Leupold Core Insider

The new RX-FullDraw 5 is the most ballistically advanced archery rangefinder ever built. It builds upon the success of the RX-FullDraw 4 by accepting an even broader range of velocity inputs, features a new 20-yard flightpath technology mode, and even has a setting for ranging in bad weather. Join Shawn Skipper and technology product line manager Eric Overstreet, as they dive deep into why this new rangefinder is so revolutionary and who will benefit most from this product. Subjects Discussed: Archer's Advantage vs. Trig; benefits of an archery ballistic solution; how Flightpatch technology works; the most likely use-cases; comparison to the RX-FullDraw 4, and more.

Cameron Hanes is a master bowhunter and athlete. He trains year-round, pushing his body to the extremes and beyond. Rihana Cary is equally hardcore. She inspires future generations as part of an emerging group of elite women hunters.   Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Cam and Rihana after their visit to the Leupold headquarters to talk about their passion for hunting, training regimes, and the advice they have for new bowhunters.   Subjects Include: Thoughts on the Leupold factory; Cam's passion for writing; hunting Oregon; being dedicated to your craft; bowhunting tips; and more.

“Anyone's Hunt” shares lesser-known, over-the-counter hunting opportunities available to the DIY hunter. In the most recent installment of the series, Steven Drake and friends head west to Colorado for an over-the-counter rifle elk hunt. Leupold's Scott Rousseau and Jennifer Meeker sit down with Steven Drake and Connor Gabbott post-hunt to chat about the hunting opportunity in Colorado, gear used on the hunt, unit closures, extreme weather, and more.

Founded in 1984, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's (RMEF) primary mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and our hunting heritage. Leupold's Shawn Skipper sits down with RMEF's Steve Decker and Riza Lesser to discuss recent land and access projects, the restoration of elk in the US, where your money goes to, and more. Support RMEF: https://www.rmef.org/

Fred Eichler is a family man, relentless hunter, and owner of Fulldraw Outfitters. He has successfully harvested numerous trophies with his bow and completed the 'Super Slam' taking all 29 North American Species with his recurve. Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Fred to talk about what it takes to start a guide outfit, the dedication required to achieve the 'Super Slam', and more. Subjects Include: Creating memories not transactions; CDS dial benefits; instilling a strong work ethic; innovating and pushing forward; quality control; the super slam; and more.

From scouting and prepping land to shooting your bow, there are some very important whitetail hunting activities that you need to accomplish in the Spring.  Leupold President and CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Mark Drury of Drury Outdoors to talk land management tips and keys to growing big bucks. They also recap their Iowa turkey hunt and the essential gear needed for success. Subjects Discussed: Prepping for whitetail in spring; food, cover, and water; maintaining clover; using an optic on a turkey gun; why you should use binoculars; and more.

If you aren’t a hunter, and none of your family has encouraged you into it, you might wonder how to get into hunting. Where do you start? What skills do you need? Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Randy Newberg to discuss why it's important to get more hunters into the field and what new hunters need to know to succeed. Topics Discussed: Hunting camp memories; creating hunting advocates; basic hunting skills; where to learn; DIY vs guided hunts; and more.

Built for the shooter who needs a rugged, precise, and repeatable MIL-based scope for their tactical rifle, the new Mark 3HD™ delivers elite optical performance and match-grade repeatability under any conditions. Join Leupold's Shawn Skipper, John Snodgrass, and Nic Kytlica as they dive into the making of this new riflescope and the shooter-specific features it offers. Subjects Discussed: History of the Mark riflescope family; new shooter-specific features; comparison to other models; and more.  

The new VX-3HD riflescope delivers legendary performance and HD clarity in an incredibly tough yet lightweight package. Host Shawn Skipper is joined by Product Line Manager Vici Peters and Sales Manager Dan Wagner to discuss some of the riflescope's newest features, how it compares to the older VX-3i, and more. Subjects Discussed: History of the VX-3 line; breaking down our Custom Dial System (CDS); advantages of a throw lever; new optical design; and more.

In precision rifle competition, speed and accuracy are everything. That's why we worked with our professional shooters to design the new PR1 and PR2 reticles which gives them the competitive edge to tackle any challenge that a modern competitive shooter might face. Leupold's Nic Kytlica and John Snodgrass are joined by competitive shooters Jon Pynch and Dan Bertocchini to discuss the reticle design process, what features matter most to them, and why the new PR reticle family is one of the best options available for competitive shooters. Subjects Discussed: The reticle design process; 1/4 or 2/10th increments; opening up the field of view; being complex with simplicity; Team Leupold dominating the circuit; dialing vs holding over; and more.

You asked, we answered. Join Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet and VP of Product Tim Lesser as they tackle your questions about new and upcoming products, Covid-19's impact on the factory, custom shop updates, and more.    

The all-new DeltaPoint Micro is a fully enclosed, low-profile red dot sight designed specifically for concealed carry and personal defense. Leupold's Shawn Skipper and Nic Kytlica sit down with Tactical Product Manager John Snodgrass, to discuss where the concept came from, and how this innovative design makes the DeltaPoint Micro one of the fastest, most accurate, and concealable red dots on the market. Subjects Discussed: An unconventional design with purpose; major differences from other red dots; enclosed vs. open systems; durability testing; R&D process; and when you'll see the next models arriving.

Alaska’s wild and unforgiving landscape is full of world-class hunting opportunities. While many of these hunts require applying for tags months ahead of time, you can also find numerous over-the-counter opportunities if you know where to look. Join Leupold's Lucas and Riza and guests Sierra Langbell and Erin Hutch (LaCrosse Footwear) as they discuss their recent over-the-counter Caribou hunt in the last frontier. They shed light on how, with a little bit of flexibility and planning, you could hunt Caribou too. Subjects Discussed: Hiring an aviation service; being flexible with travel dates; unpredictable weather; gear recommendations; what to yell at a Caribou; and more.

Anyone who has spent time in the field knows that things often don't go as planned. But there are some things you can do to better prepare and prevent in-the-field mishaps. Join Leupold's Shawn Skipper and veteran hunters Freid Eichler (FullDraw Outfitters), Tom Beckstrand (Guns & Ammo), and Joe Kurtenbach (Guns & Ammo) as they recap their elk hunt in Colorado and share the top hunting mistakes they've made and how to prevent them from happening to you. Subjects Discussed: Service in the military; Skipper filling the freezer; fogproof riflescope being put to the test; always returning to zero; benefits to keeping your magnification low; adjusting your eye relief; sticking with common calibers; and more.

As a renowned bowhunter and owner of FullDraw Outfitters, Fred Eichler has been fortunate to share his love and enthusiasm for the sport with many other outdoorsmen. But not every hunt has gone perfect. He sits down with Leupold's Riza Lesser to share some of his funniest stories and encounters guiding clients in the field. Subjects Discussed: Elk vs. aspens; a "frozen" gun; having a screw loose; always being prepared; and more.

Giving you absolute target focus, red dot sights are the most intuitive optic to use for new shooters. But not all red dots are created equal. Join Shawn Skipper, Nic Kytlica, and Tactical product line manager John Snodgrass, as they dive deep into the differences between red dot sights, discuss the all-new DeltaPoint Pro NV (night vision), and give insight on where red dot technology is heading. Subjects Discussed: The current state of firearm sales; laser sights vs. red dots; absolute target focus; Leupold red dot products; the new DP Pro NV; what to expect in the future; and more.

Since 1961, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has been relentless in promoting, protecting, and preserving hunting and the shooting sports industry. Their initiatives such as National Shooting Sports Month in August, encourage active participation and education for gun owners, their families, and friends. Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet is joined by NSSF Senior VP, Larry Keane, to talk more about the NSSF's mission, how you can get involved, and more. Subjects Discussed: The mission of the NSSF; 2nd Amendment rights; the importance of firearm education; industry support; growing the shooting sports; and more.

The new RX-FullDraw 4 is the most ballistically advanced archery rangefinder ever built. By combining lightning-fast ½ yard accuracy with the acclaimed Archer’s Advantage™ software and new Flightpath™ technology, you can take the guess-work out of achieving the perfect shot. Join Shawn Skipper, Lucas Burt, Michael Wunnicke, and technology product line manager Eric Overstreet, as they dive deep into why this new rangefinder is so revolutionary and who will benefit most from this product. Subjects Discussed: Archer's Advantage vs. Trig; benefits of a ballistic solution; how Flightpatch technology works; the most likely use-cases; and more.

Ever dreamed of putting together your own Montana archery antelope hunt? In a new mini-series "Anyone's Hunt", join two experienced Montana hunters as they walk you through the planning, preparation and actual hunt. Leupold's Scott Rousseau sat down with Connor Gabbott (@taluscreative) and Dylan Dowson (onX) to chat about the series and the challenges faced chasing speed goats in Montana. Subjects Discussed: Exploring new hunting opportunities; picking your stalks; why Montana; utilizing block management for access; and more.

Weatherby’s rich heritage began in 1945 located in Southern California. A true family business operated by third-generation leader Adam Weatherby, the brand continues to innovate products that leave a legacy. Adam joins Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet at the RMEF MTN Fest to discuss the unique challenges of moving their headquarters to Sheridan, WY, the uniqueness of being a family-owned company, insight into their product development cycle, and more. Subjects Discussed: Making products that last forever; why culture always trumps strategy; the new Weatherby building; hunting with wives; and more.

Avid bowhunter, Curt Geier (Working Class Bowhunter Podcast) joins Lucas and Michael to recap his memorable 2019 mule deer hunt in Eastern, Oregon. After spending numerous days attempting to use his bow (during rifle season), Curt eventually switched to the rifle and successfully harvested his first mule deer (and first deer with a rifle), ever. Subjects Discussed: The challenges of hunting with a bow v.s. rifle; the ease of Leupold's Custom Dial System; visualizing scenarios before they happen; using a gun your not familiar with; mule deer hunting strategy; and more.

Avid bowhunter and President of Kifaru International, Aron Snyder, joins Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet and VP Tim Lesser to discuss the unique challenges (and advantages) of building American Made products, his thoughts on touring the Leupold factory, a few crazy hunting stories, and more. Subjects Discussed: Manufacturing in America; being able to adapt on the fly; new rangefinder products; competing with Europe and Asia; the Kifaru innovation process; Grizzly hunting stories; and more.

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, Leupold's Riza & Tim Lesser sat down with David Morris and Mark Newell, hunters and wildlife biologists at Tecomate (wildlife management services, products, and Outdoor Channel shows). Subjects Discussed: Growing and managing deer; establishing Tecomate signature hunting properties; creating a harvest strategy; hunting and filming for television; and more.

Being an American manufacturer is not easy. It takes grit and ingenuity. Join Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet and VP of Product Development Tim Lesser as they answer your questions and dive deeper into our American manufacturing history and how we are addressing the current Covid-19 crisis. We embrace our duty as a true American manufacturer to support our country, our troops, and our neighbors. Because without you, there wouldn't be us. So thank you.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you. In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the popular RX-1600i rangefinder and how it compares and contrasts with the newer RX-2800. Learn more at www.leupold.com

'This or That' gives a quick overview of topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you. In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Observation Manager Zach Bird and Sr. Manager of Product Michael Wunnicke to discuss Leupold's spotting scope models, magnification sizes, and the difference in optical systems.  Learn more about these optics at Leupold.com (Although this episode was previously recorded, the Oregon Ducks did prevail over Skipper's prediction and won the 2020 Rose Bowl over Wisconsin.)

We make the lightest, clearest, and most rugged rifle scopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, and rangefinders you'll ever use. Now, we're applying this same expertise to a new line of Performance Eyewear, so you can experience Leupold's rugged clarity every day. Join Scott, Lucas, Zach, and Michael as they dive deep into the development of this new product line and why it's purpose-built for both the hunter and shooter. Shop All Styles Now at www.leupold.com/performanceeyewear

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you. In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the VX-3i LRP (Long Range Precision) riflescope line and how it compares and contrasts with the newer Mark 5HD models. Learn more at www.leupold.com

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, Leupold's Riza Lesser and Shane Meisel sat down with Mike Robinson, one of Britain’s most prominent game chefs, a champion of wild food, and host of Farming The Wild on the Outdoor Channel.  Subjects Discussed: Serving wild game in restaurants; Managing and harvesting deer; The Michelin-star rating system; The difference between hunting, stalking, and shooting; Farming The Wild Season 2; and more.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you. In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the popular VX-5HD riflescope line and how it compares and contrasts with the newer Mark 5HD. Learn more at www.leupold.com  

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sat down with legendary hunter and conservationist, Jim Shockey, to ask him your questions submitted on Instagram. Subjects Discussed: Jim's first rifle; The best big-game caliber; Similarities between muzzleloader and archery; Jim's Hand of Man Museum; and more.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you. In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Observation Manager Zach Bird and Sr. Manager of Product Michael Wunnicke to discuss Leupold's binocular models, magnification sizes, and tips for checking clarity and contrast before purchase. Learn more about these optics at Leupold.com

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, we are joined by Colion Noir - gun-rights activist, lawyer, news commentator, and host of the NRA Freestyle web series "NOIR". Leupold's Shane Meisel and Riza Lesser sit down with Colion to talk gun rights and ask him your questions. Subjects Discussed: Colion's first firearm experience; Understanding different perspectives; Being reasonable in the face of attack; The one gun Colion would own; 9mm vs. 45mm; and more.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you. In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the legendary VX-3i riflescope and how it compares to the newer VX-5HD. Learn more about these optics at Leupold.com

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, Leupold's Lucas Burt and Scott Rousseau sit down with beloved public land hunter and conservationist, Randy Newberg, to ask him your questions submitted on Instagram. Subjects Discussed: Randy's first rifle; Getting starting making hunting films; Using .308 caliber for elk hunting; Understanding wind and thermals; The story of Randy's first deer hunt; A New Gerber knife designed by Randy; and more.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you. In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the new VX-Freedom riflescope line and how it compares to the VX-1 and VX-2 scopes it replaced. Learn more about the VX-Freedom: https://www.leupold.com/product-series/vx-freedom  

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, we are joined by active, Ranger-qualified, Green Beret Special Forces sniper and a retired MMA fighter, Tim Kennedy. Leupold's Shane Meisel and Tim Lesser sit down with Tim to recap his eventful 2019 and ask him your questions. Subjects Discussed: A new baby on the way; Learning self-defense with SheepDog Response; Tim teases his new book; Analysis on UFC 246; Favorite rifle to take into battle; Dan Henderson makes an appearance; and more.

2020 is officially here and we've been working on some awesome new optics we know you'll enjoy. Join Shawn, Scott, Tim, and Nic as they discuss the newest riflescopes, red dots, and more that are being unveiled this year at SHOT Show.  Subjects Discussed: An awesome upgrade to the VX-3i; illuminated and AR models in the VX-Freedom; a new Delta Point Pro; and an entirely new product line you can use EVERY day.

Part 2 of the unscripted, wild, and fun mule deer hunt story. In this episode, Lucas spots a Boone & Crockett buck, the weather changes, Curt switches to the rifle, and mental exhaustion sets in. Join Curt Geier (Working Class Bowhunter Podcast), Brandon Palaniuk (Professional Bass Fisherman), and Leupold's own Lucas Burt as they venture into the high country of Eastern Oregon chasing mule deer. Subjects Discussed: Lucas hunts the 'back 40'; the advantages to Leupold's Custom Dial System; feeling confident in your shot; Curt switches to a rifle for the first time ever; dedication to the process; Gordy the Guide; and more.

Hunting season may be nearing an end, but the stories are just beginning. This two-part unscripted, wild, and fun mule deer hunt story is filled with everything you'd expect from a hunting camp - a lot of BS., mistakes, and eventually some success. Join Curt Geier (Working Class Bowhunter Podcast), Brandon Palaniuk (Professional Bass Fisherman), and Leupold's own Lucas Burt as they venture into the high country of Eastern Oregon chasing mule deer. Subjects Discussed: The fallacy of the snooze button; the challenge of bowhunting mule deer during rifle season; 4pt or 8pt; similarities between hunting and fishing; passing up shooter bucks on day one; enjoying the experience over the harvest; and more.

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Utah, Wild Country Outfitters is well known as one of the premier wildlife ranches in the world for hunting fair chase elk, mule deer, and more.  Join Leupold CEO, Bruce Pettet, as he sits down with outfit owner Tom Land and his son Austin to offer advice for hunters on preparing for a big hunt, choosing the right outfitter for you, and more. Subjects Discussed: Ranch management as an ongoing conservation effort; letting the elk thrive; being patient vs. being aggressive; the most important gear for an elk hunt; enjoying the hunt experience; and more.

This is the second part of Adam’s conversation with VP of Product Development, Tim Lesser, recorded on location at Leupold HQ in Oregon. In this episode, they discuss binoculars and rangefinders. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose wisely with either of these product categories, this episode will open your eyes—pun intended—to the details that matter to you and your hunting style. Subjects Discussed: lenses, prisms, and diopter adjustments; glare reduction; laser sensitivity and accuracy; ballistic computations; how to sight-in your rangefinder; and a whole lot more. And if you haven't already, go subscribe to the Beyond The Kill Podcast for more episodes from Adam and his team at the Journal of Mountain Hunting.  

On this episode, recorded on location at Leupold HQ, Adam Janke of the Beyond The Kill Podcast sits down with VP of Product Development, Tim Lesser, to discuss rifle scope selection criteria and how to make sure you’re spending your money wisely. Subjects Discussed: zoom ratios; reticles; lenses; coatings; focal planes; design and engineering; scope testing; warranties; and field scenarios that will help you choose the best rifle scope for your unique hunting needs.

Hot off the heels of the premiere of our new limited-series, KODIAK, we caught up with Alaskan guide & owner of Adventure Mountain Hunts, Cole Kramer. Since 2002, Cole has cut his teeth in the wilderness of Alaska guiding hunters for deer, moose, sheep, caribou, & grizzly bears. On this episode, he sheds light on the life of an Alaskan guide and never-before-heard details about last years Sitka Blacktail hunt with Mike, Tim, and Brian Call as seen in the limited-series KODIAK. Subjects Discussed: Cole's tot commercial; how to get into guiding; surviving tsunami threats; being a good hunting client; the allure of Kodiak; Cole's favorites and more.

What size binoculars should I buy? How do I glass more efficiently to find animals? When should I use my spotting scope? Leupold's Shawn and Scott sat down with hunter Randy Newberg to answer these questions and get his top tips for making your glassing session as successful as possible, so you can fill the freezer this fall.  Subjects Discussed: Choosing the right optic for the right job; getting comfortable and stable; picking the right location; taking naps; being slow, methodical, and patient; taking care of your glass; and more.

Before the early 80s, soldiers still used hunting-style riflescopes in combat. But in 1984, the U.S. Army tasked Leupold with developing a fixed power optic designed specifically for combat. The scope had to withstand a drop from a helicopter (while mounted to a rifle) and also had to be submersible to 66 feet - while still maintaining peak optical performance. The result? The ULTRA, a scope that outperformed even the military's expectations. More than 30 years, and countless innovations later, Leupold’s partnership with the U.S. military continues - supporting numerous service branches with high-performance battle-ready optics. Leupold’s Shawn Skipper and Nic Kytlica sit down with fellow teammates Sam Horstman (Directory of Military Sales) and Michael Baccellieri (Military Business Development) to discuss the history of Leupold optics in the military, how the military contract process works, and what soldiers demand from our products in combat. Subjects Discussed: Leupold's military history; weapon systems and contracts; the procurement process; military vs. civilian products; durability testing; employing veterans; new technologies for combat; and more.

The experience of having a truly good cup of coffee is as satisfying as sending a .50 cal. round downrange. Between multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, former Green Beret Evan Hafer worked to not only refine his firearms skills, but also his coffee roasting. What started as a vision of wanting high-quality coffee on deployments, turned into Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) - a leading premium, small-batch, roast-to-order, veteran-owned coffee company with explosive roast profiles. BRCC CEO, Evan Hafer, joins Leupold’s Bruce Pettet and Shane Meisel to talk the history of BRCC, the importance of employing and honoring veterans, and more. Subjects Discussed: Where the Black Rifle name originated; getting great results with great people; bringing passion to the mission; enhancing the customer experience; leadership vs. management; the importance of social media to business; and more.

Nearly four decades ago Sorinex was founded with the courage, and the mission, to do something different and better than ever before. Today, Sorinex is the leading innovator in American Made strength and conditioning equipment for professional teams, colleges, high schools, and military bases. Sorinex CEO, Bert Sorin, grew up steeped in the business his dad started in 1980 and spent over two decades as a competitive athlete in the strength sports arena. As a former Division 1 Track & Field All-American and lifelong outdoorsman with years of training experience, Bert sat down with Leupold's Michael Baccellieri to discuss the importance of both physical and mental exercise to provide the best chance for survival and success in the outdoors.  Subjects Discussed: Made in America brands with a similar story; bedtime hunting stories; overcoming fears with rewards; how human performance applies to the outdoors; creating innovations from personal problems; Bert's superpower; building an adult summer camp; and more.

Opening and securing public access is a key component of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s mission. Since 1984, RMEF has opened, secured or improved public access to more than 1.2 million acres of elk habitat across the country for hunters, hikers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Leupold CEO, Bruce Pettet, sits down with RMEF CEO, Kyle Weaver, and long-time elk hunter (and RMEF member), Randy Newberg, to talk about the future vision of RMEF, the work being done to secure more public access, and the success of the first-annual RMEF Elk Camp/Mountain Festival in Park City, UT. Subjects Discussed: Building generational value; mixing the old with the new; Randy's first Leupold scope; accessing the 9 million acres of public land that are landlocked; focusing on quality elk habitat; and more.

Elk quarters are heavy, sheep country is relentless and unlike many sports, hunting requires you to maintain your strength, speed, and stamina for multiple days. With hunting season just around the corner, the time to prepare is now. Leupold CEO, Bruce Pettet, sits down with MTN OPS co-founders, Casey and Jordan Harbertson, as well as Brian 'Gritty' Call to talk all things fitness, preparation for the fall, and how to set yourself up to succeed. Subjects Discussed: The ebbs and flows of fitness; battling procrastination; making small sustainable decisions; hike v.s. lifting; why the best ideas come during exercise; proper poops; finding your motivation; and more.  

When it comes to hunting gear, it's essential to have the right equipment at the right time. Knowing what to pack and when takes years of trial and error. Special guest, Randy Newberg, joins the podcast alongside Leupold's Lucas Burt and Riza Lesser to share his trail-tested recommendations on the best hunting gear, packing properly, and what he never leaves home without. Subjects Discussed: Randy's five essentials; creating a kill kit; food rationing and cook systems; the importance of multiple headlamps; and more.