distances or in changing conditions, exposed or target turrets can be helpful. For hunting or general use, capped turrets are usually more than enough.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment helps keep the target and reticle in the same focus, especially at longer distances. Some scopes have a fixed parallax, set for a certain distance (like 100 yards), while others let you adjust it. If you shoot mostly at one distance, fixed parallax is simple and works well. If you shoot at many different ranges or want the sharpest possible image, an adjustable parallax can be useful.
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