Description
The Leupold Freedom RDS Muzzleloader CDS is a 1x red dot sight built for the muzzleloader seasons that now allow 1x optics in several Midwest and Western states. It pairs a precise 1 MOA red dot with riflescope style adjustments and a custom elevation dial, so you can stretch a modern muzzleloader farther with confidence. Check your state hunting rules before the season, since they change.
Leupold Freedom RDS Muzzleloader CDS Overview
Leupold sells this sight as part 186280. It is a true 1x optic with a 34mm main tube, unlimited eye relief and a wide, crisp field of view. The dot is 1 MOA, which covers about one inch at 100 yards, so it does not hide a deer at longer range the way a large dot can. Windage and elevation adjust in quarter MOA clicks, like a riflescope, with about 80 MOA of travel in each direction and 15 MOA per turn of the elevation dial.
A ZeroStop backstop keeps you from turning the dial a full turn the wrong way.
Custom Elevation Dial
The Freedom RDS Muzzleloader CDS is eligible for one free Custom Dial System elevation dial from Leupold. You give Leupold your load, muzzle velocity, typical hunting elevation and temperature, and they build a dial marked in yards for your exact setup. In the field you range the deer, turn the dial to that number and hold dead on. No holdover math and no guessing.
Illumination and Battery
The dot has 8 brightness settings and runs on one CR2032 battery. Leupold rates battery life at about 1,600 hours on low and about 300 hours on high, with at least 1,000 hours at setting 4 of 8. Motion Sensor Technology shuts the dot off after about five minutes without movement and turns it back on the moment the rifle moves, which saves battery on long sits in a stand or blind.
Optical Quality
Leupold uses its Professional-Grade Red Dot Optical System in the Freedom RDS. It is built for high light transmission at dawn and dusk, strong glare reduction in direct sun, and a sharp dot with no smear. That matters in the first and last minutes of legal light, when many muzzleloader deer are taken.
Built Tough
The Freedom RDS is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof, and like other Leupold optics it is designed, machined and assembled in the USA. It is backed by the Leupold lifetime guarantee, which covers the sight no matter who owns it.
Mounting Note
Leupold lists the weight of this sight as 6.9 oz, or 7.2 oz without a mount but with the battery, and its spec sheet does not list a mount as included. One retailer listing mentions a built-in rail clamp. Plan on 34mm rings or a 34mm red dot mount sized for your rifle unless your box includes a mount.
Zeroing Tips
Zero with the same powder charge, bullet and sabot you plan to hunt with. Most muzzleloader hunters zero at 100 yards, then use the custom dial for longer shots. Start close at 25 yards to get on paper, then move back. Each click moves point of impact about a quarter inch at 100 yards.
Ordering and Transfer
When you order a firearm from MAG5 Firearms, we ship it to the licensed dealer you choose. Your dealer completes the ATF Form 4473 and the background check, and may charge a transfer fee. Local buyers can complete the transfer at our shop. Bring a valid ID, and check your state waiting period before you plan a hunt or a range trip.
Specifications
- Brand: Leupold
- Model: Freedom RDS Muzzleloader CDS
- Part number: 186280
- UPC: 030317045531
- Magnification: 1x
- Main tube: 34mm
- Reticle: 1 MOA red dot
- Illumination: 8 settings, CR2032 battery
- Click value: 1/4 MOA
- Adjustment range: about 80 MOA
- Elevation per turn: 15 MOA
- Weight: about 6.9 oz
- Eye relief: unlimited
Before You Buy
Optics do not require an FFL transfer. Check your state rules on optics for muzzleloader season, and make sure you have rings or a mount that fits a 34mm tube.
Who It Is For
The Leupold Freedom RDS Muzzleloader CDS is a great fit for muzzleloader hunters in states that allow 1x optics, and anyone who wants a precise, dialable red dot for a hunting rifle or slug gun.
Buy the Leupold Freedom RDS Muzzleloader CDS at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned shop in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Optics do not require an FFL transfer, so the Leupold Freedom RDS Muzzleloader CDS ships straight to your door. Browse our full selection of red dot sights for more optics. For factory details, visit Leupold.
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