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Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 Field Review: Eyes on New Innovation

Testing the next generation of Leupold's leading riflescope.

Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 Field Review: Eyes on New Innovation
(Photo submitted by the author)

In true Leupold Optics fashion, the release of their brand new VX-6HD Gen 2 riflescope builds upon the proven platform and makes one of the very best hunting riflescopes available, even better. How? Read on.

Continual Innovation

cds dial
(Photo courtesy of Leupold)

The iconic gold ring fixed upon the objective bell of premium Leupold riflescopes has long been an indicator of superior optical performance. In 2012, Leupold launched the VX-6 riflescope which proudly wore the gold ring emblem and represented their flagship series of hunting scopes. With a firm belief in innovation, Leupold built upon the VX-6 foundation with the release of the VX-6HD in 2017. The new scope brought a series of upgrades, most notably of which was the implementation of the CDS-ZL2 turret system, providing shooters extended range as well as a ZeroLock feature on both the elevation and windage turrets.

Having used the VX-6HD riflescope extensively from Alaska to Africa and many places in between, I can confidently vouch for its impressive optical performance and unwavering reliability across a broad spectrum of hunting endeavors.

However, there is one beef I have always had with it. The tiny Allen wrench that is necessary to pop turrets off and on via three set screws, has always been a thorn in my side. On one occasion I accidentally knocked the wrench off my bench into the dirt, never to be seen again. Ultimately, I ended up putting one of those little wrenches in every possible spot you can imagine, including the center console of my truck, shooting bag and even my wallet when travelling for adventure hunts. Given the wide variety of topographies and elevations I hunt in, swapping CDS-ZL2 turrets is a regular occurrence.

Well, I am more than happy to say that is a problem no more with the introduction of Leupold’s latest and greatest, VX-6HD Gen 2 riflescope.

The Next Generation

side angle of leupold scope
(Photo courtesy of Leupold)

As good as the VX-6HD is, Leupold is continually looking for ways to better their optics. “We are always asking ourselves what do people not like,” said Tim Lesser, vice president of product development and marketing at Leupold Optics. “What annoys them? Most people don’t want to hear these things, but ultimately that is what makes you better.” It is this exact mentality that led the charge in the development and engineering of the VX-6HD Gen 2.

So, what were people’s gripes? I already addressed my biggest peeve with the necessity of a small Allen wrench to swap turrets and reset zeros. Another common one that you see often discussed on internet forums is the scrutiny of the scopes tracking system. Personally, I have never had a VX-6HD not track as advertised (1 click=1/4 MOA) but that is a concern that is often expressed. What about other features such as more travel, greater glass protection and ease of use that, while not complained about, undoubtedly improves the overall product? Enter front and center stage, the VX-6HD Gen 2.

“The VX-6HD Gen 2 improves upon the industry-leading performance of its predecessors and delivers new features and enhancements that hunters worldwide will value,” said Lesser. “No detail has been overlooked.”

Starting at the top, the VX-6HD Gen 2 features a brand new toolless turret design called the CDS-SZL2 Speed Set dial used for both the windage and elevation turrets. Most importantly, the SpeedSet dial eliminates the need for the Allen wrench to pop turrets on and off via a simple lever design released by a push detent. Swapping out CDS dials when travelling from hunt to hunt and resetting your zero has never been easier.

While on the business of turrets, Leupold has always included one free custom CDS dial with every purchase of a VX-6HD riflescope. The CDS turret takes into account your rifle’s load, muzzle velocity and environmental factors and produces a precise turret cut for your specific needs. Shockingly, the fulfillment rate on these free turrets is well below 50%. Why? That’s a great question because there is not a faster turret system available. Range, dial and shoot. It really is that simple. I have a Crown Royal bag full of various CDS dials for several of my rifles that proudly wear Leupold VX-6HD’s and have verified them all out to extreme distances, never once having one let me down. Take full advantage of Leupold’s offering and get both of your free dials.

rifle scope from above
(Photo submitted by the author)

To address concerns of tracking, Leupold upgraded the internal guts of the VX-6 HD Gen 2 with competition-grade precision adjustments. Leupold’s Mark 5HD riflescopes are easily the most winningest and trusted rifle scopes in the world of precision rifle shooting whether that be PRS, NRL or a wide variety of other long-range shooting competitions. With that in mind, engineers mirrored the internal components of the Mark 5HD into the VX-6HD Gen 2, eliminating any and all possibilities for gripes of sub-par tracking. If this was a problem you once expressed, this solution goes above and beyond to settle your concern and instill full confidence in your scopes internal mechanics.

Optically, the VX-6HD Gen 2 features Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical system delivering noteworthy glare reduction and light transmission while displaying crystal-clear optical quality. While it might not be talked about as extensively as some of the other key features to this impressive new scope, Leupold beefed up the Guard-ion lens coatings on the Gen 2 to provide even greater protection from scratches, dirt and other encountered elements that are hard on glass. “We doubled down on the Guard-ion coating, which now exceeds the military standard for scratch resistance while still shedding dirt, water, fingerprints, etc.,” said Lesser. Sounds simple, but more protection is never a bad thing when the hunt of a lifetime is on the line and you have to execute a precise shot in balmy temps and wintery flurries.

Recommended


Other features include a handy integrated throw lever that I didn’t realize how much I needed until it was there, an electronic level, illuminated reticle, push-button ZeroLock system, Motion Sensor Technology to expand battery life and of course, Leupold’s promise of being waterproof, fogproof and guaranteed to perform for life. Initially, the Gen 2 will be available in six configurations including 1-6x24, 2-12x42, 3-18x44, 3-18x50, 3-18x56 and 4-24x52. Shooters will also be able to choose between four different reticles including the Illuminated FireDot Duplex, Illuminated TMOA, Illuminated FireDot Boone and Crockett and Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter.

In the Field

rifle on bipod next to buck
(Photo submitted by the author)

Truthfully, I am usually slow to adopt new products as I have attachment issues once I find gear that I can put my utmost confidence in, such as I have in the first-generation VX-6HD. However, I had the opportunity to get my hands on a VX-6HD Gen 2 last fall and, not surprisingly, it rapidly earned my trust. I was initially impressed with the new toolless CDS-SZL2 turret, but I quickly grew fond of the ease and speed at which I could roll through the magnification ring with the new integrated lever. Fixed atop a Browning X-Bolt 2 chambered in 6.8 Western, it zeroed quickly and tracking was a non-issue.

Prior to the hunt, we verified the custom CDS turret out to extreme distances, and, as expected, the rifle did its job and the turret was spot on. For a week, that rifle clamored around a truck and slung over my shoulder covering many miles in northern New Mexico in pursuit of a mature mule deer buck. With less than an hour before having to make haste for the airport, many days worth of persistence paid off when I dropped a beautiful, dark-antlered buck in his tracks at just under 200 yards. No dialing was necessary. However, three days prior, I watched through the spotting scope as my good friend and senior marketing manager at Browning, Shaundi Campbell, dropped an impressive buck at 560 yards with the quick turn of her custom CDS dial.

When the hunt is on the line, there is not another optic I have more confidence in than one embossed with a gold ring. While my love for the VX-6HD runs deep, and that trust has been earned over years of never letting me down during the most important hunts of my life, I have no reservations that my fondness of the Gen 2 will grow just as deep in the coming years.

grip and grin photo
(Photo submitted by the author)



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