US manufacturer Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a long-standing company that has been developing and manufacturing high-quality riflescopes and observation optics for more than 100 years. In addition to its long experience, however, the optics specialist's strengths also include its innovative power: in the course of the Virtual SHOT Show 2021, Leupold already surprised with the unusually designed DeltaPoint Micro red dot sight – read our report here. The extremely compact red dot sight is designed for mounting on defensive handguns – preferably, in subcompact or compact size – for everyday concealed carry.
However, no other US optics manufacturer can also boast as many contracts for military use within the US Army as Leupold. Just last year, the US Army selected the Leupold Mark 5HD as the daylight optic for the Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) program. Civilian products also benefit from this development expertise. Now, with the Mark 3HD and VX-3HD model series, Leupold has introduced two new riflescope classes for sports shooters and hunters.
Leupold Mark 3HD: tactical riflescope series
Based on the extremely rugged, reliable optics that Leupold has been manufacturing for the military and law enforcement for decades, the new civilian Mark3 HD riflescopes with 30 mm main tube diameter and 3x zoom factor are now available. Here, the "High Definition" (HD) lens system promises the highest image quality. The MIL-based adjustment mechanisms for elevation/side adjustments, six reticles to choose from, an exposed elevation adjustment turret, and a low-profile magnification ring are the typical features of the Mark 3HD series.
The reticles are: SPR, BDC, TMR (three versions of the illuminated "FireDot" reticle with seven illumination settings), and AR-Ballistic, TMR and Mil-Dot. For now, the new, ultra-lightweight Leupold Mark3 HD scopes are available in nine different magnification model versions: 1.5-4x20, 3-9x40, 4-12x40, 6-18x50, and 8-24x50.
The Mark 3HD series of riflescopes for tactical and sporting use are expected to be available in April/May 2021.
Leupold VX-3HD: riflescope series for hunting
With a total of 14 different models at launch with 1"/25.4 mm and 30 mm main tube diameters, the new Leupold VX-3HD series is even more broadly positioned. Here, too, the "High Definition" (HD) lens system promises high light transmission as well as brilliant, high-contrast and true-color images when looking through the eyepiece. Great attention has been paid to robustness combined with the lowest possible weight.
The adjustment turrets/controls are mechanically repeatable, clearly marked and can be operated reliably and safely even when wearing gloves and in adverse climatic/environmental conditions. The models with illuminated reticles are arguably among the best lightweight hunting scopes in their class.
The Zero Lock (ZL) feature of the Leupold VX-3HD prevents unintentional adjustments/point of aim changes and allows for a reliable, accurate return to the previously selected setting after adjustments have been made. The "Custom Dial System" (CDS) ballistic turret for elevation adjustments allows the bullet trajectory to be compensated at further distances and to hit the target cleanly without "holding above".
The VX-3HD scopes are available in 1.5-5x20 (with 1" and 30 mm tube), 2.5-8x36, 3.5-10x40 (with 1" and 30 mm tube), 3.5-10x50 (with 1" and 30 mm tube), 4.5-14x40 (with 1" and 30 mm tube), 4.5-14x50 (with 1" and 30 mm tube), 6.5-20x40, 6.5-20x50 (30 mm tube). Five reticles are available: illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter as well as Duplex, Fine Duplex, Wind-Plex and Boone & Crockett.
The VX-3HD series of hunting riflescopes is expected to go on sale between March and June 2021 (depending on the model).
Leupold Mark 3HD riflescope series overview and pricing
| Model: | Tube diameter: | Reticle: | Price: |
| Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20 | 30 mm | AR-Ballistic | 629 euro |
| Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20 | 30 mm | Illum. FireDot SPR | 869 euro |
| Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20 | 30 mm | Illum. FireDot BDC | 869 euro |
| Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20 | 30 mm | P5 Illum. FireDot TMR | 869 euro |
| Mark 3HD 3-9x40 | 30 mm | P5 MilDot | 629 euro |
| Mark 3HD 3-9x40 | 30 mm | P5 Illum. FireDot TMR | 869 euro |
| Mark 3HD 4-12x40 | 30 mm | P5 Illum. FireDot TMR | 869,- Euro |
| Mark 3HD 4-12x40 | 30 mm | P5 Side Focus TMR | 749 euro |
| Mark 3HD 6-18x50 | 30 mm | P5 Side Focus TMR | 869 euro |
| Mark 3HD 8-24x50 | 30 mm | P5 Side Focus TMR | 869 euro |
The Leupold Mark 3HD rifle scopes are expected to be available from April/May 2021.
Leupold VX-3HD riflescope series overview and pricing
| Model: | Tube diameter: | Reticle: | Price: |
| VX-3HD 1.5-5x20 | 1" | CDS-ZL Duplex | 599 euro |
| VX-3HD 1.5-5x20 | 30 mm | CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter | 749 euro |
| VX-3HD 2.5-8x36 | 1" | CDS-ZL Duplex | 599 euro |
| VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 | 1" | CDS-ZL Duplex | 599 euro |
| VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 | 30 mm | CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter | 749 euro |
| VX-3HD 3.5-10x50 | 1" | CDS-ZL Duplex | 749 euro |
| VX-3HD 3.5-10x50 | 30 mm | CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter | 859 euro |
| VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 | 1" | CDS-ZL Duplex | 749 euro |
| VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 | 1" | CDS-ZL Boone & Crockett | 859 euro |
| VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 | 30 mm | Side Focus CDS-ZL Wind-Plex | 929 euro |
| VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 | 1" | CDS-ZL Wind-Plex Burnt Bronze | 979 euro |
| VX-3HD 4.5-14x50 | 1" | CDS-ZL Duplex | 859 euro |
| VX-3HD 4.5-14x50 | 30 mm | CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter | 979 euro |
| VX-3HD 6.5-20x40 | 1" | EFR CDS-TZL2 Fine Duplex | 1039 euro |
| VX-3HD 6.5-20x50 | 30 mm | Side Focus CDS-TZL2 Fine Duplex | 1229 euro |
The Leupold VX-3HD riflescopes are expected to be available between March and June 2021.
For more information on Leupold's new DeltaPoint Micro red dot sight please visit Leupold website.
Find all the news from SHOT Show 2021 on all4shooters/all4hunters.
