Gunner Quinn
Leupold’s VX-6HD line of American-made hunting riflescopes was launched in 2017 as an upgrade to the company’s already-solid VX-6 series, offering a slate of new features, and, since then, the scopes have earned a reputation for their lightweight-but-durable construction and their outstanding edge-to-edge optical clarity. Well, the Oregon-based optics maker chose SHOT Show 2025 to unveil its next evolution of the design, the VX-6HD Gen 2—with the new generation not only adding some new features but also a versatile 3-18X 56 mm model to the family.
“This isn’t just a new product announcement—this is proof that the world’s best hunting riflescope just got even better,” said Tim Lesser, vice president of product development and marketing for Leupold. “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. No detail has been overlooked.”
The biggest change incorporated into the Gen 2 scopes are the convenient new CDS-SZL2 dials, which allow hunters to adjust the zeroes on their elevation and windage turrets (or install custom dials) without tools. Simply unlocking the SpeedSet lever (arrows, below) at the front of the dials allows them to be lifted off their turrets, providing easy access to the zeroing screws below—a much faster process than using an Allen key to loosen a trio of hex screws. The CDS-SZL2 dials also still include Leupold’s ZeroLock system that safeguards against their accidental movement.
Gen 2 VX-6HDs come with Leupold’s Custom Dial System, which allows hunters to customize their elevation-turret dial so that it automatically compensates for the bullet drop of their exact load at various distances. Just range your target then set the dial to that distance and your hold-over is taken care of for you—and vouchers for two custom dials come free with each of the new scopes. Leupold’s Mark series’ integral throw lever has also been migrated over to the Gen 2s, providing increased leverage while making magnification changes.
“We’ve designed the VX-6HD Gen 2 to be the ultimate hunting riflescope, and its features make that very clear,” said Vici Peters, Gold Ring Product Line Manager for Leupold. “The included Custom Dial System might be the most useful feature on the market for hunters. With just a few pieces of information, almost all available on the back of any box of ammunition, we can make dialing for distance incredibly simple. It’s a game-changer in the field.”
Leupold’s VX-6HD Gen 2 line is launching with a total of six models in four illuminated, second-focal-plane, minute-of-angle-based reticle options. As the name implies, all employ a 6:1 magnification ratio: a 1-6X 24 mm with the FireDot Duplex reticle; a 2-12X 42 mm with the FireDot Duplex; a 3-18X 44 mm with either the FireDot Duplex, TMOA or FireDot Boone & Crockett reticles; a 3-18X 50 mm with the FireDot Duplex; a 3-18X 56 mm with the FireDot Twilight Hunter; and a 4-24X 52 mm with either the FireDot Duplex or TMOA reticles. The 4-24Xs make use of a larger 34 mm main tube; the others are all built within 30 mm tubes.
Though their end uses may differ, all six models take advantage of Leupold’s High-Definition lenses with Professional-Grade Optical System and Guard-ion coatings. These coatings are designed to provide optimal light transmission during low-light conditions and reduce glare, while also repelling water. The result is crisp, clear image quality throughout your entire field of view. All six Gen 2s also come standard with handy Alumina Flip-Back lens covers and are both waterproof and fogproof. Retail prices for Leupold’s new VX-6HD Gen 2s range from $1,999 to $2,699. For more information, visit leupold.com.
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