Leupold’s latest VX-6HD model, the VX-6HD GEN 2, is a top-end rifle-topper built with new features engineered to meet the demands of any hunt.
by Jace Bauserman
I’m a bit of a Leupold junkie. Most of my bolt-action hunting rifles are topped with a Gold Ring scope. No, I’m not biased. If you’ve read my work over the years, you know I strive to find products that work and fill me with confidence. Leupold scopes do both, and I’ve grown partial to them.
Recently, I tested Leupold’s latest and greatest on the range and in the field. Dubbed the VX-6HD GEN 2 3-18×44, this riflescope is the next evolution in Leupold’s award-winning VX-6HD lineup.
Leupold VX-6HD GEN 2: What’s New
The new dial system jumped at me when I opened the Leupold-branded scope box. One thing I didn’t love about the previous VX-6HD models was the on/off dial system feature. Original VX-HD models with the CDS dial required the removal of several small Allen head screws during the sight-in or dial-change process. I’m scattered-brained and always in a hurry. Too many times, I went to the range, forgot my Allen wrench, and had to return home. Twice, trying to swap an original dial with a custom dial from Leupold, I dropped and lost screws.
The new CDS-SZL2 dial is tool-less, which is an excellent feature. Dubbed the SpeedSet dial, a simple lever unlocks and flips up, removing the elevation turret. The windage turret showcases the same feature.
Also new is an integrated, removable throw lever. I appreciate a throw lever. During the moment of truth, I want complete, easy, and fast control over my scope’s magnification. Competition-grade precision adjustments are also part of the package.
Of course, Leupold still provides multiple reticle options. Shooters can choose between Leupold’s Illuminated FireDot Duplex, Illuminated TMOA, Illuminated FireDot Boone & Crockett, and Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter.
The scope comes with scratch-resistant lenses, flip-up optic covers, and Guard-ion lens coating to ensure maximum protection from dirt, water, dust, etc. An integrated electronic leveling system facilitates mounting and improves long-range accuracy.
Regarding light gathering and glare reduction, the Professional-Grade Optical System is a winner and, according to Leupold, better than ever.
Leupold VX-6HD GEN 2 3-18×44: Range Test
With the scope mounted to Leupold’s specific base and ring torque settings, I used Real Avid’s Bore Sight Kit and sent a round downrange. On paper at 100 yards, I first adjusted the elevation dial. Three shots later, three Winchester 175-Grain Power Points were in a sub-1/2-inch group two inches left of the bullseye. Using the SpeedSet dial, I unlocked the lever, lifted it, removed the dial cap, and set it back at zero. The new dial system is impressive, and ZeroLock ensures the dial will never move off your zero unless you depress the dial button.
Next, I adjusted windage, and three shots later, the scope was dead-nuts zeroed at 100 yards. The edge-to-edge optical clarity is excellent, and the scope is remarkably clear.
I tested the scope in various lighting conditions for the day. Whether the sun was high overhead or sinking in the western sky, glare was not a problem, and the scope’s light gahtering ability was excellent.
Twice, I rang steel beyond 500 yards in light that would be deemed illegal in a hunting situation. And, with the sun high overhead, I focused on a six-inch steel plate for 10 minutes to test glare and general eye relief. I used the throw lever to zoom in and out on the ring easily, and glare was never a problem. After 10 minutes of never leaving the scope, I rang steel at 325 yards.
Leupold scopes are renowned for their durability. Leupold is so confident in them that they issue a full lifetime warranty with each scope. Still, I placed my Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite with Leupold’s VX6-HD GEN 2 3-18×44 in a scabbard and took the rifle/optic combo for a 10-mile horseback ride through brutal terrain. When I returned home, I went to the range and rang steel on three consecutive shots. The furthest of those shots was 500 yards.
Leupold VX-6HD GEN 2 3-18×44: Field Test
I’d hunted hard and had looked over a bunch of good bulls. I watched my good friend and Leupold Team Member Kayley Anderson drop her first bull, a gorgeous, heavy, old battler, at over 300 yards. Anderson turned the dial and sent it, and the big bull crumbled. That was the best part of my trip!
Two days later, after watching a monstrous 370-inch bull move his cows into a tangled cottonwood river bottom mid-morning, we decided to back out. The wind was questionable, and with a favorable wind forecasted for the evening, the plan was to return and move in tight.
The wind was perfect, but the big bull didn’t read the script. Instead of going where we thought he would, the bull pushed his harem of girls into the middle of a large opening void of any cover and bedded down. There was no way to get closer, so we kept our eyes on him and let the evening unfold.
It was early October, and though the bulls weren’t overly aggressive toward one another, they screamed their guts out, which was a fantastic sight.
We were just about to call it a day when I spied a lone 6×6 bull working a fence line headed in our direction. I knew the bull was mature, and his broad, tall, six-point rack pushed me over the edge. My buddy, Darrell, whispered the range. I dialed the scope to 325 yards, breathed, and waited for the right angle. That angle took a long time. The bull kept feeding away. Finally, he turned broadside. Darrell told me we had 45 seconds of legal light to make it happen. I quickly redialed to the approximate range, settled the crosshairs, and squeezed.
The scope’s low-light optical clarity was remarkable and allowed me to make a solid hit. The bull hunched, and I sent another and then another. I wanted to send one more but legal time was up. Elk are so damn tough.
The bull ambled into thicker cover, and we lost sight of him. Darrell thought he saw the bull crash but wasn’t sure. The October night was to be cold, and the smart play was leaving the bull overnight. There was no risk of meat spoilage.
It was a sleepless night. I felt like my first shot was perfect, and both follow-up shots hit the bull. As it turned out, I worried all night for nothing. The bull didn’t make it 150 yards. The first shot was indeed perfect. It hit behind the bull’s left shoulder and was under the hide on his right side. There was no need for two more shots, but if an elk is on his feet, I keep shooting. I’ve witnessed too many rodeos.
It was a perfect hunt with wonderful people, and Leupold’s VX-6HD GEN 2 3-18×44 proved perfect. If you’re in the market for a new scope, I can’t give Leupold’s shiny new penny a higher approval rating.
Leupold VX-6HD GEN 2: Final Thoughts
Leupold does nothing by chance. When the manufacturer launches a product, you know loads of thought and purpose went into it. Leupold makes products for serious hunters, and the new Leupold VX-6HD GEN 2 is a new riflescope that will make any rifle better and help you have the best season of your life.
