Hunting

Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18×44 Riflescope

By Mike Dickerson

Leupold’s new second-generation VX-6HD raises the bar for hunting scopes

With riflescopes, true innovation doesn’t come along with great frequency. Advances generally tend to be incremental with small refinements to existing models. That is not the case with the new VX-6HD Gen 2 riflescopes from Leupold, which has a long history of industry firsts.

The new VX-6HD Gen 2 is equipped with the company’s revolutionary SpeedSet CDS-SZL2 turret dials, which make it lightning fast to reset to zero or to change between custom turrets — simply push a locking button, lift a small lever, and rotate or remove the dial. No more fumbling with – or risk of losing – tiny wrenches or screws.

Now Leupold has done it again with the VX-6HD Gen 2 and its revolutionary SpeedSet CDS-SZL2 turret dials, which make it easier than ever to reset turrets to zero or change between custom turrets. This system is ingeniously simple. To remove or reset a dial, you simply push a locking button, lift a small lever, and rotate or remove the dial. Once the dial is in position, you push the lever down, and it locks into place. There’s no more fumbling with – or risk of losing – tiny wrenches or screws, which drives me mildly crazy.

At the rear, you’ll find a fast-focus eyepiece and an integrated throw lever. Like all VX-6HD offerings, the 3-18×44 features a 6:1 zoom ratio and a reticle mounted in the second focal plane. On Target’s test sample came equipped with the non-caliber-specific TMOA illuminated reticle with hash marks in one MOA increments extending to 10 MOA on all sides.

These ZeroLock dials are also locked into place until you push a button to dial in corrections. This gives you the speed of uncovered tactical or target dials while eliminating the chance of them being accidentally bumped off their zero setting.

Of course, the Gen 2 has a lot more going for it than the dials. The model I tested, the 3-18×44 CDS-SZL2, delivered excellent optical performance. Leupold says the Gen 2’s optical system has been upgraded. That’s difficult to judge outside of a laboratory because the original VX-6HD scopes are so good, but the image through this scope is exceptionally bright and clear with excellent resolution, color rendition, and low-light performance. It proved to be distortion-free, and tracking was spot on.

The HD glass in the Gen 2 line features a scratch-resistant Guard-Ion coating that shrugs off dirt, water, fingerprints, etc., while also cutting glare and enhancing light transmission. Flip-back lens covers are part of the package.

Out of the box, this is a feature-rich scope. Low-light performance is enhanced with push-button red illuminated reticles with eight side-dial power settings. Motion-sensor technology is built in, so there’s no worry of draining the battery if you forget to turn the illumination off. It turns off if the scope is motionless for five minutes, and instantly turns back on when the scope is moved. One feature on illuminated models that’s easy to overlook, but extremely useful, is the Electronic Level System, which is activated by depressing the illumination-on button for 15 seconds. This can help prevent shots from going astray due to rifle cant and is a helpful aid in mounting the scope.

All versions of the VX-6HD Gen 2 are built with 30mm main tubes. For testing, we used a pair of Leupold’s rugged and lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum cross-slot rings. Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, the VX-6HD carries one of the best lifetime guarantees in the business.

The HD glass in the Gen 2 has a Guard-Ion coating to repel dirt and water. Non-bulky Alumina flipback lens covers are included, and an integrated throw lever makes changing magnifications quick and easy. The lever is downsized enough that it shouldn’t interfere with rifle-bolt handles. Selected models come with precision side parallax adjustment.

Gen 2 scopes are offered in six basic models with a host of reticle options. All are second focal plane, 6X-magnification scopes. The 3-18×44 Gen 2 has a 30mm tube, and my test sample came with the variable-illumination TMOA reticle with hash marks in one MOA increments extending to 10 MOA on either side. Range of turret adjustments is 85 MOA, and eye relief is 3.7-3.8 inches. This scope measures 13.5 inches in length but weighs a mere 22.1 ounces, making it a perfect companion for most any hunting rifle.

Crystal-clear glass, remarkable light transmission, durable all-weather capability, and ease-of-adjustment and customization are just a few highlights that make the new VX-6HD a best-in-class riflescope. When we’re entirely dependent on our equipment to seal the deal on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, this is the type of optic we want to be working with.

This is first and foremost a hunting scope, but with some tactical/target features that give it utility for a range of applications. The scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Like all Leupold scopes, the Gen 2 comes with the best lifetime guarantee in the industry. MSRP for the 3-18×44 CDS-SZL2 scope is $2,399.99. That’s a fair price for a scope that I consider to be the best in this price category. For more information, contact Leupold; Tel.: (800) 538-7653; Web: www.leupold.com.

Smith and Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter 44 Magnum