If you're a "primitive weapons season" hunter, then your choices are more or less limited to archery equipment and muzzleloaders ... but some states forbid high-magnification optics on those "primitive weapons." Towards that end, Leupold has just announced its new-for-2025 true 1x, muzzleloader-ready Freedom Red Dot Sight (RDS).
It's an obvious next step based upon Leupold’s award-winning Freedom RDS. Leupold's new Freedom RDS Muzzleloader was created specifically for states where muzzleloaders are limited to an optic with a 1x zoom for big game. But it's not just there to perform legally ... it's there to outperform every other optic option. With 1x magnification, push-button illumination and a Custom Dial System (CDS)-compatible turret, the Freedom RDS Muzzleloader is the next must-have optic for muzzleloader hunters who may be able to reach out to 100 yards or more with their smokepole.
What muzzleloader shooters already know very well is that muzzleloaders can generate hearty recoil. When you only have one shot anyway, you don't need to worry about shot-to-shot recovery ... but you do need to worry about how that recoil affects your optic. Leupold has you covered there with the Freedom RDS, as its ultra-lightweight construction disperses recoil energy, making it the toughest red dot in its class. It's also engineered to maintain your rifle's balance once affixed, measuring in at under 5.5" and weighing less than 7 oz.
“Muzzleloader regulations have changed in several western states over the past few years,” said John Snodgrass, Product Line Manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “Utah banned magnified scopes for muzzleloader hunts. Washington made optics legal on muzzleloaders for the first time–provided they are 1x. The Freedom RDS Muzzleloader is the solution for states with magnification restrictions. It delivers true 1x optical performance, provides a clear and precise aiming point with its dot reticle, and is compatible with our CDS system, which makes it simple to adjust your elevation dial for distance.”
Leupold’s CDS system permits shooters to compensate for bullet drop easily, and to make rapid elevation adjustments in the field. Leupold will customize your Freedom RDS Muzzleloader’s elevation dial to match your exact load, muzzle velocity and environmental conditions. Each Freedom RDS Muzzleloader ships with a standard ¼-MOA adjustment dial, and one free CDS dial order is included with purchase. (Free dials can be redeemed on Leupold.com.)
The Freedom RDS Muzzleloader features 80-MOA of adjustment in both elevation and windage, and it features a 1-MOA dot reticle that is supported by Leupold’s Motion Sensor Technology (MST). This battery-saving technology puts the sight into standby mode after five minutes of inactivity, conserving power. When motion is detected, MST instantly reactivates the sight, ensuring it's ready when you are. On the RDS’ medium setting, you get up to 1,000 hours of battery life. A manual mode allows the sight to shut off when not in use. With eight illumination settings, the dot remains clearly visible in both low-light conditions and bright midday sun.
The scratch-resistant lenses feature Leupold’s Professional-Grade Red Dot Optical System, delivering superior light transmission for challenging conditions, industry-leading glare reduction for a clear image in harsh sunlight, and the resolution and clarity that professional guides and shooters demand in the field. MSRP $399.99; Leupold.com.
