Leupold Announces Freedom Red Dot Sight

by
posted on January 16, 2019
** 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_freedom_rds_moa_lead.jpg

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., has introduced the all-American-made Freedom RDS (Red Dot Sight), a new tubular red dot that's built to perform in extreme conditions, and won't break the bank.

Designed, machined and assembled at Leupold's Beaverton, Ore., factory, the red dot sight—created for recreational shooters and hunters alike—will be available in two 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-gr. .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 34 mm 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 34 mm maintube design measures at under 5.5” and weighs less than 7 ozs.

“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.”

MSRP is expected to be under $300 for the standard MOA adjustment model; under $400 for BDC model.

Both RDS models are backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee.

For more information, visit Leupold.com.

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.