Leupold VX-5HD Rifle Scopes Instruction Manual

By Nina Mar 29, 2021

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About Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

We’re 700 American craftsmen making innovative, battle-proven optics for the world’s most relentless hunters and shooters. You won’t outlast us. You can’t outperform us.

Our products are renowned for their rugged reliability, elite optical performance, and lifetime guarantee. More than a century of engineering, manufacturing, and optical experience goes into every product that bears our name; the results are unrivaled.

Know Your Scope

Leupold VX-5HD Rifle Scopes Instruction Manual

1 Objective Lens
2 Windage Adjustment (opposite side of scope)
3 Elevation Adjustment
4 Power Selector Ring
5 Ocular Lens
6 Eyepiece
7 Side Focus Adjustment

CAUTION!
Always check and be certain that the firearm is unloaded before working on it.

Installing the Base, Rings, and Scope

Please refer to the instructions included with the base and rings for proper installation.

ESTABLISHING EYE RELIEF

For safety, Leupold strongly recommends that you mount your scope as far forward as possible. Beyond that, follow these steps:

1. With the scope mounted as far forward as possible, hold the rifle in your normal shooting position. (Variable power scopes should be set at the highest magnification for this process.)
2. Slowly move the scope to the rear until you can see a full field-of-view.
3. Position your scope here for maximum eye relief.

FOCUSING THE RETICLE

1. Secure the scope and firearm in a firm rest. Safely point the scope at a light colored background.
2. Look through the scope while pointed at a light colored background. Look away every so often to relax your eye between focus checks. Rotate the eyepiece and recheck focus repeatedly until the reticle is sharp.

Making Precise Windage and Elevation Adjustments

The Leupold VX-5HD riflescopes are equipped with 1/4 MOA per click adjustments. German 4 reticle scopes have 1cm at 100m click increments. The letters found on the windage and elevation dials refer to the direction that the point-of-impact of the bullet is moved when an adjustment is made.

Your Leupold VX-5HD riflescope is equipped with either CDS-ZL2 or finger-click elevation adjustments. All models contain finger-click windage adjustments.

To operate the CDS-ZL2 dial you must push inward on the lock release button located on the outer edge of the dial above the zero witness mark to make an adjustment. Once the dial has been turned one or more clicks past the zero position it is no longer necessary to press the button. The CDS-ZL2 button will be flush with the edge of the dial during the first revolution, then be recessed into the dial during the second revolution.

ZEROING THE VX-5HD WINDAGE AND ELEVATION DIALS AFTER SIGHTING IN

All Leupold scopes feature adjustment dials that can be repositioned to align the marked zero of the dial with the witness mark. This allows the shooter to know the original zero of the rifle in the event that further adjustments are made in the field.

To reposition the dials and the zero stop on CDS-ZL2 adjustments:

1. Loosen the set screws that surround the top of the dial until it turns freely.
2. Turn the cylinder dial by hand to align the zero with the witness mark at the base of the dial. The lock release button will pop out.
3. Tighten the set screws until the dial is secure.

To reposition the finger-click dials simply grasp the dial firmly around the edges and pull straight up until you hear an audible click. Rotate the dial until the zero on the dial is aligned with the witness mark on the maintube. To lock the dial into position, push down until you hear an audible click.

UNDERSTANDING PARALLAX

Parallax is the perceived movement of the target relative to the reticle when you move your eye away from the center point of the eyepiece. It occurs when the image of the target does not fall on the same optical plane as the reticle. This can cause a small shift in the point of aim.

Maximum parallax occurs when your eye is at the very edge of the image. At short distances, the parallax effect does not affect accuracy. It is also good to remember that, as long as you are looking straight through the middle of the scope, or close to it, parallax will have virtually no effect on accuracy in a shooting situation.

SETTING THE PARALLAX WITH THE SIDE FOCUS ADJUSTMENT

1. The reticle should be clear (focused) before adjusting the parallax. If it’s not, follow the instructions under “Focusing the Reticle” section.
2. With the firearm in a stable position, look through the scope, concentrating on the target.
3. Turn the side focus adjustment until the target is clear and crisp.

NOTE: By focusing the image, you are also adjusting the parallax within the scope.

Installing the Battery

Leupold third generation Illuminated Reticle scopes use a CR2032 lithium coin-cell battery.

To install the battery:

1. Twist the cover counterclockwise.
2. Insert the battery, positive (+) side up.
3. Replace the battery cover on the illumination dial and turn it clockwise until it is secure.

Using the Illuminated Reticle

Leupold Illuminated Reticle scopes may be used in either the standard or the illuminated state. When not illuminated, the reticle performs the same as the reticle in a standard Leupold scope.

PUSH BUTTON ILLUMINATION CONTROL

To illuminate the reticle:

1. Press and release the button on the left side of the adjustment turret.
2. To adjust the intensity of the aiming dot, press and release the button repeatedly. The aiming dot will flash 5 times when the brightest setting is reached, then begin decreasing each time the button is subsequently depressed. When the lowest setting is reached, the aiming dot will flash 5 times and begin increasing each time the button is subsequently depressed.

3. To deactivate the illumination, press and hold the button for at least 3 seconds. When reactivated, the ilumination will return to the last used setting.

Note – Advanced Use: To change the direction of adjustment, ie change from increasing intensity to decreasing
ntensity, press and hold the button for 2 seconds and immediately release the button. Then continue pressing and releasing to change intensity.

Leupold third generation illumination systems utilize a proprietary Motion Sensor Technology (MSTTM) to automatically preserve battery life. If the illumination is activated and the scope/rifle is left dormant for a period of five minutes, the illumination will automatically turn off, but will immediately reactivate oas soon as the scope/rifle is moved even slightly.

NOTE: The reticle illumination will begin a 10 sec. count down prior to the 5 minute timeout expiring. The reticle will flash 10 times before turning off.

To preserve the life of the battery, always remember to turn the illumination off when the scope is not in use.

For prolonged storage, remove the battery.

WARNING: Always check to ensure that the firearm is unloaded before changing the battery in the scope.

Low Battery Indicator:

For convenience, there is a low battery indicator feature which will cause the reticle to flash upon activation. To check the status of your battery, simply turn the illumination off, then back on. If the reticle flashes, you will soon need to replace the battery.

For more information on our wide variety of reticles, please visit leupold.com/reticles.

VX-5HD Accessories (sold separately)

ALUMINA LENS COVERS
Alumina flipback lens covers are available for VX-5HD scopes.

REVERSIBLE THROW LEVER (PART # 172369)

Leupold Means Minimal Maintenance

LENSES

To clean lenses begin by using a lens brush to remove dust and then pure alcohol, high-grade glass cleaner, or pure water on a cotton swab.

WINDAGE / ELEVATION ADJUSTMENTS

These adjustments are permanently lubricated. There is no need to lubricate them. Keep the adjustment covers on, except when adjusting, to keep out dust and dirt. (It’s worth noting that, unlike competitive brands, Leupold scopes are waterproof even without the covers in place.)

SIDE FOCUS / ADJUSTABLE OBJECTIVE / POWER SELECTOR / EYEPIECE

These adjustments are permanently lubricated and there is no need to lubricate them. The eyepiece can be rotated as far as it will go in either direction. It will not detach from the scope as there is an internal lock ring.

SCOPE EXTERIOR

No maintenance of any kind is required; simply wipe off any dirt or fingerprints that accumulate with a clean, dry cloth.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Before you ship a scope back to the factory for service or repair, please check the following items.

1. Check the mount. Make sure the scope is mounted securely to the rifle. Try, with bare hands only, to gently twist the scope in the rings or see if anything moves when you jiggle it. If there is any movement, retighten the mounting system according to mounting instructions.

2. Make sure the action of your rifle is properly bedded in the stock, and that all receiver screws are tight and have been tightened in the sequence recommended by the manufacturer. A loosely fitted stock can cause changes to the point-of-impact.

3. When test firing a rifle to check the point-of-impact relative to windage and elevation adjustments, be sure to fire from a solid bench with sandbags supporting the forearm and buttstock.

4. Be sure to use factory-loaded ammunition of the same bullet type, weight, and preferably, lot number. If one type of ammunition does not shoot well, try another brand or bullet weight.

5. Be certain that both the barrel and chamber are clean. Heavy factory grease or copper fouling can diminish the accuracy of the firearm.

LEUPOLD PRODUCT SERVICE

If your Leupold Gold Ring scope fails to perform in any way, you may return it directly to the factory (or one of our international service centers) for service. We recommend contacting Leupold Technical Service at 1-800-Leupold (538-7653), and following these shipping instructions:

1. Remove the rings and any other accessories from the scope.

2. Record the serial number of the scope and keep it for your records.

3. Include a note with your name, address, telephone number, E-mail address, and a description of the problem.

4. Pack the scope in its original box (if you have it), as this is the safest shipping container.

5. Ship the scope by parcel or mail service (insured, if possible) to one of the following addresses:

IN THE UNITED STATES:
Parcel or Mail Service:
Leupold Product Service
14400 NW Greenbrier Parkway
Beaverton, OR 97006-5790 USA

Our Product Service telephone numbers are:
Local (503) 526-1400
Toll-Free 1(800) LEUPOLD (538-7653)
Fax (503) 352-7621

OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES:

Canada:

Korth Group Ltd., 64186- 393 Loop East,
Okotoks, AB T1S 0L1, Canada

Australia:

Nioa, PO Box 191,
Pinkenba, Qld 4008 Australia (for items originating from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Japan)

South Africa:

Formalito, 1019 Pretorius Ave.
Lyttelton Manor, 0157, South Africa

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. products, parts, components, technical data, and services are controlled for export and import, by the U.S. Department of State under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR, Parts 120-130) or the Department of Commerce under the Bureau of Industry and Security Export Administration Regulations, EAR (15 CFR, Parts 730-774). Diversion contrary to U.S. law prohibited.

The Best Consumer Protection in the Business

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is an American, family owned, fifth generation company that has been designing, machining and assembling precision optical instruments for over 100 years. Leupold’s success has been built on its commitment to your absolute satisfaction and its commitment to building the best optics for the shooting sports and for the law enforcement/military community. It is for these reasons that Leupold & Stevens, Inc. offers the Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee.

If any Leupold product is found to have defects in materials or workmanship, Leupold & Stevens, Inc. will, at its option, repair or replace it. FREE. Even if you are not the original owner. No warranty card is required. No time limit applies. Warranty is void if damage results from unauthorized repair, alteration, or misuse.

The Leupold Guarantee in Germany and other countries where legally prohibited: Leupold is convinced of the high-quality and reliability of its products. This is why each U.S. customer is afforded a lifetime guarantee. For legal reasons, this guarantee must be restricted to 30 years in Germany and other countries where an unlimited lifetime guarantee is prohibited. Each owner, even those that acquired a Leupold product used, can make use of this 30 year guarantee.

For complete details visit leupold.com/leupold-core/leupold-dna/lifetime-guarantee

THE LEUPOLD ELECTRONICS LIMITED 2-YEAR WARRANTY

The Leupold Electronics Warranty covers any defects in materials and workmanship in the electronic components of RX, GX, and PinCaddie Rangefinders, Vendetta Archery Rangefinders, Leupold Thermal Optics, and other Leupold electronic products. This warranty lasts for two-years from the date of purchase.

For complete warranty details visit leupold.com/leupold-core/leupold-dna/lifetime-guarantee.

LEUPOLD MAKES MORE THAN SCOPES

See our complete line of rangefinders, mounting systems, binoculars, spotting scopes, and accessories at your nearest Leupold dealer.

For a free Leupold catalog, write to:
Leupold & Stevens, Inc., P.O. Box 688, Beaverton, OR 97075, call (503) 526-1400 or (800) LEUPOLD (538-7653), or order through our Web site at leupold.com.

LEUPOLD, GOLD RING, MARK 4, the Golden Ring design, the circle-L reticle logo design, and various other marks are registered trademarks of Leupold & Stevens, Inc. All marks, including corporate logos and emblems, are subject to Leupold’s rights and may not be used in connection with any product or service that is not Leupold’s, or in any manner that disparages or discredits Leupold, or in a manner likely to cause confusion.

Certain other trademarks used in connection with Leupold products and services are the property of their respective owners, and are used with permission. THE BOONE & CROCKETT CLUB® and BOONE & CROCKETT® are registered trademarks of the Boone & Crockett Club. RMEF® and ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION® are registered trademarks of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Mossy Oak® Break-Up®, Mossy Oak® Break-Up® Country®, Mossy Oak® Break-Up® Infinity™, Mossy Oak® Mountain, Mossy Oak® Obsession®, and Mossy Oak® Treestand®, are trademarks or registered trademarks of HAAS Outdoors, Inc. A.R.M.S. ® is a registered trademark of Atlantic Research Marketing Systems, Inc. The ARD (anti-reflection device) is manufactured by Tenebraex a Division of Armament Technology Incorporated 110 Chain Lake Drive Unit 3E, Halifax NS Canada B3S 1A9

Cordura® is a registered trademark of INvista North America S.A.R.L. Freedom Arms® is a registered trademark of Freedom Arms, Inc. Horus® and Horus Vision® are registered trademarks of Horus Vision, LLC. Kryptek®, Kryptek® Highlander®, and Kryptek® Typhon™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Kryptek Outdoor Group, LLC. Magnum Research® is a registered trademark of Magnum Research, Inc. Ruger® is a registered trademark of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Torx® is a registered trademark of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC. ZEMAX® is a registered trademark of Zemax, LLC. Zygo® is a registered trademark of Zygo Corporation.

For patent information, visit leupold.com/patents

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Riflescopes

Leupold VX-5HD Rifle Scopes Instruction Manual

About Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

Know Your Scope