This Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 Firedot Rifle Scope Review is brought to you by The Old Deer Hunters. The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 with Firedot Duplex reticle and CDS (Custom Dial System) is made in the USA and delivers exceptional optics with advanced features. I firmly believe this is one of the best scopes for hunting you can buy. Let us take a look at the features and qualities that make the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 with Firedot Duplex reticle and CDS a standout performer in the optics market.
Why A Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 Firedot Scope?
When I first started hunting many moons ago, Leupold offered the Vari-X II and Vari-X III series of variable power scopes for hunting along with fixed power scopes and target scopes. Models have been added and changed over the years. I still have the first Leupold Vari-X II 2×7 scope I purchased in 1975. Even by today’s standards it still is an excellent rifle scope. I have sent it back to Leupold to have the windage and elevation adjustments upgraded to “click” adjustments and it still gets the job done very well.
Since that first scope, I have owned many Leupold Var-X and VX 2 & 3 models that have served me well. It was not until when Leupold moved to the Freedom line and the new VX3HD scopes did I feel the need to move to the higher grade scopes. Friction scope adjustments just do not belong in a Leupold VX3. I moved on to a higher grade of scope, the Leupold VX-5HD.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope $999 at AMAZON
Critical Features of the VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex
The VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2 FireDot Duplex with side focus has more of the features I want in a hunting scope than any other scope costing less than $1500. Looking through this scope gave me the same feeling I experienced the first time I looked through a Leupold scope. It is just so much better than any rifle scope I have used in the past.
Magnification Range and Versatility: The VX-5HD 3-15×44 offers a versatile magnification range, ranging from 3x to 15x, providing shooters with the flexibility to engage targets at various distances. The lower magnification settings offer a wider field of view for quick target acquisition, while the higher magnification settings allow for precise shots at extended ranges. This versatility makes the VX-5HD 3-15×44 30mm scope suitable for a wide range of shooting applications, from close-quarters engagements to long-range precision shooting.
The larger the zoom ratio (3-15 magnification range), the more versatile the scope is. I use this scope for deer hunting, target shooting and varmint hunting at different times of the year. Ninety percent of the time I use it for deer hunting. I hunt woods and power lines so my shots may come at 400 yards or 40 yards. I want the versatility of the VX5’s 38-foot field of view at 100 yards in the woods, and the ability to turn up the magnification to see the a buck’s rack clearly at long range, before I pull the trigger.
The field of view at the lowest magnification is the critical element if you hunt in the woods. If you compare the Leupold VX-3 4.5-14X to the VX-5 3-15X, the VX-5 has a field of view almost twice as wide at the lowest magnification. That means if you are hunting in timber and a deer or hog appears at 50 yards, the field of view with the VX-3 at 4.5X is only 10 feet wide. The field of view at that distance for the VX-5 3-15X is 19 feet.
If the animal is moving, just think how much easier it would be to get that animal in your sights. Even if you drop back to a VX-3 3.5-10X scope and give up the extra magnification, your field of view at 50 yards would be less than 15 feet at 3.5X. This why field of view is a critical element for me.
Another thing that is just a pet peeve of mine is the magnification dial. On Leupold scopes (and most American scopes), the magnification dial turns clockwise to increase the magnification. Just like turning up the sound on your radio or turning up the gas on your grill. I was surprised how may modern scopes (expensive scopes) are the opposite.
And while we are talking about the back end of the scope, the VX-5 has a quick focus ocular ring for focusing the reticle. If you are the only person who uses the scope, it is a set and forget option. If the rifle is used by more than one person, it becomes a very nice feature so you can quickly focus the reticle before a hunt.
The VX-5HD 3-15×44 gives me the versatility I want, but it takes more than a 5:1 zoom ratio. When a scope’s magnification goes higher than 10X, it needs a parallax adjustment to focus the scope at longer distance. Standard rifle scopes with no parallax adjustments are in focus at about 150 yards. The side focus gives me the control of the focus when necessary.
The side focus is very necessary when I turn the power up to 15X to evaluate a buck at 350 yards or shoot targets with a 22LR at 50 yards. The VX5 gives me the best image in either situation.
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Professional-Grade Optical System
Optics and Clarity: The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 rifle scope boasts the Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, featuring fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission, resulting in clear, bright, and razor-sharp images. The high definition glass provides excellent resolution, color fidelity, and enhanced low-light performance. Hunters get a clear and bright image, even in low light of dusk and dawn when wild game is on the move.
Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, a step up from the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, offers even better light transmission than the VX 3. It is designed for outstanding performance in the most challenging lighting conditions. The lens coatings provide glare reduction for a clear image in harsh, direct light, and the resolution and clarity that professional guides and serious hunters demand in the field.
The excellent image of this scope is hard to conceive unless you actually compare it to other scopes in the field. The image is flat from edge to edge. It is clear and you forget you are looking through a scope. It just appears that you are closer to the target. The image of scopes of lesser quality look good because your eye naturally centers into the scope where the image is best. Hunters tend to ignore the bending of the image on the edges, but the image is never the same as your naked eye. The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 is an extension of your eye and you will clearly see the difference the first time you use it.
Firedot Duplex Reticle: The VX-5HD 3-15×44 comes equipped with the innovative Firedot Duplex reticle, offering illuminated aiming point for quick target acquisition and precise shot placement. The illuminated center dot ensures a bright and highly visible aiming point, making it easier to align your aim, especially in low-light environments. The brightness of the Firedot is adjustable and fully visible even in bright sunshine.
The Firedot enables shooters to take accurate shots with confidence, regardless of lighting conditions. It is motion activated so the battery will last the entire hunting season.
Leupold Custom Dial System (CDS)
Custom CDS Dial For 270 Win, Side Focus, Leupold Mk 4 Rings
The inclusion of Leupold’s CDS (Custom Dial System) in the VX-5HD 3-15×44 scope allows for effortless long-range precision. The CDS allows shooters to order custom elevation dials tailored to their specific ammunition and ballistic profiles. You get one free custom CDS dial with the purchase of a new scope.
To order your free CDS dial, just go online to www.leupold.com, fill in your scopes serial number and your ammo’s ballistic information, and about 10 days later, your new custom CDS wiil be in your mailbox.
I spend a lot of time chronographing my loads and calculating hold-over for all my rifles. The CDS makes things much easier. Yes, I will still continue to test to get the exact velocity of every load, but now the hold-over calculation or BDC will not be necessary.
By simply dialing the CDS turret to the corresponding range, I can just dial in the distance without the need for holdover or additional calculations, ensuring accurate shots at various distances.
It also has a Zero Lock (zero stop) so you will not accidentally turn the elevation knob back past zero. When you do raise the elevation to take a shot at longer range, you turn it back and it locks in place at your zero.
Second Focal Plane (SFP) Reticle: The scope features a second focal plane reticle, ensuring consistent target subtensions throughout the magnification range. This means that the reticle size remains constant, providing precise aiming points regardless of the magnification level.
The CDS system makes it unnecessary for a First Focal Plain reticle because you will never need use hold-over. The SFP reticle is particularly beneficial with the CDS because the reticle does not obscure a lot of the target like a first focal plain reticle. Other reticles include the standard duplex, windplex reticle, and HTMR, impact 29-MOA, and Boone Crockett.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 Rifle Scope with Duplex Reticle on Tikka T1X 17HMR
Rugged Construction & Lifetime Warranty
Rugged Construction and Reliability: Built to withstand the rigors of the field, the VX-5HD 3-15×44 rifle scope features a durable and lightweight aluminum housing. It is both waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging weather conditions. The scope is shockproof and designed to withstand heavy recoil, making it suitable for use on various firearm platforms.
I do not like heavy rifles and scopes, and that is a major reason why I use Leupold scopes. Leupold scopes are known for quality in a lightweight package. Although the VX-5HD 3-15×44 has a 30mm tube and large 44mm objective, it only weighs 19 ounces. You get all that quality and ruggedness without the weight.
Leupold’s Lifetime Warranty: Leupold stands behind its products with an outstanding Full Lifetime Guarantee. This warranty protects against manufacturing defects and ensures that the VX-5HD 3-15×44 scope is built to last. This warranty protects you and any subsequent owner you might sell the scope to.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44
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Would I Buy Another Leupold VX-5HD
I really like the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 for hunting. Would I buy it again? Yes, I would and did buy my second Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44, but without the Firedot reticle. This time, I chose the standard Duplex because it will be used more for target shooting and small game hunting.
The Leupold VX-5 HD is a top-notch rifle scope that stands out as the best option for hunters who want a high quality rifle scope. Whether you’re hunting open plains or venturing into thick timber for big game hunting, this scope is your go-to choice.
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- Compatable with Leupold PRW bases or any other Picatinny-style mount rails
- Machined from solid steel
- Sport type: Hunting
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Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 Rifle Scope Summary
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×4 offers a versatile 5X magnification range, making it an excellent choice for longer shots and longer ranges. The large magnification range is complemented by a 30mm maintube and specialized custom CDS dial with Zerolock (CDS-ZL) elevation turret, allowing you to make precise adjustments for long range.
With the CDS dial system, you can order custom elevation knobs to match your exact ballistics, ensuring extreme accuracy even at longer distances. No hold-over is necessary for long shots.
The scope’s Guard-Ion lens coating protects the lens from the environment and repels water, ensuring a clear and unobstructed view in the field. It’s a good feeling knowing your scope can handle the rigors of hunting in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, the FireDot reticle provides quick target acquisition and tracking, especially useful in low-light conditions.
Leupold’s reputation for great service and their long history of producing reliable riflescopes make the VX-5 HD an even more compelling reason to invest a little more money for superior optics. Even if you buy a used VX-5, you will be covered with a full warranty for life.
It’s a scope that will improve your odds for a trophy buck. For those looking to upgrade from the VX-3 or other brand of scope, the VX-5 HD is available in several magnification ranges. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to the sport, this scope is a great addition to your favorite hunting rifle, designed to excel in a variety of hunting scenarios and provide exceptional performance at a competitive price point. We are AMAZON Affiliates and may receive a small commission for sales.
I highly recommend the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 rifle scope.
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Other Leupold VX-5HD Scope Models
Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope Buy it At Amazon
Leupold VX-5HD 1-5×24 Buy it At Amazon
Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52mm Buy it At Amazon
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 Firedot Scope Specifications
| Adjustable Parallax | Side Focus |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | CR2032 |
| BDC Dial Included | No |
| Custom Dial Compatible | Yes |
| Daylight Bright Illumination | Yes |
| Custom Dial System (CDS) | Yes |
| Elevation Adjustment Type | CDS-ZL2 |
| Electronic Reticle Level | No |
| Light Management System | Professional-Grade Optical System |
| Locking Dial | Yes |
| Magnification Type | Variable |
| Nightvision Compatible Illumination | No |
| Reticle Focal Plane | Second Focal Plane |
| Revolution Indicator | Yes |
| Reticle | Illum. FireDot Duplex |
| Rezero Type | Set Screw |
| Reticle Type | Illuminated |
| Adjustable Objective | No |
| Switch Type | Push Button |
| Windage Adjustment Type | Pop-Up Rezero |
| Weight (oz) | 22.2 |
| Elevation Adjustment Value per Click | 1/4MOA |
| Elevation Adjustment Range (MOA) | 75 |
| Elevation Adjustment Range (MIL) | 22 |
| Elevation Adjustment Range (cm @ 100m) | 218 |
| Elevation Adjustment Per Revolution | 20 MOA |
| Elevation Dial Travel Limit | 38MOA |
| Windage Adjustment Value per Click | 1/4MOA |
| Windage Adjustment Range (MOA) | 75 |
| Windage Adjustment Range (MIL) | 22 |
| Windage Adjustment Range (cm @ 100m) | 218 |
| Windage Adjustment Per Revolution | 15 MOA |
| Magnification Max | 15 |
| Magnification Min | 3 |
| Objective Lens Diameter (mm) | 56 |
| Linear FOV Low Mag (ft@100yds) | 38.3 |
| Linear FOV High Mag (ft@100yds) | 7.7 |
| Angular FOV Low Mag (Degrees) | 7.3 |
| Angular FOV High Mag (Degrees) | 1.5 |
| Eye Relief Low Mag (in) | 3.7 |
| Eye Relief High Mag (in) | 3.8 |
| Minimum Parallax-Free Distance (yd) | 50 |
| Battery Life (hr), Low Intensity | 1600 |
| Battery Life (hr), Medium Intensity | 1000 |
| Battery Life (hr), High Intensity | 300 |
| Number of Illum Settings | 8 |
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