Wow, thank you so much. I bore sighted my new Leupold 1.5-5 today and was so frustrated that I couldn’t set the proper elevation. Took the cap off like someone else suggested and set it to zero. Now have plenty of adjustment up and down. Thank you so much for this video. This would have frustrated me until I got to the range and then I would have wasted a ton of ammo 👍🏼👊🏼🙏🏼
Thank you so much for this. I had no idea why I couldn’t get my rifle to go down in elevation and the owners manual did that make this procedure clear. Now I can actually enjoy my equipment!
Alternately, to rotate down, loosen the turret allen screws pulling up slightly and rotate right and past the locking notch, depress lock button and push down gently to seat the turret and tighten the allen screws and rotate to right the number of clicks desired. After that loosen the turret and reset to zero. Repeat process to adjust down if necessary. This approach is an alternate if you don't have or wish to adjust down with pliers.
Awesome. I put one of these scopes on my Mauser 8mm recently. Nice scope. Had the same problem and didn’t know how to fix it. Zero at 100m is currently 4 inches high which is a bit much. Now I know how to fix it. Mind you I still scored a stag with the rifle last weekend! Thanks so much! Regards Dave
I was at the range today and didn’t have a tool to remove the cap. Luckily I was shooting low. I just adjusted my elevation, left it as is, came home and removed cap and adjusted that. That works too. 😊
Hi.My vx5 was three inches high at 100 yards after bore sighting.Removed the cap and replaced it at the three moa mark.Turned knob back to zero and its bang on.Thanks for posting.Good to see how others do it.
Another frustrated owner who was baffled at the range - thanks for the quick fix. I did a lot of research buying this scope and not one review mentioned this glitch.
If you put the cap back on with the 0 at the 3 oclock position and retighten, you will be able to move it down in elevation. I called leupold for that little number
@@30-06johnno it won’t be but that’s not the purpose setting it up that way. It allows adjustment below 0 MOA. Once impacts match reticle, you remove cap and reinstall at 0
That's a great idea! What they should do is have a slot on top of the knob so one can adjust it with a flathead screwdriver or coin. Thanks for the idea an watching!
That was a bad ass video and thank you sir for doing this. I’ve always had old school Redfield scopes or Bushnell Elites no adjustments like this, I didn’t have a clue how to do this so again thank you very much! 👊👍🙌
Dialing turrets are meant to be zeroed dead on at 100 yds with the turret installed then you remove it and line up the "0" with the hashmark. Good video. Thanks John!
Thanks! I have most of my rifles setup for hunting, so 2-3 inches high at 100yds is a 200-225yd zero, depending on cartridge and load. That gives me a max point blank range of 250-300yds so I don't have to worry about dialing in El. If I used a 100yds dead on zero, would have to add El at 225yds. Thanks again.
For target shooting you are correct. Slip the scale and zero dead nuts at 100, because your ballistic computer (or DOPE card) will give you the clicks for ranged distances. For hunting, the intent is to have "point blank range" out to your effective shooting distance. For example, a .270WIN zero'd 2" high at 100yd will give you kill-zone hits on most game (deer, elk, caribou, black bear, etc.) from 25 to 250 and even 300yd (depending on the barrel and load). No need to range-find or dial anything. You can make slight point of aim adjustments on the fly (small hold over or hold under) for shorter or longer shots, or inclined/declined shots, within that range based on visual estimation and experience. If you have a shot out around 400yd, you click in some DOPE. This allows a hunter to quickly get on target and take a shot in the field, especially at shorter ranges where there may not be time to dial. Hope that makes sense.
I also set up my hunting rifles for a 200yd zero. 99% of my deer after 30 years of hunting were all within 100yds. Go figure. I guess it helps when I also do alot of bow hunting.
I just bought this scope and haven't even put it on my Tikka 308 yet, but you definitely gave me very useful information when I sight it in later. Thank you !
I bought a Leupold VX-5HD a while back for my Henry long ranger. This past weekend I got around to sighting it in and could not figure out how to get the elevation to decent. I felt embarrassed 😂 thanks for the quick video buddy!
Very well done. Indeed, Leupold took a different direction on the setup and it confuses a lot of people. Thankfully mine was shooting low after mounting, didn't need to pull the cap until I was ready to slip the scale. I was disappointed by how much elevation got burned up getting it to zero, though. That's using low Talley rings on a Win M70.
Thank you so much! My mark 3HD was the same way, I knew that I had to take the turret cap off but wanted confirmation. You just did that for me. Fortunately by just boresighting my AR10, it appears that the zero as from the factory, mounting on Aero Precision medium height ultralight scope mount, I am perfectly on at 200yds. I am now comfortable shooting at anything closer than 200yds should shtf before I make to the range to fine tune. This is probably the 20th time I have boresighted one of my rifles and I am usually only around 3 moa off at 100yds. Good enough to get meat for the pot or home varmint protection!
The manual in mine sort of explained it. The past several months I have seen a bunch of people having problems adjusting that elevation. Good game last night!
I have a vx3 3.5x10x40 cds trying to bore sight like you suggest. I removed the cap and used a cresent wrench to adjust. while using a laser inserted into the barrel, I cant bore sight it! the laser is a little low perfectly centered just below the cross and I run out of turns just to bore sight it, any ideas? I'm bore sighting at 10 yards my duplex cross hairs do move but it takes quiet a few clicks to see any movement. is there something wrong with the scope? it is brand new.
I have seen a lot of those laser type boresighters drop low, not giving a true point. I am assuming your base and rings are mounted correctly. Another way is to put the rifle on sand bags, remove the bolt and look through the barrel at an object in the distance. Adjust scope so crosshairs are on object. Also, since the rifle barrel is reference, scope adjustments are opposite to move crosshairs onto the object. Most scopes are .25" clicks at 100yards. So at 10 yards it will take 10 clicks to move .25". I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
You pleased with this scope still? It's my understandings you can only dial up around 12 MOA, which with some caliberstakes you out to about 500 yrds. 600 if you zero out to 200 yrds. What you put this on, or caliber, rather? I don't think I need to be going out past 500 or 600 yards while hunting, any way
That scope is on my Ruger American 7mm Rem Mag. I have shot it out to 325 yards, and with my load it shoots less than .75 MOA. I really have not used it to dial up elevation but it is working fine for me. If you need more elevation, maybe use a 10 MOA or 20 MOA pic rail to mount the scope to. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Thank you for making this video. I blew through $80 of ammo trying to sight the factory dial in. I couldn’t get enough elevation at 100 yards to print bullets high enough on the bullseye? This scope is doing my head in and I’m thinking about selling it. What am I doing wrong? I took the turret cap off as you suggested.
What is the rifle and scope base? Unusual for a currently made rifle to have a problem with elevation. I would think to check the scope base (one or two piece) and see if they are correct. You can also bore sight the setup and not use ammo except for final sighting in. I hope this helps and good luck!
Thanks for sharing I have this scope as well and wasn’t exactly sure on setup but I was wondering if you tune your rifle in dead on at 100 yards or by the ballistics (.300Weatherby Mag) calls for 2.4 at 100 to be on at 300 yards so if I dial up to 400 yards would it not be on target?!?! Thanks again
This is for the non-custom dial, I zero for max point blank range, usually 200 to 250 yards, so about 2.5" high at 100. At 400, I would click up to what my drop chart has. Part of the custom dial is giving them your zero info, so on that dial, just turn to 400. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
You don’t need a wrench, or to use your fingers on the bare dial underneath. Just loosen the allen screw so it’s not engaged, turn the cover dial “up” to give yourself more downward clicks, gently tighten the allen screw, adjust down as needed, and then once adjusted exactly where you want, loosen the screw again, turn knob to index on zero, and retighten.
Appreciate the video. I just got a next to new VX3 HD and it’s sighted int to my liking but for some reason the white push button sets down in place lining up around the 7 o’clock position (if the white painted hash mark is say 6 o’clock) I was getting tired and cold after shooting this afternoon so I just came home and haven’t since touched it but I’d like to know why the cap doesn’t lock into the 6 o’clock position as yours did in the video. Cheers from Canada
If you take the cap off as shown in the video, at the white hash mark there should be a notch in the ring. That is where the white push button aligns into and will pop out. If that notch is not at the white hash mark, I would call Leupold tech support. Hey, thanks for watching!
This was a well done video however I believe the advice was incorrect. The custom dial system was created for long range shooting, For those situations where you're shooting more than 400 yd. For distances less than 400 yd simply site in for Your point blank range which is typically 2 to 3" high at 100 yd. In that situation you don't need to make any adjustment to the dial. If you intend on shooting beyond the point blank range of let's say 4:00 yd you should 0 the rifle at 100 yd and the custom dial will then accommodate the ballistics. For most people the CDS dial is simply a marketing gimmick
At the range where I shoot and help out, that dial is the most common problem for any and all scopes that shooters ask for help on. Most just want a high quality simple scope, many don`t bring Allen wrenches. If one wants to make a minor adjustment, have to reset the dial. Hey, thanks for watching!
Thank you for the informative video, sir, as I had the same elevation problem at 100 yards. The rifle was shooting 2" high and I couldn't adjust the elevation downward. After watching your video, my scope is in great shape now and will be ordering the custom dial elevation turret cap for my specific ammunition. Question; why doe Leupold make the out of the factory with no downward elevation adjustment without taking the turret off? ? Seems like it has annoyed the crap our of many who prance this type of scope. Any thoughts? Thank you again!
Well, I think they added the target turret for the long range shooters, but many hunters just want a basic rugged scope. Really surprising they did not make the adjustment for EL more clear. Thanks for watching!
@@30-06john Thank you for getting back to me. Overall I"m very pleased with the scope and considering buying another Leupold CDS scope as I really like the Leupold CDS concept. It's so simple.
Hey guys, So i'm nervous about how murch pressure I'm putting on this thing..Plz treat me like I'm extra dumb as this is expensive gear and honestly the instructions are poor...I got the turret off, now with that metal oblong piece i'm nervous about how much pressure i'm putting on...Should I be twisting left trying to loosen to the point it's easier to click? do I have to keep using pliers to slowly get it to move or will it eventually be smooth clicking? Do I need to remove anything else or is it just the original two small screws then twist from there? Thanks
Sorry for the late reply. the rectangular metal that one adjusts is a bit hard with only your fingers. A small adjustable or open ended wrench makes it much easier. Your scope might be adjusted all the way down or up. So if it does not move in one direction, try the other way. I hope this helps.
Just to confirm, ive had trouble getting this correct at the range. Are you saying best to zero rifle in with turret off for elevation ? Once zeroed return turret to 0 on dial ? Does this mean automatically if you have a custom dial for a specified ballistic, you just take the factory turret off when in 0 position and place custom dial on in 0 position ?
Yes, remove the elevation turret to zero the rifle, then reinstall that turret. Make sure it fits into the small notch so it is at "zero", then it will be at zero. For the custom dial, if you are using the same ammo and have the same zero as before, yes, just replace the new turret, make sure it is in the zero notch. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
That's correct, but remember if you zero your custom dial at 100 yards when you install the dial you need to line up in 1. That's 100yrds.. In a perfect world it'd be nice to be at a range you can actually shoot 200-300 yards to further test the dial. Or you'll have to check your dope at 100 yards if that's as far as your ranger goes.
I really appreciate the video. With this method to lower the reticle; when the top set screws and cap removed, which way would I adjust to lower the reticle. Counterclockwise or cloak wise? Thanks great video.
Well, it sounds like you have the rifle stationary and trying to move the reticle to the impact point of the bullets, so that would be counter clockwise or up. Scope setting are labeled for the reticle to be on target and move the impact point to the reticle. If I understand what you are doing, it will be opposite, which is OK for initial sighting in. I hope this helps.
Wait, I just noticed I said that wrong. If your groups are high when your crosshairs are right on the center of the target, then you want to go down, clockwise. Sorry about that!
How about the windage knob? I see that it's capped. Do you just set it and forget it, or can those also be adjusted once left/right is established and the cap put back on to the zero mark?
The windage knob is a normal, typical capped knob. I just set the windage and put the cap back on. Mine does have an indented ring that can be moved to align with the zero adjustment turret, but this does not align with the white dot on the scope itself. Hey, thanks for watching!
Just got this scope I just ordered the dial is it true that zero would be 200 yards as that’s what I’m sighting mine in at. Was told by the guy at scheels that if I range a elk at 400 I turn knob to 4 aim and shoot is this true?
I am not totally familiar with the custom dials, but quickly looking at Leopold's website, when it is ordered, all the ballistic info has to be given. The zero range has to be given also. Reading their info, yes 400 yards would be the 4 on the turret knob. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
Yes, one of the parameters that is needed when ordering the CDS cap is the sight in zero in yards. So at some point the inner dial has to be set. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Question, I had zeroed my 243 Win and 308 Win with scope @ 50 yards. 2 inches above the bullseye is the impact of the bullets good for 100 yards or more? I could see the bullseye better on a 50 yards please be advise thank you.
I assume this is for deer hunting? I like to sight in my rifles so the bullet does not travel more than +/- 3 inches from line of sight. A few variables here but using typical bullet weight and velocity, 1 inch high at 50 yards would give a maximum point blank range of about 250 yards. I think you are a bit too high. Hornady website has a ballistic calculator where you can enter the info and create a chart. I hope this helps.
Thank you so much for the info, this will help me a lot. Yes it's for deer hunting I am using 100 gr bullet ballistic silver tip for my 243 Win. and 150 gr bullet super X power point for my 308 Win. I will make adjustment this week at the range, once again thank you Sir and have a great day. @@30-06john
The windage turret ( left-right) is a standard adjustment. The elevation turret should be set to zero, remove it, adjust the knob underneath how you want the rifle zeroed, then reinstall the el turret. Hey, thanks for watching!
With the knob on, cannot go down in elevation, only up. I have seen many shooters at the local range trying to sight in their rifle and having this problem. Thanks for watching!
If you have a scope with a ballistic turret on it, doesn’t zeroing the gun at 200-250 yards defeat the purpose? You could save a lot of money and get a scope with regular turret caps if you’re going to set it and forget it. The beauty of the ballistic turrets of Leupold’s is to set your zero at 100, then dial it up for longer shots to keep your point of impact at zero. Then you don’t have to do any hold over/under guesswork.
I did this video to show how to adjust the scope down in elevation to sight it in no matter what range you choose. Without removing the locking cap, this is not possible. This problem occurred numerous times with hunters at the range that I usually shoot at. Thanks for watching!
It makes no sense to produce something that so many people have problem with. I was at the range trying to adjust my new mark 3hd. I had the directions with me. The directions are general and say nothing about doing what you just did. I figured it out but not without some difficulties.
Nice work buddy...too bad we cant have a root beer (my strongest) drink and do some shooting. I just got a new one for my 338 mag. FYI first custom turret is free from Leupold set to your pet load.
Yeah, I did not include the custom turret info. At the local range, there are many shooters with this type of scope that where having problems adjusting it, the main reason I did this video. Thanks for watching!
The CDS system is a silly ass marketing tool. These scopes often do not track, so why mess with the dials. Max point range of most calibers is about 300 yards. If you need to shoot further just hold over. Get a scope with an etched glass reticle and learn to use the hash marks, Mil or MOA, both work fine.
Or u could just buy a new sig Sauer canyon scope or go find a Nikon pro staff I'm telling ya people if u haven't tried sigs new long range scopes u will toss every other scope away 300$ will get you the finest optics on the market clear as a bell pics up light that ain't really even there bright red dot powerful magnification life time no excuse warranty I'm telling ya people I was amazed at the quality SIG has
The average once a year deer hunter has no need for the system period…..I would bet money on 400 yd shots all day long. .. as most failed to even sight in proper so the dial would then only be useless
The issue is that it comes with the scope even if it is not used. Most are familiar with capped turrets. If one has to adjust down, the turret lock will engage and stop. Thanks for watching!
I love my older cds scopes, the new ones with ZL suck! Leupold owes me $100 for a wasted range fee, time, and another $100 to return to the range with a tool box.
I would much rather have a ZL turret than a non lock CDS dial, I've seen and talked to more than one person using Leupold and other exposed turrets that have them twist when hiking and hunting, and they don't check when getting ready to shoot in a quick moment only to find it had moved. The ZL will prevent that. It was irritating to find I needed the wrench to sight in elevation, but its worth it in the real world application afterward.
Yeah, the exposed adjustment knobs do get bumped and move when hunting. I have a Leupold Patrol 1.25-4 that had exposed turrets, almost missed a Blacktail buck because they jarred off. I ended up paying Leupold to install capped turrets. I will say that my old Leupold Vari-X III military scope with exposed adjustment turrets has never jarred off in 20 years of hunting. Hey, thanks for watching!
I agree, not liking the lack of ease, adjusting elevation. I had to go home to get the proper tools, used extra box of ammo, and wasted a lot of my time. The instructions lack the proper information.
![Stromae, Pomme - “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1F3OGIFnW1k/mqdefault.jpg)
Wow, thank you so much. I bore sighted my new Leupold 1.5-5 today and was so frustrated that I couldn’t set the proper elevation. Took the cap off like someone else suggested and set it to zero. Now have plenty of adjustment up and down. Thank you so much for this video. This would have frustrated me until I got to the range and then I would have wasted a ton of ammo 👍🏼👊🏼🙏🏼
Thanks! Glad you found it useful!
Finally! Someone made a video explaining perfectly what I was doing wrong. Thank you!
Glad you found the video useful! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for this. I had no idea why I couldn’t get my rifle to go down in elevation and the owners manual did that make this procedure clear. Now I can actually enjoy my equipment!
Your welcome! Glad you found the video useful, the manual really does not make this clear.
Alternately, to rotate down, loosen the turret allen screws pulling up slightly and rotate right and past the locking notch, depress lock button and push down gently to seat the turret and tighten the allen screws and rotate to right the number of clicks desired. After that loosen the turret and reset to zero. Repeat process to adjust down if necessary. This approach is an alternate if you don't have or wish to adjust down with pliers.
That works too! One may not need pliers, depends on the individual scope and persons finger strength Thanks for watching!
11mm wrench or a crescent seems to work as well :)
Thank you for this! Leupold does not provide proper instructions
Yeah, not sure why they don't. Glad you found it useful!
Yeah I just purchased a Mark 4 HD and their is no instructions on how zero out the optic.
Thank you. I was frustrated today at the range!!!
Your video really lowered my blood pressure
Glad you found it useful, and thanks for watching!
Awesome. I put one of these scopes on my Mauser 8mm recently. Nice scope. Had the same problem and didn’t know how to fix it. Zero at 100m is currently 4 inches high which is a bit much. Now I know how to fix it. Mind you I still scored a stag with the rifle last weekend! Thanks so much! Regards Dave
Thanks! Glad you found the video useful.
I was at the range today and didn’t have a tool to remove the cap. Luckily I was shooting low. I just adjusted my elevation, left it as is, came home and removed cap and adjusted that. That works too. 😊
Yep, it is when one has to go down that is the real problem! Thanks for watching!
Many thanks. Your video is more helpful than the instructions from the maker!
Glad it was helpful, and thanks for watching!
Hi.My vx5 was three inches high at 100 yards after bore sighting.Removed the cap and replaced it at the three moa mark.Turned knob back to zero and its bang on.Thanks for posting.Good to see how others do it.
Sounds good, and thanks for watching!
Another frustrated owner who was baffled at the range - thanks for the quick fix. I did a lot of research buying this scope and not one review mentioned this glitch.
Yeah, not sure why it is not really in the manual too. Thanks for watching!
If you put the cap back on with the 0 at the 3 oclock position and retighten, you will be able to move it down in elevation. I called leupold for that little number
Yes, but I think the lock button will not be in the lock position. Thanks for watching!
@@30-06johnno it won’t be but that’s not the purpose setting it up that way. It allows adjustment below 0 MOA. Once impacts match reticle, you remove cap and reinstall at 0
@@charltonlwalkeroooooo nice. This prevents me from adjusting turret at the range with the cap off and pliers and a rag lol
11mm open end wrench works great to adjust the elevation. I used some heat shrink to keep the wrench from marking up the knob.
That's a great idea! What they should do is have a slot on top of the knob so one can adjust it with a flathead screwdriver or coin. Thanks for the idea an watching!
That was a bad ass video and thank you sir for doing this. I’ve always had old school Redfield scopes or Bushnell Elites no adjustments like this, I didn’t have a clue how to do this so again thank you very much! 👊👍🙌
Thanks! Glad you found the video useful!
Dialing turrets are meant to be zeroed dead on at 100 yds with the turret installed then you remove it and line up the "0" with the hashmark. Good video. Thanks John!
Thanks! I have most of my rifles setup for hunting, so 2-3 inches high at 100yds is a 200-225yd zero, depending on cartridge and load. That gives me a max point blank range of 250-300yds so I don't have to worry about dialing in El. If I used a 100yds dead on zero, would have to add El at 225yds. Thanks again.
For target shooting you are correct. Slip the scale and zero dead nuts at 100, because your ballistic computer (or DOPE card) will give you the clicks for ranged distances.
For hunting, the intent is to have "point blank range" out to your effective shooting distance. For example, a .270WIN zero'd 2" high at 100yd will give you kill-zone hits on most game (deer, elk, caribou, black bear, etc.) from 25 to 250 and even 300yd (depending on the barrel and load). No need to range-find or dial anything. You can make slight point of aim adjustments on the fly (small hold over or hold under) for shorter or longer shots, or inclined/declined shots, within that range based on visual estimation and experience. If you have a shot out around 400yd, you click in some DOPE. This allows a hunter to quickly get on target and take a shot in the field, especially at shorter ranges where there may not be time to dial. Hope that makes sense.
I also set up my hunting rifles for a 200yd zero. 99% of my deer after 30 years of hunting were all within 100yds. Go figure. I guess it helps when I also do alot of bow hunting.
If you need to take a vice grip or monkey wrench to adjust your elevation......mmm....maybe there is another method that you are not aware of?
@@DN-kz7xlnot that you're wrong but why are you replying to my comment? I never said anything about a vice grip or monkey wrench. 🙄
I just bought this scope and haven't even put it on my Tikka 308 yet, but you definitely gave me very useful information when I sight it in later. Thank you !
Thanks, glad you found it useful!
I bought a Leupold VX-5HD a while back for my Henry long ranger. This past weekend I got around to sighting it in and could not figure out how to get the elevation to decent. I felt embarrassed 😂 thanks for the quick video buddy!
Actually the reason I did this video was because so many shooters were having the exact same problem! Glad you found it useful!
Super helpful video. I was fixing to send mine back because I thought I was out of adjustment!
Glad it saved you that work!
PERFECT.............it really is mind boggling that a manufacturing company doesnt inform their customers how to handle these sort of things!!!!
Thanks! Yeah, they need better instructions in the manual.
Very well done. Indeed, Leupold took a different direction on the setup and it confuses a lot of people. Thankfully mine was shooting low after mounting, didn't need to pull the cap until I was ready to slip the scale. I was disappointed by how much elevation got burned up getting it to zero, though. That's using low Talley rings on a Win M70.
Yeah, that El cap is frustrating a lot of people. Hey, thanks for watching!
Would a 20 MOA base not help?
@@DN-kz7xlNot on a hunting rifle; want the scope as low as possible.
Nice of Leupold to not mention any of this in the owners manual! Ridiculous!!! Thanks so much for the info
Yeah, not sure why it is not in the manual!
Thanks for sharing going to sight in my 240 weatherby I got the same scope an was wondering why I wasn't going down on sight
Glad you found the video useful! Thanks for watching!
Just bought a 3.5-10x40 Fire Dot. Same set up and I didn’t know that about removing that turret. Glad you posted this.
Thanks! Glad you found it useful!
Thank you so much! My mark 3HD was the same way, I knew that I had to take the turret cap off but wanted confirmation. You just did that for me. Fortunately by just boresighting my AR10, it appears that the zero as from the factory, mounting on Aero Precision medium height ultralight scope mount, I am perfectly on at 200yds. I am now comfortable shooting at anything closer than 200yds should shtf before I make to the range to fine tune. This is probably the 20th time I have boresighted one of my rifles and I am usually only around 3 moa off at 100yds. Good enough to get meat for the pot or home varmint protection!
Glad you found the video useful, and thanks for watching!
Nice video John. I like to read the manual from top to bottom before I start messing with a new scope. Go Phillies!!!!
The manual in mine sort of explained it. The past several months I have seen a bunch of people having problems adjusting that elevation. Good game last night!
This video helped me out. I was confused when handling it today.
Thanks! Glad you found it useful.
Thanks you helped save my hunting season
Glad it was useful, and thanks for watching!
Just bought one, yesterday. Thank You. VERY helpful
Glad you found it useful, and thanks for watching!
Great video!!! I thought I had run out the windage and I set my rings and mount wrong!
Allen key is 1.5 metric.
Thanks! Glad you found it useful!
Very helpful! Thank you so much for doing this video. I just got the same scope you have and was confused. Merry Christmas!
Glad you found it useful. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
I have a vx3 3.5x10x40 cds trying to bore sight like you suggest. I removed the cap and used a cresent wrench to adjust. while using a laser inserted into the barrel, I cant bore sight it! the laser is a little low perfectly centered just below the cross and I run out of turns just to bore sight it, any ideas? I'm bore sighting at 10 yards my duplex cross hairs do move but it takes quiet a few clicks to see any movement. is there something wrong with the scope? it is brand new.
I have seen a lot of those laser type boresighters drop low, not giving a true point. I am assuming your base and rings are mounted correctly. Another way is to put the rifle on sand bags, remove the bolt and look through the barrel at an object in the distance. Adjust scope so crosshairs are on object. Also, since the rifle barrel is reference, scope adjustments are opposite to move crosshairs onto the object. Most scopes are .25" clicks at 100yards. So at 10 yards it will take 10 clicks to move .25". I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
You pleased with this scope still? It's my understandings you can only dial up around 12 MOA, which with some caliberstakes you out to about 500 yrds. 600 if you zero out to 200 yrds.
What you put this on, or caliber, rather?
I don't think I need to be going out past 500 or 600 yards while hunting, any way
That scope is on my Ruger American 7mm Rem Mag. I have shot it out to 325 yards, and with my load it shoots less than .75 MOA. I really have not used it to dial up elevation but it is working fine for me. If you need more elevation, maybe use a 10 MOA or 20 MOA pic rail to mount the scope to. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Thank you .
Just pick up the VX 3 3.5x10 x50 ..
I'll head out tomorrow and do this .
Glad you found it useful, and thanks for watching!
Thank you so much. I hate this CDS! I prefer the the plain old VX-3. You saved me from selling a scope today!
Thanks! Yeah, a lot of hunters and shooters really don't want the CDS dial.
Thank you for making this video. I blew through $80 of ammo trying to sight the factory dial in. I couldn’t get enough elevation at 100 yards to print bullets high enough on the bullseye? This scope is doing my head in and I’m thinking about selling it. What am I doing wrong? I took the turret cap off as you suggested.
What is the rifle and scope base? Unusual for a currently made rifle to have a problem with elevation. I would think to check the scope base (one or two piece) and see if they are correct. You can also bore sight the setup and not use ammo except for final sighting in. I hope this helps and good luck!
Thanks for sharing I have this scope as well and wasn’t exactly sure on setup but I was wondering if you tune your rifle in dead on at 100 yards or by the ballistics (.300Weatherby Mag) calls for 2.4 at 100 to be on at 300 yards so if I dial up to 400 yards would it not be on target?!?! Thanks again
This is for the non-custom dial, I zero for max point blank range, usually 200 to 250 yards, so about 2.5" high at 100. At 400, I would click up to what my drop chart has. Part of the custom dial is giving them your zero info, so on that dial, just turn to 400. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
You don’t need a wrench, or to use your fingers on the bare dial underneath. Just loosen the allen screw so it’s not engaged, turn the cover dial “up” to give yourself more downward clicks, gently tighten the allen screw, adjust down as needed, and then once adjusted exactly where you want, loosen the screw again, turn knob to index on zero, and retighten.
That is one way of doing it. Thanks for watching!
Appreciate the video. I just got a next to new VX3 HD and it’s sighted int to my liking but for some reason the white push button sets down in place lining up around the 7 o’clock position (if the white painted hash mark is say 6 o’clock) I was getting tired and cold after shooting this afternoon so I just came home and haven’t since touched it but I’d like to know why the cap doesn’t lock into the 6 o’clock position as yours did in the video. Cheers from Canada
If you take the cap off as shown in the video, at the white hash mark there should be a notch in the ring. That is where the white push button aligns into and will pop out. If that notch is not at the white hash mark, I would call Leupold tech support. Hey, thanks for watching!
This was a well done video however I believe the advice was incorrect. The custom dial system was created for long range shooting, For those situations where you're shooting more than 400 yd. For distances less than 400 yd simply site in for Your point blank range which is typically 2 to 3" high at 100 yd. In that situation you don't need to make any adjustment to the dial. If you intend on shooting beyond the point blank range of let's say 4:00 yd you should 0 the rifle at 100 yd and the custom dial will then accommodate the ballistics. For most people the CDS dial is simply a marketing gimmick
At the range where I shoot and help out, that dial is the most common problem for any and all scopes that shooters ask for help on. Most just want a high quality simple scope, many don`t bring Allen wrenches. If one wants to make a minor adjustment, have to reset the dial. Hey, thanks for watching!
Not many big game calibers have a maximum Point blank range of 300 yards, let alone 400 yards.
Thank you for the informative video, sir, as I had the same elevation problem at 100 yards. The rifle was shooting 2" high and I couldn't adjust the elevation downward. After watching your video, my scope is in great shape now and will be ordering the custom dial elevation turret cap for my specific ammunition.
Question; why doe Leupold make the out of the factory with no downward elevation adjustment without taking the turret off? ? Seems like it has annoyed the crap our of many who prance this type of scope. Any thoughts?
Thank you again!
Well, I think they added the target turret for the long range shooters, but many hunters just want a basic rugged scope. Really surprising they did not make the adjustment for EL more clear. Thanks for watching!
@@30-06john Thank you for getting back to me. Overall I"m very pleased with the scope and considering buying another Leupold CDS scope as I really like the Leupold CDS concept. It's so simple.
Hey guys, So i'm nervous about how murch pressure I'm putting on this thing..Plz treat me like I'm extra dumb as this is expensive gear and honestly the instructions are poor...I got the turret off, now with that metal oblong piece i'm nervous about how much pressure i'm putting on...Should I be twisting left trying to loosen to the point it's easier to click? do I have to keep using pliers to slowly get it to move or will it eventually be smooth clicking? Do I need to remove anything else or is it just the original two small screws then twist from there? Thanks
Sorry for the late reply. the rectangular metal that one adjusts is a bit hard with only your fingers. A small adjustable or open ended wrench makes it much easier. Your scope might be adjusted all the way down or up. So if it does not move in one direction, try the other way. I hope this helps.
Just to confirm, ive had trouble getting this correct at the range.
Are you saying best to zero rifle in with turret off for elevation ?
Once zeroed return turret to 0 on dial ?
Does this mean automatically if you have a custom dial for a specified ballistic, you just take the factory turret off when in 0 position and place custom dial on in 0 position ?
Yes, remove the elevation turret to zero the rifle, then reinstall that turret. Make sure it fits into the small notch so it is at "zero", then it will be at zero.
For the custom dial, if you are using the same ammo and have the same zero as before, yes, just replace the new turret, make sure it is in the zero notch.
I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
That's correct, but remember if you zero your custom dial at 100 yards when you install the dial you need to line up in 1. That's 100yrds.. In a perfect world it'd be nice to be at a range you can actually shoot 200-300 yards to further test the dial. Or you'll have to check your dope at 100 yards if that's as far as your ranger goes.
I really appreciate the video. With this method to lower the reticle; when the top set screws and cap removed, which way would I adjust to lower the reticle. Counterclockwise or cloak wise? Thanks great video.
Well, it sounds like you have the rifle stationary and trying to move the reticle to the impact point of the bullets, so that would be counter clockwise or up. Scope setting are labeled for the reticle to be on target and move the impact point to the reticle. If I understand what you are doing, it will be opposite, which is OK for initial sighting in. I hope this helps.
it’s shooting 5” high at 100 yards. I’d like to zero at 100 yards. So I need to move it to the right/ counterclockwise?
Yes, if your groups are 5" high, then counterclockwise, each click is about 1/4" at 100yards.
That’s what I thought! Thank you!
Wait, I just noticed I said that wrong. If your groups are high when your crosshairs are right on the center of the target, then you want to go down, clockwise. Sorry about that!
Thank you, thank you very much!!!! your video helped me a great deal.
Glad you find the video useful and thanks for watching!
How about the windage knob? I see that it's capped. Do you just set it and forget it, or can those also be adjusted once left/right is established and the cap put back on to the zero mark?
The windage knob is a normal, typical capped knob. I just set the windage and put the cap back on. Mine does have an indented ring that can be moved to align with the zero adjustment turret, but this does not align with the white dot on the scope itself. Hey, thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video. I thought there was something wrong with my scope!
Yeah, I have seen a few shooters frustrated because of that turret. Thanks for watching!
Just got this scope I just ordered the dial is it true that zero would be 200 yards as that’s what I’m sighting mine in at. Was told by the guy at scheels that if I range a elk at 400 I turn knob to 4 aim and shoot is this true?
I am not totally familiar with the custom dials, but quickly looking at Leopold's website, when it is ordered, all the ballistic info has to be given. The zero range has to be given also. Reading their info, yes 400 yards would be the 4 on the turret knob. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
Would you still need to do this if you were ordering a custom CDS cap?
Yes, one of the parameters that is needed when ordering the CDS cap is the sight in zero in yards. So at some point the inner dial has to be set. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
man that turette cap makes it a pain to adjust elevation
Yeah, it is. Not many hunters really want that setup. Hey, thanks for watching!
Question, I had zeroed my 243 Win and 308 Win with scope @ 50 yards. 2 inches above the bullseye is the impact of the bullets good for 100 yards or more? I could see the bullseye better on a 50 yards please be advise thank you.
I assume this is for deer hunting? I like to sight in my rifles so the bullet does not travel more than +/- 3 inches from line of sight. A few variables here but using typical bullet weight and velocity, 1 inch high at 50 yards would give a maximum point blank range of about 250 yards. I think you are a bit too high. Hornady website has a ballistic calculator where you can enter the info and create a chart. I hope this helps.
Thank you so much for the info, this will help me a lot. Yes it's for deer hunting I am using 100 gr bullet ballistic silver tip for my 243 Win. and 150 gr bullet super X power point for my 308 Win. I will make adjustment this week at the range, once again thank you Sir and have a great day. @@30-06john
OK that has put me off this particular scope. Thanks for the info.
Yeah, it surprises a lot of shooters first using it! Thanks for watching!
so If I'm out in the field and need to lower my elevation will it go past the 0 stop if depressed or would I have to remove the cap?
It will not go past the zero stop, have to remove the cap. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so so much for you help and knowledge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad you found it useful, and thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video, now I can sight in my rifle!
Glad to be of help, and thanks for watching!
So can you return the windage turret to number zero after you dialed it in?
The windage turret ( left-right) is a standard adjustment. The elevation turret should be set to zero, remove it, adjust the knob underneath how you want the rifle zeroed, then reinstall the el turret. Hey, thanks for watching!
Thanks that was such a big help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor design by such a great company
Thanks, glad you found it useful!
Perfect explanation. Thanks !!
You're welcome, and thanks for watching!
Exactly my problem. Thanks!!!!!
Glad you found it useful and thanks for watching!
thank you for sharing that information.
No problem, and thanks for watching!
Any one know the size of that Allen wrench? I lost mine and the turret wobbles
I am not sure of the size, or if they changed over the years. I would buy a set. Thanks for watching!
Bro! God bless you tube.
Glad you found the video useful, and thanks for watching!
Excellent video! On my scope the Allen wrench is1/16 th if that helps anyone! Thanks
Thanks for the info, and thanks for watching!
Love Leupolds!!
Yep, I agree!
it doesn't say this ANYWHERE on videos discussing 20 MOA rails or new scopes : ) thank you
Correct, the scope rail is not the issue. This is to adjust the VX-3HD elevation knob, and zero it to what ever one decides on. Thanks for watching!
And it is not really mentioned in Leupold manuals!
I wouldn't use visegrips on a brand new scope. Idk why they made where you can't adjust it down.
They designed it, not sure why they built it that way. You can use any tool you want to adjust it, if too hard by hand. Thanks for watching!
@30-06john Yeah, idk why they would did it like that.
Perfect. Thanks!
Glad you found it useful and thanks for watching!
What if you want to shoot 100 or 150 yds ? You already zero it at 200 and can’t go back 🤷🏻♂️
I usually sight my rifles in for 200 yards for big game hunting, so at 100 yards I will be about 2 inches high, fine for hunting. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the assistance!!
Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!
Thank you i know how to dial it in.
Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas!
I don't understand why you have to take off the dial to sight it in. Why can't you just do it with the dail knob on?
With the knob on, cannot go down in elevation, only up. I have seen many shooters at the local range trying to sight in their rifle and having this problem. Thanks for watching!
If you have a scope with a ballistic turret on it, doesn’t zeroing the gun at 200-250 yards defeat the purpose? You could save a lot of money and get a scope with regular turret caps if you’re going to set it and forget it. The beauty of the ballistic turrets of Leupold’s is to set your zero at 100, then dial it up for longer shots to keep your point of impact at zero. Then you don’t have to do any hold over/under guesswork.
I did this video to show how to adjust the scope down in elevation to sight it in no matter what range you choose. Without removing the locking cap, this is not possible. This problem occurred numerous times with hunters at the range that I usually shoot at. Thanks for watching!
Like everyone else, I felt like an idiot with the elevation knob at the range! Leupold could do better in their manual.
Yeah, not really explained in the manual, not mine, anyhow. Thanks for watching!
legend thank you so much
Thanks for watching!
What size allen is used?
I really don't know, and they may change sizes depending on model and year. I recommend taking a complete set. Thanks for watching.
Leupold gives you one in the box when you buy it.
Thank you John!!!
Glad you found it useful!
Thanks, nice video!
Thanks, glad you found it useful!
@@30-06john
I have a feeling you too love 30-06 😂
Is this POW John….?
I am in Anchorage, but I go to POW for deer hunting! Thanks for watching!
It makes no sense to produce something that so many people have problem with. I was at the range trying to adjust my new mark 3hd. I had the directions with me. The directions are general and say nothing about doing what you just did. I figured it out but not without some difficulties.
Yeah,, it really is not mentioned in the manual. Thanks for watching!
Very helpful. Thx
Glad you found it useful, and thanks for watching!
Nice work buddy...too bad we cant have a root beer (my strongest) drink and do some shooting. I just got a new one for my 338 mag. FYI first custom turret is free from Leupold set to your pet load.
Yeah, I did not include the custom turret info. At the local range, there are many shooters with this type of scope that where having problems adjusting it, the main reason I did this video. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the info
Thanks, hope you find it useful!
It’s weird to me to have a turret with zero stop on a rifle with no parallax adjustment.
Yeah, Leupold is putting those stops on a lot of scopes these days! Thanks for watching!
Some have parallax adjustment.
Excellent.
Thanks, and thanks for watching!
They should supply a tool to work that elevation knob...
Yeah, and they should explain it better in the manual. Thanks for watching!
Otherwise they are an awesome scope, totally suitable for the most grueling high end hunts@@30-06john
Good video. Thanks. By the way it’s not pronounced Le-a-pold it’s Lou -pold
I say tamatoe, you say tomato, thanks for watching!
My Allen wrench is .050"
Thanks for the info, and for watching!
Wh they didnt make a slotted turret like the VX5HD baffles me.
Yeah, or give better instructions in the manual! Thanks for watching!
Bad design compared to the Zeiss system where you just lift on the turret to set your zero.
And it is not really mentioned in the manual how to adjust it! Thanks for watching!
Thanks
Glad it was helpful, and thanks for watching!
LOO POLD LEUPOLD
I say tamatoe, you say toematoe. Thanks for watching!
The CDS system is a silly ass marketing tool. These scopes often do not track, so why mess with the dials. Max point range of most calibers is about 300 yards. If you need to shoot further just hold over. Get a scope with an etched glass reticle and learn to use the hash marks, Mil or MOA, both work fine.
But one still needs to remove the cap to adjust the scope down in elevation, even if not using the CDS system. Thanks for watching!
Why does everyone say “Leo-pold”, it’s “loo-pold”
Probably the same reason everyone says Pennsylvania Dutch, and not Pennsylvania Deutsch (German)! Thanks for watching!
Or u could just buy a new sig Sauer canyon scope or go find a Nikon pro staff I'm telling ya people if u haven't tried sigs new long range scopes u will toss every other scope away 300$ will get you the finest optics on the market clear as a bell pics up light that ain't really even there bright red dot powerful magnification life time no excuse warranty I'm telling ya people I was amazed at the quality SIG has
Thanks for watching!
The average once a year deer hunter has no need for the system period…..I would bet money on 400 yd shots all day long. .. as most failed to even sight in proper so the dial would then only be useless
The issue is that it comes with the scope even if it is not used. Most are familiar with capped turrets. If one has to adjust down, the turret lock will engage and stop. Thanks for watching!
I love my older cds scopes, the new ones with ZL suck! Leupold owes me $100 for a wasted range fee, time, and another $100 to return to the range with a tool box.
Yeah, a lot of shooters are being surprised by that knob on how to adjust it. Hey, thanks for watching!
I would much rather have a ZL turret than a non lock CDS dial, I've seen and talked to more than one person using Leupold and other exposed turrets that have them twist when hiking and hunting, and they don't check when getting ready to shoot in a quick moment only to find it had moved. The ZL will prevent that. It was irritating to find I needed the wrench to sight in elevation, but its worth it in the real world application afterward.
Yeah, the exposed adjustment knobs do get bumped and move when hunting. I have a Leupold Patrol 1.25-4 that had exposed turrets, almost missed a Blacktail buck because they jarred off. I ended up paying Leupold to install capped turrets. I will say that my old Leupold Vari-X III military scope with exposed adjustment turrets has never jarred off in 20 years of hunting. Hey, thanks for watching!
so you went without reading how its adjusted in the manual?
I agree, not liking the lack of ease, adjusting elevation. I had to go home to get the proper tools, used extra box of ammo, and wasted a lot of my time. The instructions lack the proper information.
Loopold is the correct pronunciation.
I say tamatoes, you say tomatoes. Thanks for watching!