Editors’ Picks 2019: Leupold Freedom RDS

posted on March 27, 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. **
edpicks17.jpg

Leupold’s Freedom RDS is the embodiment of rugged reliability. A 1X 34 mm tubular red-dot sight, the Leupold DNA is obvious in the optic’s aesthetics—including the gold ring—and more importantly in its durability. A friend at Leupold made no bones about the fact that the Freedom RDS is so tough that the company’s heavy-recoil testing apparatus, nicknamed “The Punisher,” would likely break down before the red-dot if the two were paired in an endurance duel to the death. The scope comes ready for use in a robust rail mount that would be equally at home atop an AR rifle platform or a big-bore revolver. It features a 1-m.o.a. red, illuminated-dot reticle with eight brightness settings—controlled by the left-side activation button—and 1/4-m.o.a. adjustments for windage and elevation are facilitated by a capped turret and exposed, target-style dial, respectively. Leupold will also offer the Freedom RDS with a custom bullet-drop elevation dial calibrated for the .223 Rem. cartridge. The RDS is powered by a 2032 battery, and energy is conserved with Leupold’s proven motion-sensor technology which automatically turns the dot on and off based on movement. Best of all, the base model for this do-anything red-dot has a suggested price of just $299. leupold.com

Latest

Henry Spd Hush Gotw 1
Henry Spd Hush Gotw 1

Gun Of The Week: Henry SPD HUSH

For its first design, Henry Repeating Arms' Special Products Division developed the HUSH, or the Henry Ultimate Suppressor Host. 

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 19, 2025

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

TriStar Arms Protégé X: A Pocket-Size Punch

Inspired by successful designs of the past, the TriStar Arms Protégé X is a pocket-size, M1911-style handgun chambered for the popular 9 mm cartridge.

Hornady Family Honored with Legacy Award

In October, the Hornady family was recognized by the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation for its contribution to the city that Hornady calls home.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1860 Spencer Carbine

One of the most revolutionary shoulder arms of the American Civil War, the Model 1860 Spencer carbine went from being an experimental design at the war's beginning to ultimately becoming the official issue arm of the U.S. Cavalry by war's end.

New For 2025: Tippmann Arms Integrally Suppressed M4-22s

In anticipation of the upcoming $0 NFA tax stamp enactment, Tippmann Arms is now offering integrally suppressed versions of its M4-22 design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.