Leupold just unveiled another new product for the SHOT Show, the Freedom RDS red dot sight. It ships with a mount and comes in two versions; one featuring 1/4-MOA click adjustments (above) and another with a BDC elevation adjustment turret measured out to 500 yards for 55 grain .223 ammo.
Like the rest of their Freedom line, these new red dots are priced affordably. The MOA RDS will retail at just under $300. The BDC model will be just under $400.
Here’s their press release . . .
Relentless Speed: Leupold Announces New Freedom Red Dot Sight (RDS)
BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold & Stevens, Inc., has announced the arrival of the new Freedom RDS (Red Dot Sight), a game-changing new red dot that’s built tough, performs in extreme conditions, and won’t break the bank. The RDS is everything you need in a red dot and delivers class-leading reliability – and it’s built in the United States at Leupold’s Beaverton, Ore., factory.
A tubular red dot sight built for recreational shooters and hunters alike, the RDS will be available in two distinct models: One features capped precision ¼-MOA click adjustments, the other a precision exposed BDC elevation turret that ships with measurements out to 500 yards for standard 55-grain .223 Rem. ammunition. The RDS is designed to install easily with an included mount that sits at the optimal sight height for use on AR-style rifles. That said, it can also be removed and mounted using any 34mm rings.
“Consumers have been asking for an American-made, value-priced red dot for as long as we’ve been in the marketplace,” said Tim Lesser, Vice President of Product Development for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The Freedom RDS delivers on that task and more, bringing with it innovative features like the custom BDC elevation turret, allowing end-users to easily dial up for longer shots.”
Both models of the Freedom RDS feature a 1 MOA dot reticle that’s supported by Leupold’s battery-saving Motion Sensor Technology (MST), which puts the sight into a battery-saving standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. When the MST detects motion, it instantly activates the sight, so it’s ready when you are. A manual mode allows the sight to be shut off when not in use.
The scratch-resistant lenses feature Leupold’s Twilight Red Dot System, which delivers standard color consistency and premium lens clarity. The RDS is 100 percent fogproof and waterproof and features 80-MOA of adjustment in both elevation and windage. A 34mm maintube design measures at under 5.5 inches and weighs less than 7 ounces. Its lightweight design helps increase its rugged reliability.
“The RDS features lightweight construction that disperses recoil energy and creates unrivaled durability,” said John Snodgrass, Product Line Manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “It’s been tested and verified on our Punisher, and it absolutely lives up to Leupold’s legendary standards for ruggedness. It won’t fail you, at the range or in the field.”
Both RDS models are designed, machined, and assembled in the United States and backed by Leupold’s legendary Full Lifetime Guarantee.
For more information on Leupold® products, please visit us at Leupold.com.
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Founded in Oregon more than a century ago, Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a fifth generation, family owned company that designs, machines and assembles its riflescopes, mounting systems and tactical/Gold Ring® spotting scopes in the USA. The product lines include rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; mounting systems; and optical tools, accessories and Pro Gear.
I always liked their prismatic sights, not really sure why. But I do.
“Dropped the curtain.” Oh, great — another blogger neologism. It’s drop the mic, raise the curtain. Pick one. Although you could have said “dropped the veil,” I suppose.
Fair enough. Unveiled it is.
How about…. disrobed….
That makes me moister than an oyster.
Their product development team needs to step it up. Great scopes with poor reticle choices. Now this red dot it looks like it was made for a hunting rifle. What is with the gold ring on everything? I would rather have a vortex uh1 for that price. It is also made in America.
The funny thing is, these can’t be used for game hunting here in Oregon.
No electronics allowed.
Actually you can. The regulations state you just cannot illuminate downrange. Illuminated reticles are good to go! (just not on bows)
Was hoping it would be the return of the Prismatic. This looks interesting though.
Ditto. Hopes dashed again. I like the CDS dial and that’s where it ends. Why would I not spend the same money on a Trijicon MRO? Aimpoint PRO? Eotech? Even Holosun? What void does this fill in the marketplace?
Leupold is losing me in a hurry…
I’d like to see one side by side with an AIM Micro Dot.
1moa dot sounds good. my few cheapos are 3moa and that’s pretty small.
Someone please tell me what good is a BDC reticle on a non-magnified red dot is out to 500 yds? I’m doing good to see out to 100 yds with my EO-Tech 512. If I’m going out to 500 gotta say with my eyes I need magnification. I zero mine at 50 yds so from 50 – 200 the POI is only about 1.0″ diffence & that far enough for a red dot.
It has been impossible to find one in stock anywhere. I’d like to look at one before I buy. But even though I could risk buying one, since they are Leupold quality, none of the known sellers has any in stock. A 2MOA dot would seem more useful.
Just to clarify,
Leupold: Made in the USA
Vortex: Imported from China
No mention of a key factor battery life.
I have one on order, non compensated model. Intend to put it on target pistol. Problem with most red dots available is they have night vision settings that limit the amount of settings (clicks) available for normal daylight shooting. Causing large difference in brilliance between the few remaining clicks plus the dot gets very much larger in size! Pistol target competition shooting made the Red Dot popular but we were abandoned when it became popular on the AR. Some do produce a pistol Red Dot but most are junk! One brand was considered the best but they too are now making Chinese junk. I hope this scope proves to be what I and my friends are looking for, if so I intend to buy 5 more for myself, if not it will be sent back for full refund!