Leupold Optics
About Leupold
Leupold & Stevens has been America's premier optics manufacturer for over 118 years, founded in 1907 by Fred Leupold and Adam Volpel in Portland, Oregon.
The company began as a small repair shop for surveying equipment, guided by Fred Leupold's founding principle that "The customer is entitled to a square deal."
Through decades of innovation and family leadership, including Marcus Leupold's outdoor passion and the Stevens family's technical expertise, the company evolved into the leading manufacturer of riflescopes, binoculars, and sporting optics.
Leupold pioneered industry standards including the famous duplex reticle design, became the first company to offer a lifetime guarantee on optics, and developed revolutionary innovations like the Custom Dial System.
Today, the family-owned company continues manufacturing in Beaverton, Oregon, serving hunters, military personnel, law enforcement, and competitive shooters with uncompromising American-made quality.
Popular Leupold Features
Custom Dial System (CDS)
- Revolutionary ballistics system built into the elevation dial allows shooters to range their target, turn the dial, and aim dead-on without holdovers.
Professional-Grade Optical System
- Unmatched light transmission with high-definition calcium-fluoride lenses delivers incredible clarity at all magnification levels, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Guard-Ion Hydrophobic Lens Coating
- Advanced coating technology sheds dirt and water automatically, providing maintenance-free clarity in harsh weather conditions.
ZeroLock System
- Push-button locking mechanism prevents accidental turret adjustments while maintaining easy access when needed for sight-in or field adjustments.
FireDot Illuminated Reticles
- Bright, intuitive aiming point with motion sensor technology extends battery life while ensuring the reticle won't get lost in low-light hunting conditions.
Rugged Impact Testing
- Every design survives 5,000 impacts on "The Punisher" recoil simulation machine, delivering three times the force of .308 recoil for proven field reliability.
Best-Selling Leupold Riflescopes
VX-5HD 3-15x44mm
- The most versatile hunting scope in the lineup, featuring Professional-Grade Optical System and CDS capability for various hunting conditions and ranges.
VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
- Entry-level hunting scope that delivers legendary Leupold quality and reliability at an accessible price point for new hunters and casual shooters.
VX-6HD 4-24x52mm
- Top-tier long-range hunting scope with maximum magnification range and large objective lens for precision shooting and extended-range applications.
Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm
- Professional tactical scope designed for military and law enforcement use, featuring first focal plane reticles and combat-proven durability.
Patrol 6HD 1-6x24mm
- Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) designed for dynamic shooting sports, law enforcement, and competitive multi-gun applications with true 1x magnification.
VX-5HD 1-5x24mm
- Lightweight close-range hunting scope perfect for dense timber hunting and driven game where quick target acquisition is critical.
Mark 4HD Series
- Award-winning tactical scopes recognized as "Optic of the Year 2024" for their combination of precision, durability, and field performance.
Popular Uses for Leupold Optics
Big Game Hunting
- VX-5HD and VX-6HD series provide the magnification range and optical clarity needed for long-range shots in open country hunting situations.
Military and Tactical Operations
- Mark series scopes have served U.S. Armed Forces since the 1980s, including use on M24 Sniper Weapon Systems and Barrett heavy sniper rifles.
Law Enforcement
- Patrol series and Mark series scopes provide police tactical units with reliable precision optics for urban and rural law enforcement applications.
Competitive Shooting
- Precision rifle competitors and multi-gun shooters rely on Leupold's repeatable tracking and optical clarity for consistent match performance.
Dense Timber Hunting
- Low-power variables like the VX-5HD 1-5x24mm excel in close-range hunting situations where quick target acquisition and wide field of view are essential.
Leupold FAQs
QUESTION: What is covered under Leupold's lifetime guarantee?
ANSWER: Leupold offers a comprehensive lifetime performance guarantee that covers repair or replacement if the product doesn't perform, with no time limit and no proof of purchase required.
QUESTION: Are Leupold scopes made in America?
ANSWER: Yes, all Leupold riflescopes are designed, machined, and assembled in Beaverton, Oregon, maintaining over 118 years of continuous American manufacturing.
QUESTION: How does Leupold's Custom Dial System work?
ANSWER: The CDS system integrates your specific ballistics into the elevation dial, allowing you to range your target, turn the dial to that distance, and aim dead-on without holdovers.
QUESTION: What's the difference between VX-Freedom and VX-5HD scopes?
ANSWER: VX-5HD features the Professional-Grade Optical System with superior light transmission and lens coatings, while VX-Freedom offers reliable Leupold quality at an entry-level price point.
QUESTION: Do Leupold scopes work for tactical applications?
ANSWER: Yes, the Mark series scopes are specifically designed for military and law enforcement use, with many models serving U.S. Armed Forces since the 1980s.
QUESTION: How long do Leupold scopes last?
ANSWER: Leupold scopes are built for lifetime performance, with each design surviving 5,000 impacts on their recoil simulation testing and backed by a lifetime guarantee.
QUESTION: What magnification is best for deer hunting?
ANSWER: The VX-5HD 3-15x44mm offers the most versatile magnification range for deer hunting, providing low-power for close shots and high-power for long-range accuracy.
QUESTION: Are Leupold rings and mounts necessary?
ANSWER: While not required, Leupold rings and bases are recommended for optimal performance and to ensure proper alignment with Leupold scope specifications.

