Estimated studying time: 9 minutes
Because the early Nineteen Sixties, Leupold optics have been simply identifiable by the gold ring across the goal lens. That ring, immediately recognizable, has turn out to be synonymous with American-made high quality glass. Leupold, as a top quality optics producer, is aware of it’s greatest to be on the reducing fringe of product improvement. Their new VX-6HD Gen 2 lineup brings the most recent improvement in precision searching rifle scopes to the desk.
New for 2025 – VX-6HD Gen 2
New on the scene for 2025, Leupold released the second generation of the VX-6HD family of hunting riflescopes. First released in 2017, the VX-6HD line was created for hunters that were looking for an optic with a wider range of magnification with low weight and top-tier glass. Offered in a number of mag ranges (1-6x, 2-12x, 3-18x, 4-24x), the VX-6HD was the top end of Leupold’s second focal plane hunting riflescope lineup (in order of tiers, bottom to top: VX-Freedom, VX-3HD, VX-5HD, and VX-6HD). These optics sold in droves. While the vast majority that were shipped out of their Beaverton, Oregon plant were well received, some units experienced turret and reticle tracking issues. Standing by their products, Leupold repaired those that came in with issues. They also redesigned the internals to increase reliability in the second generation.
What has remained, what has changed?
From the outside, a quick glance at the VX-6HD Gen 2 scope presents an optic that appears almost identical to its Gen 1 predecessor. The most noticeable difference is Leupold’s CDS-SZL2 zero-locking turrets, featuring their new SpeedSet dial system. The SpeedSet lever integrated into the elevation and windage turrets allows for toolless zeroing and resetting of the dials.
The Custom Dial System (CDS) works the same as previous models: Range your target, dial to that range value on the custom dial, and fire. No need to memorize MOA to Range values, or tape a range card to the side of your rifle. The included caps are labeled for, and adjustable in, ¼ MOA click adjustments. In previous models, Leupold offered one free CDS cap, customized to your rifle’s ballistics. With Gen 2, they are offering two free caps with each scope. Go on their website, input your ballistic data, and they will send you the dials marked in yardage increments.
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The second most obvious difference is the integrated magnification throw lever’s design. Gen 1’s higher profile lever was a reversible/removable option. The Gen 2 lever features a slightly lower profile and has rounded, knurled surfaces for better ergonomics and control with gloves in inclement weather.
New Guts
The third and least noticeable, but perhaps most important difference is the actual shape around the turret erector assembly. The Gen 1 model featured squared off machining front and rear of the turrets. The Gen 2 featured a squared off front, but tapered shape just behind the turrets. This shape is not unlike Leupold’s venerable Mark 5HD lineup, which has found and held its place alongside the most reliable first focal plane tactical riflescopes on the market. This is not by mistake. To increase reliability and tracking in the VX-6HD Gen 2 line, Leupold took the battle-proven Mark 5HD internals and engineered them into the VX-6HD’s 30mm main tube diameter.
Not only does this redesign improve reliability, it actually increases overall elevation and windage travel by 10 MOA from Gen 1 to Gen 2. Despite all of these significant changes, they result in an insignificant increase of 0.5 ounces on average over the previous models. Speaking of reliability, the VX-6HD Gen 2 features gas purged and sealed internals, rated to be 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof.
VX-6HD Gen 2 Additional Features
Offered in the same magnification ranges mentioned above, the external dimensions are essentially the same. Glass remains the same Professional-Grade Optical System glass used in the VX-5HD, VX-6HD, Mark 4, and Mark 5 lines. For this generation, they have upgraded the Guard-Ion coatings to offer enhanced transmission in low light, as well as better resistance to scratches, fingerprints and oils. When in transport, lenses are further protected by the integrated Alumina-Flip Back lens covers carried over from Gen 1. These aluminum caps feature magnetic and friction retention to stay closed, and have easily accessible push tabs for quick opening. The caps are spring loaded and dampened, making their opening fast and quiet. Added to the Gen 2 lineup is the 3-18x56mm option. It offers even better low light performance to those who need it most.
Side Focus Dials
Side focus dials also carry over from the previous generation, as well as adjustable illuminated reticles. These illuminated reticles can run for hours on a single CR2032 battery. They feature Leupold’s Motion Sensor Technology (MST). This turns the reticle off after five minutes of inactivity, but immediately back on as soon as movement is detected.
Reticle Lever
Another great feature Leupold carried over to Gen 2 is the electronic reticle level. Serious long range shooters know that a few degrees of cant is all that is needed to throw a shot off target at distance. Hunting in steep terrain can cause an unlevel scope to appear level. Once activated, the illuminated reticle will flash when the rifle and scope are more than 1° out of level. Once within that 1° tolerance, the illuminated reticle remains solid red. While I personally prefer the redundancy of a scope-mounted bubble level, I found the reticle level a nice feature to avoid having to take my eyes out of my field of view when shooting.
Mounting and Data Collection
I mounted the scope in Leupold’s 30mm medium Backcountry cross-slot rings. They weighed in at only 2.52 ounces for the pair. Zeroing the 3-18x44mm VX-6HD Gen 2 rifle scope on my 300 PRC rifle was a breeze, thanks to the toolless turret caps. After gathering ballistic data on the rifle firing factory 212 gr Hornady ELD-X loads, I ordered one of my free CDS dials. Five days later, I had the new cap in hand.
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VX-6HD Gen 2 At the Range
At the range, I swapped the standard MOA turret cap with my brand new CDS cap. I knew the distances to the targets from many previous trips. Therefore I just dialed the turrets to their corresponding mark (2 for 200yds, 3.5 for 350 yds, 4.5 for 450 yds, and so on). Targets averaged the size of deer vital zones or smaller. All of the data tracked with its respective turret mark. There was no mistaking the standard and factory turret caps, as Leupold laser engraves all of your rifle’s data onto the cap. Thanks to the tool less cap locks, if I am in a new location or the weather is significantly off from my custom cap, I can swap back to the factory MOA cap and use my ballistic calculator to make adjustments on sight.
The optic’s clarity was tack sharp, and even at distance, spotting impacts was easy. Turret adjustments were tactical, but quiet; and the reticle tracked accurately through the elevation adjustments. I did like the internal reticle level indicator, but it took a bit to figure out which direction the rifle was canted, as it does not indicate left or right.
Final Thoughts
Developed to be the pinnacle of hunting optics, the VX-6HD Gen 2 price range is on the higher end, from $1,999.99 for the 1-6x24mm, to $2,699.99 for the 4-24x52mm with the illuminated TMOA reticle. This 3-18x44mm I have in hand with the Duplex reticle retails for $2,299.99. This puts the price point just under that of the Mark 5HD line. This makes sense, given Mark 5-type internals, the 6:1 zoom ratio, and its feature-rich design. Its lightweight and rugged construction is built to handle the harshest environments. Its premium glass and coatings make shots at the very end of shooting hours possible. I know a riflescope in this price range isn’t for everyone. However, it certainly has its place in the market and is well worth the investment for those demanding top tier performance.
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As a freelance writer for GunsAmerica, Ben is able to blend his love for firearms, hunting, and photography together. Originally from the Midwest, Ben grew up in the outdoors and in the last few years, has grown professionally through many facets of the outdoor/firearms industry.
Outside of shooting and hunting, he is also an experienced wildlife and aviation photographer. Currently living in the Pacific Northwest, Ben enjoys spending time at the range for both his work as a gun writer and for fun as a dabblingcompetitive shooter. A large part of hunting season each year is spent chasing upland birds andwaterfowl hunting with his wife, son, and a pack of bird dogs.
Experience:
– Outdoor & Firearms Television videographer/field producer
– Marketing/Manufacturing at a precision rifle manufacturer
– Writer/Photographer for multiple outdoor media publications
– Avid Hunter of Upland and Big Game species
