Rifleman Review: Leupold Patrol 6HD 1-6X 24 mm Riflescope

by
posted on October 11, 2023

These days, the low power variable optic (LPVO) has become a hugely popular option for enthusiasts looking to maintain rapid target acquisition while extending the effective usable range of their platform. Of these LPVOs, one of the stand-out magnification ranges is 1-6X, and Leupold developed its Patrol 6HD with select features designed to enhance the versatility of this general-purpose optic. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above to see the details of this Patrol 6HD.

The Leupold Patrol 6HD is built on a 30 mm main tube and measures just over 11.5" long and weighs 16 ozs. The scope is outfitted with Leupold's CDS-ZL2 system, indicating that the company's Custom Dial System is included, and it incorporates Leupold's Zero Lock mechanism. On the Patrol 6HD, the turret can make two full revolutions, hence its ZL2 designation.

Man aiming downrange with the Leupold Patrol 6HD riflescope.

"Here's where the Leupold Patrol 6HD CDS ZL2 gets interesting," said American Rifleman Editor in Chief Brian Sheetz. "This, of course, is the elevation turret. So here's the dial, and I can move it around to different settings. I'm getting a tactile input there from where it's indexing on various mechanical settings on the dial. When I rotate it back around to here, you'll see that when I get to the zero, the lock pops out. Now it's locked. So the way that's indexed to your particular setting, this is beyond the Custom Dial aspect of it, is that there are three Allen screws, very small Allen screws, that are in the top portion of this dial. And what you do is you can loosen those, take the dial off, reset the zero and then put the dial back on."

Leupold offers its Patrol 6HD riflescope with two reticle options, the FireDot Duplex illuminated reticle and the CM-R2 illuminated reticle.

Top view of Leupold's Custom Dial System elevation turret.

"This particular model of the Patrol 6HD has what Leupold calls the CM-R2 reticle in it, which consists of essentially a crescent with a dot in the center of it," Sheetz said. "That's the main aiming point, and that's the point that's illuminated by this illuminated system. If I'm shooting with the scope, it's on the rifle, I set the rifle down. After five minutes, the scope reticle illumination turns itself off. Now, once you reach for the gun again, pick it up, by the time you get that gun up to your eye, you're probably going to find that the reticle is back to the setting that you left it on."

Additional features found in the Patrol 6HD include Leupold's Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating designed to shed dirt and water, as well as high-definition calcium-fluoride lenses. The optic also comes equipped with Leuopld's electronic reticle level, which will flash when the scope isn't level, ensuring accurate adjustments at longer distances. Also included is a removable throw lever.

Leupold's CM-R2 reticle as used in the Patrol 6HD riflescope.

"When you think about how much quicker a riflescope with moderate magnification can be, and yet enough magnification that it can allow you to reach out somewhat, something like the Leupold Patrol 6 HD really is a good bet," Sheetz said. "And with Leupold, you're getting a good, American-made product with a good warranty."

Leupold Patrol 6HD 1-6X 24 mm Riflescope Specifications
Manufacturer: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Magnification: 1-6X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: SFP Illuminated CM-R2
Click Value: 1/4 m.o.a.
Field Of View: 19.2 to 120.9 ft. at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3.7"-3.8"
Finish: matte black anodized
Weight: 16.2 ozs.
Features: Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2 (CDS ZL2); Motion Sensor Technology
Accessories: owner's manual, lens covers
MSRP: $1,600

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Argentinian Auction Piece
Argentinian Auction Piece

Rifleman Q&A: Argentinian Auction Piece

"I purchased this .22-cal., six-shot, double-action revolver with a very good bore at auction. The barrel is 1.5" long, octagonal and engraved. Can you tell me more about it?"

The Rifleman Report: Magnificent Milestones

The last major milestone that I remember marking our nation’s founding, the 1976 bicentennial, occurred when I was a high schooler, a year before I enlisted in a nearby military academy’s Junior ROTC program.

 

NRA Partners With Specialists To Enhance Hearing Health

Start Hearing and SoundGear have partnered with the NRA to promote hearing health, safety and protection among members.

Bill Bachenberg Elected NRA President, Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO

Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), elected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.

Review: Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph

Garmin is a longtime provider of useful electronics for outdoor enthusiasts, including handheld GPS units, archery optics and smartwatches. Near the end of 2023, the company expanded its offerings in a fresh direction by offering its very first chronograph, dubbed the Xero C1 Pro.

The Armed Citizen® April 28, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.