Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot Review | Optical Excellence

This Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot Review | Optical Excellence is brought to you by The Old Deer Hunters. The full name of this Leupold rifle scope is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter. This new Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot gives you optical excellence, in a rifle scope.

The VX-Freedom 3-9X50 is built around Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, which delivers excellent light transmission, excellent glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that hunters need.

The VX-Freedom series of rifle scopes from Leupold replaced the older VX1 and VX2 series of scopes that were around for many years. Prices for the VX Freedom series run from $300-600 depending on model. This particular scope retails for $599.

My friend Robert purchased a new Tikka T3X Lite in 30-06 caliber along with the new Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot this year. After getting the scope mounted we took it to the range to zero it in and see how well this Tikka/Leupold would perform.

Deer season is upon us and Robert is in my favorite deer stand (the Hilton) as I write this review.

UPDATE: I have added more information about the Leupold CDS System at the end of this review.

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About The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot | Optical Excellence

The VX-Freedom 3-9X50 Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter has a 30mm tube, but no Leupold CDS custom dial system. It’s main feature is the Leupold proprietary Firedot illumination, a red dot in the center of the reticle.

The reticle is called the Twilight Hunter, not to be confused with the Firedot Duplex. The Twilight Hunter reticle has a wider area between the heavier posts than the Duplex reticle. The standard Duplex reticle has 6″ between the heavy posts at 9X at 100 yards, and can be used for hold over or range estimation. The open area in the Twilight Hunter has 72″ between the heavy post at 100 yds.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 is Only VX Freedom Model with Firedot reticle.

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 $599 at AMAZON

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot Review | Optical Excellence

FireDot Twilight Hunter Illuminated Reticle

Leupold says the FireDot Twilight Hunter Illuminated reticle has these features;

Designed specifically for low-light situations
Provides a simple aiming point with no distractions
Thin lines obscure less of the target and image
FireDot® technology brings your eye to the center of the reticle for quick target acquisition
Features Motion Sensor Technology
Second (rear) focal plane

Motion Sensor Technology extends battery life by automatically deactivating illuminated reticles after five minutes of inactivity and then reactivates instantly as soon as movement is detected.

There is a cap on the left side of the scope opposite the windage turret that houses the battery for the firedot. In the center of of the cap is the brightness button for the Firedot. As you press the button repeatedly from the off position, the illumination intensifies to the top setting and then back down to off. It is very visible in bright sunlight, and you can dim it down for low light conditions.

I am a big fan of the Firedot reticle and use it on all my deer rifles. My personal rifles have a Leupold VX5 3-15×44 with red Firedot Duplex, a Leupold Mark AR 3-9×40 with green Firedot Duplex, and a Leupold VX-R 3-9X with red Firedot Duplex.

The VX-Freedom is 100% waterproof and fogproof. And like all Leupold riflescopes, it’s designed, machined, and assembled in the USA and guaranteed for life.

At The Range With The VX-Freedom 3-9X50 Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter

The VX-Freedom 3-9X50 is built around Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, which delivers excellent light transmission, excellent glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that hunters need. The first few times I looked through the scope at the range, I thought it was a Leupold VX3HD scope. The image is very bright and very clear.

At the range we were able to shoot very good groups using the VX-Freedom 3-9X50, Tikka T3X 30’06 and Hornady’s Superformance 165 grain ammo. More info about the gun and ammo below.

The Reticle subtends about .2″ at 100 yards so it is pretty thin. For zeroing, we turned the FireDot off. The scope was very clear at 100 yards at 9X. Some scopes loose a little image quality at max magnification or may be a little blurry at 100 yards, but the VX Freedom was very clear. We had no problems getting the scope zeroed at 100 yards. Likewise, at 200 yards, the scope was still clear.

One of the advantages of using a good 3X9 scope for a deer rifle, is that no focus for parallax is necessary. For higher power magnification range scopes, like a 4-12X or 4.5-14X, a side focus or adjustable objective is needed at high magnification to get a clear image at close or long distance. For most deer hunting, it is hard to beat a very good 3-9X rifle scope.

The Firedot is a great benefit in low light conditions on this thin crosshair. You will be able to see the red Firedot after the reticle disappears into the sticks and limbs when you are looking through the woods in the last moments of shooting time.

The one thing I was disappointed in was the windage and elevation adjustments, as they did not click like my other Leupold scopes. I confirmed later with Leupold that the adjustments are friction, not true click adjustments. Never the less, the adjustments were good enough to get us zeroed in and it has held zero with no problems.

Hunting With The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot

The first thing you notice when hunting with this scope is the very clear image. The 50mm objective lets in a lot of light and the coated lenses stop the glare so you can use all that light to your advantage. That little dot just beams in a crystal clear image.

The Firedot does come in handy at dusk and dawn with the thin cross hair. It lets you aim very accurately with the dot when the black crosshair becomes difficult to see. Be sure to dim it down as the sun goes down so it will not be too bright at dusk.

The advantage of the 30MM tube is not for more light or improved image. It does however make the scope stronger and allows more clicks of elevation and windage adjustments. Most people believe the larger tube lets in more light, but a 50MM lens on a 1″ tube lets in just as much light.

All things being equal, the 50mm objective lens is supposed to collect more light, have higher resolution, and a larger exit pupil. All things being equal means comparing a 50mm VX Freedom to a 40mm VX Freedom scope. Better lens coatings of a higher grade scope would probably make the 40mm of a Leupold VX3 better than a 50mm VX Freedom scope. For the average hunter, a more compact 40mm lens will be every bit as good as a 50mm. This is the only VX Freedom scope with the FireDot reticle and it is only available with a 50mm lens. You get the total package in this top of the line VX Freedom scope.

Since this reticle has the Twilight hunter reticle with no hash marks or BDC type reticle, I am surprised this scope does not have the Leupold CDS System. Even the $300 1″ Leupold 3-9×40 VX Freedom has the CDS System. But, for 95% of deer hunters, it will work just fine. Just zero your 308 or 270 to hit 2″ high at 100 yards and you can hit a deer in the lungs out to 200 yards or more by just holding center and pulling the trigger. No CDS necessary.

Another great feature is the fast focus ocular lens. It lets you focus the the crosshair to your particular eyesight. This is very handy if more than one person uses the rifle. Robert and his dad both use this rifle and scope for deer hunting. The fast focus ocular lens makes it easy for them to quickly set the crosshair focus before a hunt.

Tikka T3X & Hornady Superformance Ammo

Although the The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot is the star of this review, I had to comment on Robert’s Tikka T3X rifle and his choice of Hornady Superformance 165 grain ammo. Since we were headed to the range to zero the rifle, I set up my Oehler Chronograph to check the velocity of the Superformance ammo.

This is by far the best load I have ever shot in a 30’06 caliber rifle. It shoots Hornady 165 grain SST bullets at over 2900 fps. That is about 3200 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. That is a higher velocity than any other ammo I have ever shot in a 30’06. It also shot nicely into 1″ groups. If you are a 30’06 shooter, you might consider this Super Ammo.

Leupold VX Freedom Scopes

If you are looking for a new scope for your deer rifle, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot is hard to beat. If you are on a little tighter budget, I think you will still find a Leupold VX Freedom scope that will meet your needs. I am going to list several models for you below I think are great for hunting. Although most all of my scopes are Leupold’s, I am an Amazon affiliate so I may get a small commission if you purchase one of these scopes. Thanks for reading the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot Review.

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm Riflescope $599 at Amazon

Model #177228 – VX-Freedom 3-9X50mm Riflescope with an Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter reticle and a Matte finish
ILLUM. FIREDOT TWILIGHT HUNTER – Designed specifically for low-light situations, brings your eye to the center of the reticle for quick target acquisition and provides a simple aiming point with no distractions
Scrach Resistant Lenses – Extreme military-standard scratch resistance for added protection
Advanced Optical System – offers tried and true light transmission for extended glassing sessions, best in class glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that recreational sportsmen and sportswomen demand
Design, Machined and Assembled in the USA. 100% Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and backed by Leupold’s legendary customer care. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot Review

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot Review plus more models

More Deer Hunting Scope Deals

VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 Riflescope with a Duplex Reticle, CDS-ZL

VX-3HD 3.5-10x40 Riflescope with a Duplex Reticle, CDS-ZL

VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 Riflescope with a Duplex Reticle, CDS-ZL Riflescope $445 At Amazon

What You Get

The CDS System is not available on a 30mm VX Freedom. You may be wondering “how do I get the most for my money?” To answer that question, it depends on what your hunting needs are.

The first thing is glass quality. The VX3 has better glass than a VX Freedom so the image in any condition will be better. If there is one thing you should be willing to pay for, it is better quality glass.

The next thing we can look at is the tube diameter. Do you the extra tube size for more elevation? Chances are you do not need a 30mm tube. Especially true on a deer rifle. The 30mm tube does not not improve the image.

Do you need a 50mm objective lens? If you are comparing VX Freedom scopes, the 50mm lens may give you a few more minutes of hunting time over a 40mm. If you compare the VXFreedom to the VX3HD, the better glass and coatings of a 40mm VX3 are better than a 50mm VX Freedom.

If you want a FireDot reticle, you have to buy the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter at $599.

For $699 you can get a VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter that gets you better glass quality, a Firedot reticle and a CDS System in a lighter more compact package.

If you do not need the Firedot reticle, you can have a VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 CDS-ZL Duplex for even less for $699.

Personally, I think the best options for a deer rifle are the VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 CDS-ZL Duplex or the VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 CDS-ZL Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter if the FireDot is a must for your hunting needs.

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm CDS Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm CDS Riflescope $299 at Amazon

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 rifle scope is America’s favorite scope for deer rifles. I have had some version of this scope on my deer rifle for over 30 years. Not, one but several of my rifles are wearing a Leupold 3-9×40 scope. Why? Because it is great for just about any kind of hunting. I also use them for varmint hunting on my AR-15 rifle.

The CDS system gives you a free custom dial for any caliber so you can just turn the knob to the distance and hold dead on for the shot. It is good for hunting in the woods or open country. And don’t forget the lifetime warranty.

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50mm CDS Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50mm CDS Riflescope $399 at Amazon

A great choice for varmint or coyote hunters who need a little more magnification. I run this scope on my Tikka 243 and it is a great dual purpose scope for coyote and deer hunting. Also great choice for bolt action 223 caliber rifles.

Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm Side Focus CDS Long Range Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm Side Focus Riflescope $499 at Amazon

This is fantastic rifle scope for long range hunting or target shooting. It has the CDS system, a side focus for a crystal clear image at any distance and it features the best reticle from Leupold, the Tri-MOA.

Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope $299 at Amazon

VX-Freedom 1. 5-4x20mm with Duplex or Pig-Plex reticle is a great choice for AR-15 rifle or Lever Action rifles. Lightweight and compact with all the great benefits of Leupold scopes are known for.

Leupold RX-1400I TBR/W Gen 2 w/Flightpath Rangefinder

Leupold RX-1400I TBR/W Gen 2 w/Flightpath Rangefinder $199 from Amazon

If you need a great rangefinder, you should take a look at the latest Leupold offerings. These are great rangefinders that won’t break the bank.

Leupold VX Freedom or Leupold VX-3HD?
What’s The Difference?

We have talked about Leupold VX Freedom series of scopes. The next level above the VX Freedom line is the Leupold VX3 line of scopes. The newest version of the tried and true VX3 series is the VX3HD line released in 2021. Let’s look at what Leupold says makes this scope special.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. announced the launch of its new V X-3HD line of riflescopes in early 2021. Leupold promised “outstanding low-light performance in an incredibly tough, lightweight package”.

The Leupold VX3HD series features Leupold’s Elite Optical System that delivers excellent dawn-to-dusk light transmission for a bright image when it matters most. It also has “elite-level” glare reduction in harsh light, and improved resolution and clarity. Its adjustments deliver match-grade repeatability, and have ergonomic controls that are easy to read and use, even with gloves.

The VX-3HD features an array of magnification ranges, objective lens sizes, maintube diameters, elevation adjustment types, and more across the breadth of the line. Illuminated reticle models are available, and every VX-3HD features a CDS-ZL dial. Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) eliminates the needs for holdovers on longer shots, while the ZeroLock prevents unintended adjustments and ensures an accurate return to zero.

The VX-3HD builds upon the long tradition of the VX-3 line of Gold Ring rifle scopes, which has served hunters and shooters for more than 40 years.

Traslation – The quality of the glass and lens coatings of the VX3HD have been upgraded from the older VX3 to give the VX3HD better light gathering capability and improved image quality, especially in low light. It also has the Leupold CDS System with ZeroLock on all models.

Leupold Custom Dial System (CDS)

Custom CDS Dial For 270 Win, Side Focus, Leupold Mk 4 Rings

Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) is a feature designed to allow shooters to quickly adjust their rifle scopes for different distances without the need for holdover or elevation adjustments. Leupold provides one free custom dial with each new Leupold CDS scope. Here’s how it generally works:

Initial Setup: When you purchase a Leupold scope with the CDS feature, you provide Leupold with information about your rifle, ammunition, and ballistic profile. This includes details such as bullet weight, muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, and atmospheric conditions. It is much more accurate to actually chronograph your load instead of relying on factory advertised velocity.
Custom Dial: Leupold then creates a custom elevation dial specifically calibrated for your rifle and load combination. This dial replaces the standard elevation turret on the scope. You get one free dial for each scope and extra dials are $80 each.
Distance Adjustment: Once the custom dial is installed, you can adjust the scope’s elevation by simply turning the dial to the desired yardage. Yardage is displayed on the dial in 50 yard increments. See the photo above.
Ballistic Compensation: The custom dial compensates for bullet drop based on the trajectory of your specific load. So, when you adjust the dial to a particular distance, the scope’s reticle will be accurately aligned with the point of impact for that distance, eliminating the need for holdover or manual elevation adjustments.
Versatility: The CDS system allows shooters to quickly the distance to the target without the need for complex calculations or adjustments, making it ideal for hunting or long-range shooting scenarios.

I have two Leupold scopes with the CDS system and have tested them out to 500 yards. I works amazingly well. If you take the time to find a good shooting load for your rifle and chronograph it for actual velocity from your rifle, it will work extremely well.

DO NOT TRUST A BDC RETICLE. THEY WILL NOT WORK FOR MOST CALIBERS

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 with hunting. 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 a BDC 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.