Rifleman Review: Leupold Patrol 6HD 1-6X 24 mm Riflescope

by
posted on October 11, 2023
** 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. **

These days, the low power variable optic (LPVO) has become a hugely popular option for enthusiasts looking to maintain rapid target acquisition while extending the effective usable range of their platform. Of these LPVOs, one of the stand-out magnification ranges is 1-6X, and Leupold developed its Patrol 6HD with select features designed to enhance the versatility of this general-purpose optic. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above to see the details of this Patrol 6HD.

The Leupold Patrol 6HD is built on a 30 mm main tube and measures just over 11.5" long and weighs 16 ozs. The scope is outfitted with Leupold's CDS-ZL2 system, indicating that the company's Custom Dial System is included, and it incorporates Leupold's Zero Lock mechanism. On the Patrol 6HD, the turret can make two full revolutions, hence its ZL2 designation.

Man aiming downrange with the Leupold Patrol 6HD riflescope.

"Here's where the Leupold Patrol 6HD CDS ZL2 gets interesting," said American Rifleman Editor in Chief Brian Sheetz. "This, of course, is the elevation turret. So here's the dial, and I can move it around to different settings. I'm getting a tactile input there from where it's indexing on various mechanical settings on the dial. When I rotate it back around to here, you'll see that when I get to the zero, the lock pops out. Now it's locked. So the way that's indexed to your particular setting, this is beyond the Custom Dial aspect of it, is that there are three Allen screws, very small Allen screws, that are in the top portion of this dial. And what you do is you can loosen those, take the dial off, reset the zero and then put the dial back on."

Leupold offers its Patrol 6HD riflescope with two reticle options, the FireDot Duplex illuminated reticle and the CM-R2 illuminated reticle.

Top view of Leupold's Custom Dial System elevation turret.

"This particular model of the Patrol 6HD has what Leupold calls the CM-R2 reticle in it, which consists of essentially a crescent with a dot in the center of it," Sheetz said. "That's the main aiming point, and that's the point that's illuminated by this illuminated system. If I'm shooting with the scope, it's on the rifle, I set the rifle down. After five minutes, the scope reticle illumination turns itself off. Now, once you reach for the gun again, pick it up, by the time you get that gun up to your eye, you're probably going to find that the reticle is back to the setting that you left it on."

Additional features found in the Patrol 6HD include Leupold's Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating designed to shed dirt and water, as well as high-definition calcium-fluoride lenses. The optic also comes equipped with Leuopld's electronic reticle level, which will flash when the scope isn't level, ensuring accurate adjustments at longer distances. Also included is a removable throw lever.

Leupold's CM-R2 reticle as used in the Patrol 6HD riflescope.

"When you think about how much quicker a riflescope with moderate magnification can be, and yet enough magnification that it can allow you to reach out somewhat, something like the Leupold Patrol 6 HD really is a good bet," Sheetz said. "And with Leupold, you're getting a good, American-made product with a good warranty."

Leupold Patrol 6HD 1-6X 24 mm Riflescope Specifications
Manufacturer: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Magnification: 1-6X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: SFP Illuminated CM-R2
Click Value: 1/4 m.o.a.
Field Of View: 19.2 to 120.9 ft. at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3.7"-3.8"
Finish: matte black anodized
Weight: 16.2 ozs.
Features: Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2 (CDS ZL2); Motion Sensor Technology
Accessories: owner's manual, lens covers
MSRP: $1,600

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.