First Look: Leupold VX 6HD Gen 2 Rifle Scopes

Push button locks for a hassle-free zero.

by
posted on March 15, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Leupold 6HD Gen2

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. recently launched the second generation of its classic VX6 HD premium second-focal-plane riflescopes. This latest product line includes six different variants with four different reticle options, in addition to other useful features.

At the forefront of all its second-generation upgrades, the new Leupold VX 6HD family includes the Leupold CDS-SZL2 dial, which does away completely with tiny Allen wrenches or similar tools for adjusting rifle scope turrets or swapping out customized dials. Instead of screws, the turrets on this latest crop of Leupold VX 6HD scopes uses locking levers. The ZeroLock system on the Gen 2 scopes uses push buttons. Leupold’s efforts are to bring another level of convenience when it comes to turret management by completely foregoing tools and wrenches, which are also easy to lose. 

“This isn’t just a new product announcement–this is proof that the world’s best hunting riflescope just got even better,” said Tim Lesser, Vice President of Product Development and Marketing for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The VX 6HD Gen 2 improves upon the industry-leading performance of its predecessors and delivers new features and enhancements that hunters worldwide will value. No detail has been overlooked.”

VX 6HD Gen 2 optics are compatible with Lepuold’s CDS (custom dial system), which marries the scope’s settings to correspond to the specific rifle and cartridge combination of each shooter. Customers receive two vouchers for getting custom dials made with every purchase of a new VX 6HD Gen 2 scope. 

The new Leupold VX 6HD family incorporates other elements from Leupold’s other premium product lines, such as the throw lever that Leupold Mark 4HD and Mark 5HD users are familiar with. In addition, these new Gold Banded scopes employ Leupold’s Professional Grade Optics’ System.

“We’ve designed the VX-6HD Gen 2 to be the ultimate hunting riflescope, and its features make that very clear,” said Vici Peters, Gold Ring Product Line Manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The included Custom Dial System might be the most useful feature on the market for hunters. With just a few pieces of information, almost all available on the back of any box of ammunition, we can make dialing for distance incredibly simple. It’s a game-changer in the field.”

Please visit leupold.com to learn more about the VX-6HD Gen 2 line or other optical products from Leupold.

Latest

Hawke Optics
Hawke Optics

First Look: Hawke Optics Endurance 30 Fiber Dot Riflescopes

Available in a wide range of focal lengths and reticles.

Tech Wisdom: The Physics of Recoil

Felt recoil is a product of multiple factors.

First Look: Bushmaster V-Radicator 22 ARC Pistol

A compact firearm designed for accuracy and performance.

The Classics: The Bren Ten

Many people have heard of it, few have seen one. 

First Look: Taurus 66 Combat Revolver

Seven shots of .357 Magnum and optics-ready.

Maximum Effort

Push yourself to next level of marksmanship.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.