Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm: Precision and Versatility for Discerning Shooters and Hunters

For anyone seeking an optical solution that offers exceptional clarity, rugged dependability, and a broad magnification range to excel in diverse shooting scenarios, the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm riflescope, model 171716, stands out as a premier choice. Engineered to meet the rigorous demands of competitive marksmen, tactical operators, and dedicated hunters alike, this scope provides the crucial tools needed for precision shot placement across varying distances and environmental conditions.

What makes the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm an optimal optic for serious enthusiasts? It’s a convergence of innovative Leupold technologies designed for real-world performance. From its Custom Dial System (CDS) to its robust construction and crystal-clear optics, every element is meticulously crafted to empower shooters with confidence and accuracy. If you’ve ever asked, "What's the best rifle scope for adapting to diverse shooting distances?" or "How can I ensure my adjustments are consistently precise in the field?", the VX-5HD offers compelling answers.

Unleashing Optical Excellence: Key Features and Their Impact

The Leupold VX-5HD is not just another riflescope; it's a meticulously engineered instrument designed for superior performance. Let's delve into the specific features that contribute to its exceptional capabilities:

Expansive 5:1 Zoom Ratio: 3-15x Magnification

The core of this scope's versatility lies in its impressive 3-15x magnification range. This 5:1 zoom ratio means you have the flexibility to transition seamlessly from close-range, wide-field-of-view observations at 3x, perfect for tracking game in dense cover or quickly acquiring targets in dynamic tactical drills, to detailed, long-range precision at 15x. This wide range empowers hunters to adapt to anything from tight timber shots to open prairie distances, and allows competition shooters to engage targets at varying ranges without needing to switch optics. Imagine a scenario where you're hunting deer in thick woods at dawn, needing a low magnification to quickly find your target, and then later in the day, you're spotting a coyote across an open field, requiring the higher 15x power for a precise ethical shot. The VX-5HD effortlessly handles both.

Crystal Clear Image Quality: 44mm Objective Lens

Complementing the magnification range is the 44mm objective lens. This generous lens size is critical for light gathering, especially in challenging low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk, or heavily overcast days. A larger objective lens channels more ambient light to your eye, resulting in a brighter, clearer, and higher-contrast image. This allows for extended periods of effective shooting, giving you critical minutes at the edges of the day when game is most active. For tactical applications, superior light transmission means better target identification and situational awareness in low-light environments, crucial for success and safety.

Optimized for Precision: The Impact-29 MOA Reticle

The Leupold Impact-29 MOA reticle, positioned in the Second Focal Plane (SFP), is a significant asset for shooters who demand precision. The MOA (Minute of Angle) system is widely understood and offers intuitive adjustments. The Impact-29 design provides clear hold points for windage and elevation, allowing for quick compensation for bullet drop and crosswinds without having to adjust the turrets for every shot. Because it's an SFP reticle, its size remains constant regardless of the magnification setting. This is particularly advantageous for hunters who prefer a consistent reticle appearance and don't need the holdovers to be proportionally accurate at every power setting, or for tactical shooters who primarily use the turrets for elevation changes and rely on the fixed reticle for quick holdovers at a specific, known magnification.

Custom Dial System (CDS-ZL2) and ZeroLock Dials: Effortless Adjustments

The Leupold CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2) elevation dial is a game-changer for long-range shooting. Once you've provided Leupold with your specific rifle, ammunition, and environmental data, they create a custom ballistic dial etched precisely to your load's trajectory. This means you can range your target and then simply dial the corresponding distance on your turret – no complex holdover calculations or clicks needed. This streamlines long-range shooting, making it accessible and fast, even under pressure. The ZeroLock feature ensures that your elevation dial locks into place at your zero, preventing accidental adjustments in the field. To dial for a shot, you simply press a button to unlock it, make your adjustment, and it automatically locks back once you return to zero or a new adjusted position, providing peace of mind and consistent performance.

Side Focus/Parallax Adjustment: Enhanced Clarity and Accuracy

Located conveniently on the side of the scope, the parallax adjustment (with a minimum setting of 50 yards) allows you to eliminate parallax error, ensuring the reticle and target appear on the same focal plane. This is critical for achieving maximum precision, especially at higher magnifications and varying distances. By simply rotating the side focus knob until the target appears sharp and clear, you eliminate any perceived reticle shift caused by slight head movements, leading to tighter groups and greater confidence in your shot.

Advanced Lens Coatings: Guard-Ion and Twilight Max HD Light Management System

The 171716 model features Leupold's proprietary Guard-Ion lens coating. This is an extremely durable, scratch-resistant coating that repels water, dirt, and fingerprints, keeping your lenses clean and clear in the harshest environments. Alongside this, Leupold's Twilight Max HD Light Management System enhances color rendition, boosts contrast, and virtually eliminates glare. This sophisticated optical system is specifically engineered to perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions, extending your usable shooting light by up to 20 minutes compared to competitors, a critical advantage for hunters at dawn and dusk. The combination of Guard-Ion and Twilight Max HD ensures that your view remains brilliant and unobstructed, no matter what nature throws your way.

Built for the Toughest Environments: Unyielding Durability

A riflescope is only as good as its ability to withstand the rigors of the field. The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm is constructed to be exceptionally robust, ensuring reliable performance when it matters most.

Rugged Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction

The scope's main body is crafted from 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum. This material is renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio, providing exceptional durability without adding unnecessary bulk. The 30mm maintube offers ample room for elevation and windage travel (75 MOA each), crucial for long-range engagements, and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the optic.

Legendary Leupold Durability: Fog Proof, Shockproof, Waterproof

Every Leupold scope, including the VX-5HD, undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it lives up to the company's legendary reputation for durability. It is:

• Fog Proof: Nitrogen purged and sealed to prevent internal fogging in rapid temperature changes or humid conditions. You can move from a warm vehicle to cold outdoor air without your view clouding over.
• Shockproof: Engineered to withstand the punishing recoil of even the largest calibers and accidental drops. It maintains zero reliably, shot after shot, season after season.
• Waterproof: Guaranteed to perform in the wettest conditions, whether it's a torrential downpour or an accidental submersion. The internal components remain protected and functional.

This trifecta of protections ensures that your investment will perform flawlessly, whether you're battling a severe storm in the mountains or navigating rugged terrain.

Who Benefits Most from the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm?

This riflescope is an ideal solution for a variety of users who demand peak performance and adaptability:

• Long-Range Hunters: For those pursuing game across open landscapes where shot distances can vary significantly, the 3-15x magnification, CDS-ZL2 dial, and excellent low-light performance are indispensable. It simplifies ethical shot placement at extended ranges.
• Competitive Shooters (PRS, NRL, 3-Gun): The fast and intuitive CDS-ZL2, combined with the precise MOA reticle and robust build, makes it a reliable partner in dynamic shooting competitions where speed and accuracy are paramount. Its ability to hold zero consistently under rapid fire and movement is a significant advantage.
• Tactical and Patrol Use: The scope's durability, clear optics for target identification, and rapid adjustment capabilities make it suitable for professional applications where reliability in unforgiving conditions is non-negotiable.
• Varmint Hunters: The high magnification and precise adjustments are excellent for engaging small, distant targets, while the 50-yard parallax adjustment ensures crisp images even at closer varmint ranges.
• Any Shooter Seeking a Versatile, High-Performance Optic: If you own multiple rifles or engage in various shooting disciplines and desire one premium scope that can confidently handle nearly all of them, the VX-5HD is a superb choice.

The Leupold Difference: Why Choose This Optic?

Choosing a Leupold optic is an investment in American-made quality and a commitment to optical excellence. Leupold has a century-long heritage of designing and manufacturing some of the world's most trusted optics. The VX-5HD series embodies this legacy by offering:

• Unparalleled Clarity: The Twilight Max HD Light Management System and Guard-Ion coatings deliver a bright, clear, and vibrant image, even in challenging conditions.
• Intuitive Adjustments: The CDS-ZL2 and ZeroLock dials simplify long-range shooting, making it accessible even for those new to dialing for elevation.
• Extreme Durability: Built to withstand the harshest environments, ensuring your scope performs when you need it most.
• Versatile Performance: A 5:1 zoom ratio means one scope can handle a wide array of shooting situations, from close quarters to extended distances.
• Backed by Leupold's Lifetime Guarantee: This commitment to quality means peace of mind for life.

When considering an upgrade to your rifle's capabilities, or embarking on a new build, the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm with the Impact-29 MOA reticle is a high-performance solution that consistently delivers. Its blend of advanced features, robust construction, and Leupold's renowned optical clarity makes it a top-tier choice for serious shooters and hunters. This exceptional scope, UPC 030317012847, is available from trusted retailers like DEGuns, ensuring you receive genuine Leupold quality backed by excellent service.

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Specifications (Model 171716)

Key Feature	Specification	Additional Detail
Brand	Leupold	Renowned American optics manufacturer
Model	VX-5HD	High-Definition Variable Power Riflescope
Magnification	3-15x	Versatile 5:1 Zoom Ratio
Tube Diameter	30mm	Provides ample adjustment travel and durability
Reticle	Impact-29 MOA	Second Focal Plane (SFP) for consistent appearance
Material	Aluminum	Aircraft-grade for strength and light weight
Firearm Type	Rifle	Optimized for various rifle platforms
Finish	Matte Black	Non-reflective, durable coating
Field of View	38.20 - 7.90 ft @ 100 yds	Wide view at 3x, precise view at 15x
Adjustment Size	.25 MOA	Precise click adjustments
Focal Plane	Second	Reticle size remains constant with magnification
Objective Lens	44mm	Excellent light gathering for clarity
Eye Relief	3.70" - 3.80"	Comfortable and safe eye relief
Windage Adjustment	75 MOA	Ample range for wind compensation
Length	13.53"	Compact yet powerful
Proofs	Fog Proof / Shockproof / Waterproof	All-weather, all-conditions performance
Focus Type	Side	Easy and precise parallax adjustment
Parallax Adj.	50 yds	Minimum adjustment distance
Elevation Adj.	75 MOA	Extensive range for long-distance shooting
Optic Coating	Guard-Ion	Scratch-resistant, sheds water/dirt
Weight	19.70 oz	Lightweight design for reduced bulk
Exit Pupil Diam.	2.90mm	Sufficient for bright images across magnification
UPC	030317012847	Universal Product Code for identification
MPN	171716	Manufacturer Part Number