Leupold Freedom RDS - American Made Series

Published on April 22, 2020
Duration: 13:32

This guide details the installation and initial setup of the Leupold Freedom RDS red dot sight, emphasizing proper mounting techniques to ensure retention under recoil. It covers battery installation, brightness control, and the 'Shake Awake' feature. The review highlights a critical failure during range testing, underscoring the importance of thorough evaluation. The series aims to review US-made optics, comparing them to international competitors.

Quick Summary

The Leupold Freedom RDS red dot sight features 'Shake Awake' technology for automatic power management and 8 brightness settings. However, during testing, the rear lens detached after minimal use, indicating a critical manufacturing defect and raising concerns about its durability despite being US-designed and manufactured.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: American Made Series
  2. 00:04The Need for US-Made Optics
  3. 02:18Leupold Freedom RDS Unboxing & Overview
  4. 05:08Leupold Acquisition & Transparency
  5. 05:46Mounting Hardware and Tools
  6. 06:46Battery Installation and Controls
  7. 08:01Battery Life and Shake Awake Feature
  8. 09:46Mounting the Optic on a Rifle
  9. 11:06Range Test and Critical Failure
  10. 11:37Post-Failure Assessment
  11. 12:07Comparison with Aimpoint ML-XD
  12. 13:00Future American Made Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Leupold Freedom RDS red dot sight?

The Leupold Freedom RDS features 'Shake Awake' technology for automatic power-on/off, 8 brightness settings, a 1 MOA dot reticle, and a 34mm tube. It is designed and manufactured in the USA and comes with a 34mm mount.

What issues were encountered during the Leupold Freedom RDS review?

During live-fire testing, the rear lens of the Leupold Freedom RDS detached after firing less than a full magazine. This critical failure indicated a significant manufacturing defect and severely impacted confidence in the product's durability.

How does the Leupold Freedom RDS battery life compare to other red dots?

The Leupold Freedom RDS offers approximately 1000 hours of battery life on setting 4, which is comparable to older Aimpoint models from the 1990s. However, modern optics often provide significantly longer battery life, especially with features like solar assist.

What is the 'Shake Awake' feature on the Leupold Freedom RDS?

The 'Shake Awake' feature allows the red dot to automatically turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery. It quickly reactivates the reticle illumination when motion is detected, making it convenient for quick deployment.

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