#SundayGunday: Leupold VX-6HD

This week on SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the VX-6HD from Leupold, a riflescope tailored specifically for hunters. With a 6x magnification range, the VX-6HD allows hunters to retain a lower magnification for fast-moving, close-range situations, while still being equipped with a high-end magnification capable of longer shots.

The VX-6HD is equipped with a Professional Grade Optic System for excellent light transmission and glare reduction, even when staring into the eyes of a harsh rising or setting sun. To combat condensation and wet weather, lenses are coated with a Hydrophobic Guard-Ion coating. Alumina Flip Back lens covers are also included to keep dust, dirt and debris away from the glass. Of course, anyone who has ever used a Leupold VX-series knows the quality of the image the scope yields. Where the VX-6HD really shines is in the additional features it offers shooters and hunters specifically. For starters, the reticle is illuminated with eight levels of brightness, actuated by a button on the parallax knob, and utilizes Motion Sensor Technology to conserve battery. Motion Sensor Technology automatically turns off the illumination after five minutes of inactivity, then reactivates instantly when movement is detected. Even better for the sort of hastily supported shooting hunters often find necessary, an Electronic Reticle Level flashes if the scope is off level. A reversible throw lever makes it fast and easy to change magnification in the field.

Our test model was a 4-24x52mm model, with an Illuminated TMOA reticle. Boasting a 34mm main tube, the scope offers 75 MOA of both elevation and windage adjustment when combining dial and reticle. Dialing is accomplished by CDS-ZL2 turrets, the elevation turret of which can be marked in your customized yardages if load data is provided to Leupold. Ours were standard ¼ MOA adjustments. Both elevation and windage turrets boast ZeroLock, for a quick visual assurance that they have been returned to zero. Slightly unique for a scope of this magnification, but as a nod specifically to hunters, the TMOA reticle is in the second focal plane. This allows the entire reticle to be clearly seen at lower magnifications, while its 1 MOA hash marks can still be used to calculate drop and windage at full magnification. It boasts 10 of these in each direction. Finally, that 52mm objective lens lets in plenty of light for a bright image from dawn to dusk. The whole package weighs in at just 25.4 ounces, not bad for a scope that can conceivably handle steel out to 2000 yards on the right rifle.

For more on the Leupold VX-6HD, which has an MSRP of between $1599.99 and $2399.99 depending on magnification, visit leupold.com, and for more #SundayGunday check out our playlist on YouTube, where all previous episodes are archived.