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10 Best Leupold Rifle Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm M5C3 FFP Side Focus Riflescope, Illuminated TMR Reticle

The Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm riflescope is designed with precision and durability in mind, making it a top choice for serious hunters and shooting enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the high magnification range, from 7x to 35x, which allows for versatile use in various shooting scenarios, from mid-range to long-distance targets. The large 56mm objective lens diameter ensures excellent light transmission, even in low-light conditions, further enhanced by the Twilight Max HD Light Management system, which provides up to 30 minutes of additional shooting light, reduces glare, and offers edge-to-edge clarity.

The illuminated TMR reticle on the front focal plane is another key feature, enabling accurate range estimation at all magnification levels. The M5C3 low-profile turrets offer precise adjustments with tactile and visual indicators, making it easy to track settings without losing count. This riflescope is built to withstand the elements, being 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, thanks to its rugged aluminum construction. However, at 3 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might not be ideal for those looking for a lightweight option.

Additionally, its high-end features and performance come at a premium price, making it more suitable for dedicated shooters rather than casual users. The eye relief of 3.8 inches is adequate but may require careful positioning to avoid scope bite, especially at higher magnifications. The Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm riflescope excels in durability, clarity, and precision, catering well to advanced users seeking reliable performance in challenging conditions.

#2

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
369 reviews

Reticle
The reticle design is appreciated for not being too busy, allowing for easy dialing for elevation and holding for wind.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets provide a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, enhancing precision.
Parallax Adjustment
Side parallax adjustment prevents reticle shift across the target, ensuring consistent accuracy.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is an excellent option for hunters and shooting enthusiasts looking for a versatile and high-quality scope. With a magnification range of 3 to 15x, it offers great flexibility for various shooting scenarios, whether at close range or further distances. The 44mm objective lens diameter allows ample light transmission, contributing to a bright and clear image, which is especially valuable in low-light conditions.

One of the standout features is its illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle, which enhances visibility against different backgrounds, making target acquisition easier. The side focus parallax adjustment is another advantage, providing quick and precise adjustments from various shooting positions, ensuring optimal accuracy.

The scope is designed with durability in mind, being 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. This makes it suitable for all-weather use, a crucial aspect for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the Guard-ion lens coating helps repel dirt and water, maintaining a clear view even in challenging conditions.

Rating
10.0
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
369 reviews

Reticle
The reticle design is appreciated for not being too busy, allowing for easy dialing for elevation and holding for wind.
Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets provide a nice tactile click at 0.25 MOA per adjustment, enhancing precision.
Parallax Adjustment
Side parallax adjustment prevents reticle shift across the target, ensuring consistent accuracy.
#3

Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M5C3 FFP Side Focus Riflescope, PR1-MIL Reticle

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
14 reviews

Magnification
The first focal plane reticle scales seamlessly with magnification, allowing accurate range estimation at any zoom level.
Reticle
Its reticle is clean and easy to read, perfect for precision shooting disciplines like PRS where clarity and quick adjustments matter.
Field of View
The scope delivers a phenomenal view with crystal-clear images that enhance target identification at varying distances.
Turrets and Adjustments
The finely calibrated turrets with 0.1 Mil increments provide precise, tactile feedback for accurate shot adjustments.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built to handle powerful calibers confidently, it fits well even on heavy rifles like the Barrett M107A, reflecting its rugged construction.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm riflescope is a solid choice for hunters and precision shooters who want a reliable, high-quality scope. Its magnification range from 5x to 25x lets you see targets clearly at various distances, and the large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light for brighter, sharper images, which is especially helpful in low-light conditions. The PR1-MIL reticle is first focal plane (FFP), meaning it scales with the zoom so you can accurately estimate range at any magnification.

The turrets offer very fine 1/10 Mil adjustments over a wide range, and their low-profile design along with tactile and visual indicators helps avoid confusion during use. The side focus parallax adjustment lets you fine-tune the clarity for targets at different distances, improving accuracy. Weighing under 2 pounds, this scope is lighter than many in its class, making it easier to carry without sacrificing toughness. It’s built to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, able to stand up to harsh outdoor conditions.

A consideration is the relatively narrow field of view of about 1 degree at maximum zoom, which might feel a bit tight if you often track moving targets. Also, while lightweight for its category, 1.87 pounds might still feel heavy on smaller rifles or if you prefer ultra-light setups. The lifetime warranty from Leupold adds peace of mind, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for durability and customer support. For those seeking a rugged, precise, and versatile scope for serious hunting or tactical shooting, the Mark 5HD is worth considering.

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
14 reviews

Magnification
The first focal plane reticle scales seamlessly with magnification, allowing accurate range estimation at any zoom level.
Reticle
Its reticle is clean and easy to read, perfect for precision shooting disciplines like PRS where clarity and quick adjustments matter.
Field of View
The scope delivers a phenomenal view with crystal-clear images that enhance target identification at varying distances.
Turrets and Adjustments
The finely calibrated turrets with 0.1 Mil increments provide precise, tactile feedback for accurate shot adjustments.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built to handle powerful calibers confidently, it fits well even on heavy rifles like the Barrett M107A, reflecting its rugged construction.

Buying Guide for the Best Leupold Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right rifle scope is crucial for enhancing your shooting accuracy and overall experience. A good rifle scope can make a significant difference in your ability to hit targets at various distances, in different lighting conditions, and in diverse environments. When selecting a rifle scope, it's important to consider several key specifications that will determine how well the scope meets your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you get the best fit for your shooting requirements.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it affects your ability to see and aim at distant targets. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For general hunting, a 3-9x magnification range is common, while long-range shooting might require 10x or higher. Choose a magnification based on the typical distance of your targets and the type of shooting you plan to do.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm) allow more light and are better for low-light conditions, but they can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller lenses (e.g., 32mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider the balance between light-gathering ability and the weight/size of the scope based on your shooting environment.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Reticles come in various designs, such as duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). The choice of reticle is important because it affects how you aim and compensate for factors like bullet drop and windage. A simple duplex reticle is good for general hunting, while a mil-dot reticle is useful for range estimation and long-range shooting. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and the complexity of your aiming needs.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (e.g., 4 inches or more) is better for powerful rifles to prevent the scope from hitting your face during recoil. Shorter eye relief (e.g., 3 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil firearms. Consider the recoil of your rifle and your comfort when choosing the appropriate eye relief.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV is important for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification narrows the FOV. If you need to track fast-moving targets or require a broad view of your surroundings, opt for a scope with a wider FOV. For precision shooting at long distances, a narrower FOV may be acceptable.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) of the reticle. This is important for zeroing your scope and making precise adjustments for different shooting conditions. Some scopes have exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. Consider whether you need quick access to adjustments or prefer a more protected setup. Also, check if the adjustments are in MOA (minutes of angle) or MRAD (milliradians) and choose based on your familiarity and preference.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Some scopes have a fixed parallax setting, while others offer adjustable parallax. For general hunting and short to mid-range shooting, a fixed parallax setting is often sufficient. For long-range precision shooting, an adjustable parallax is beneficial to ensure the reticle remains on target regardless of eye position.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. These features are important for maintaining performance in various environments, from rain and snow to extreme temperatures. Consider the typical conditions you'll be shooting in and choose a scope that offers the necessary protection to ensure reliability and longevity.

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