LEUPOLD VX-5HD 1-5x24 METRIC FireDot 4 Fine illuminated riflescope

Maximum versatility at a reasonable price.

The LEUPOLD VX-5HD 1-5x24 mm is a compact hunting riflescope from this North American manufacturer. With a minimum magnification range of 1x, it provides an extraordinary field of view, making it an ideal scope for driven hunts. The VX-5HD is essentially a little brother to the VX-6HD, offered at a lower price point, logically lacking some of the more advanced features of the higher-end line, but without sacrificing many of the features any hunter looks for in an optic of this type.

The specific features of the VX-6HD not found in the VX-5HD line are: a higher magnification ratio of 6:1 versus 5:1, an electronic reticle level system, alumina lens covers with a flip-back design, and a reversible throw lever to assist in adjusting the magnification ring. Also, all VX-6HD scopes come with an illuminated reticle as a standard feature, which is an optional add-on for the VX-5HD line.

It is a scope that stands out for the use of excellent quality lenses, which feature "High Definition" (HD) characteristics. Furthermore, VX-5HD models feature "Twilight Max Light Management System" technology, an aspect that offers the hunter an advantage during the peak activity hours of certain prey, typically at dawn and dusk. For example, in the case of roe deer, it is well known that crepuscular moments provide the best hunting opportunities. During those hours, light conditions are poor; only quality lenses, like those of the VX-5HD, are capable of providing defined, sharp, and bright images. The manufacturer claims that this scope provides 30 minutes more of hunting time at dusk and dawn compared to other competing optics.

On the other hand, as expected, at its maximum magnification it lacks any type of optical aberration or edge distortion, with a sharp image from side to side. As is characteristic of this scope brand, the number of lenses is lower than in other brands, and their arrangement is carefully considered to determine the coatings applied to each of them. The result is clarity and image quality that is hard to find in other manufacturers.

The second important aspect in any scope is its mechanical quality—that is, if we adjust the reticle a certain number of MOAs using the turrets, this correction is reflected exactly in the point of impact. The low-profile turrets are graduated in 1/4 MOA per click, which means a 7 mm correction for each click at 100 m. The windage turret has a protective cap, which is appreciated, as it is usually the most exposed to unintentional changes due to rubbing and accidental bumps. The side parallax turret is also very easy to use.

Overall, the turrets are large enough to be used by people with average-sized hands, but they are not so large as to be cumbersome. This North American manufacturer's scopes are known for their mechanical precision, something we were able to verify by performing the so-called "box test" using graduated targets.

Another especially noteworthy aspect is its very generous eye relief and "eyebox," a feature that makes it easy to find a comfortable shooting position quickly. In addition, the shooter's eye safety is guaranteed, even with particularly powerful calibers like magnums. Regarding its robustness, note that like all LEUPOLD optics, it is an especially rugged scope, built on a 6061-T6 aeronautical aluminum body. The VX-5HD is waterproof and fogproof, and it also has the Guard-Ion lens coating. According to the company, this final treatment consists of "ion-bombarding the lens's molecular structure." The result is exterior lenses that repel water, dirt, and fingerprints very well.

It is worth remembering that every LEUPOLD design must survive 5,000 impacts delivered by a machine called "The Punisher," a recoil simulator. The force of each impact is 3 times the recoil of a .308 rifle. If the model does not function correctly during testing, adjustments are made to the design and it is tested again.

Finally, speaking of its reticle, this reference features the "FireDot 4 Fine" model, which is especially popular because it has a red dot in the center of the crosshair and is designed to help with aiming in extremely low-light conditions. For example, this reticle is ideal for shooting at an animal with very dark-colored fur when lighting is sparse, a circumstance where it can be very difficult to locate the crosshair.

NOTE: LEUPOLD scopes and binoculars have a lifetime warranty, a factor to keep in mind when deciding on an optic from this manufacturer.



Features:

• Manufactured with a 30 mm tube made of 6061-T6 aeronautical-grade aluminum.
• Lightweight, weighing only 380 g.
• Wide field of view at 100 m: 41.07 m at 1x / 8.12 m at 5x.
• Exclusive patented Argon/Krypton gas blend, which virtually eliminates the effects of thermal shock and reduces the loss of confined gases, even more effectively than proven nitrogen technology.
• Exceptional image clarity throughout the magnification range. Thanks to the application of proprietary lens coatings, light transmission in blue and red is maximized, in addition to balanced colors, to show the greatest possible contrast. Glare is controlled with special mechanical structures.
• Protective rain coating called Guard-Ion, extremely durable and resistant to scratches, water, dirt, and fingerprints.
• The internal erector tube features a "Twin Bias" dual spring system, made of a beryllium-copper alloy, which possesses 30% more retention force to withstand the most intense recoil and abuse.
• With long eye relief: 94 mm at 1x / 97 mm at 5x. It also has a generous "eyebox," making it very quick and easy to adjust the head position relative to the eyepiece for a perfect view.
  
• FireDot 4 Fine reticle with fiber-optic illumination system, offering a perfect balance of contrast and brightness, both in daylight and low-light conditions.
• Patented Motion Sensor Technology (MST) automatically deactivates reticle illumination after five minutes of inactivity, and reactivates it instantly as soon as any movement is detected.
• Turrets in MILs: 1 click = 0.1 MIL.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Power x Objective Diameter (mm.)

1-5x24

Finish

Matte

Tube

30mm.

Reticle

FireDot 4 Fine

Field of view (m. at 100m.)

41.07 at 1x / 8.12 at 5x

Point of impact correction per click (mm. at 100m.)

10

Exit pupil (mm.)

4.8

Eye relief (mm.)

94-97

Total length (mm.)

380

Weight (g.)

273

Waterproof / Fogproof

Yes

Color

Black

Reticle: Illuminated FireDot 4 Fine.