Description
The Leupold VX-Freedom CDS 3-9x40mm riflescope combines versatile magnification with Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) for precise long-range shooting without holdovers. With a 3-9x zoom range, Duplex reticle for fast close-range shots, CDS elevation dial for dialing distance, advanced multi-coated optics for bright low-light images, and 100% waterproof/fogproof construction, this scope is built for deer, elk, predators, and varmints across any terrain.
This is Leupold’s entry-level CDS scope: same optical standards as premium VX series scopes, custom ballistics dial, 1/4 MOA adjustments, and a 1″ tube—backed by Leupold’s lifetime warranty.
What Makes the VX-Freedom CDS 3-9x40mm Special
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Custom Dial System (CDS): Leupold’s revolutionary elevation dial system eliminates holdovers. Provide your ballistics (bullet weight, BC, muzzle velocity, zero distance, elevation, temperature), and Leupold sends you a custom elevation dial calibrated to your exact load. Range your target, dial the distance, aim dead-on, and shoot. No mental math, no holdover charts, no guessing.
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3-9x Zoom Range (3:1 Zoom Ratio): Versatile magnification for any hunting scenario. 3x for close-range brush shots, moving targets, or dense woods. 9x for precision shots at distance, open country, or small targets. One scope does it all.
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Duplex Reticle: Leupold’s classic hunting reticle designed for quick target acquisition. Thick outer posts for fast close-range shooting. Fine center crosshair for precision on distant or small targets. Unobstructed view for tracking game.
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Advanced Optical System: Multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission for bright, clear images in low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, heavy canopy). Reduces glare and reflections for better contrast and color fidelity.
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40mm Objective Lens: Balanced size for light gathering and low-profile mounting. Lets in enough light for dawn/dusk hunting without requiring high rings or cheek risers.
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1/4 MOA Finger Click Adjustments: Precise, repeatable windage and elevation adjustments. Audible, tactile clicks for confident dialing. Holds zero under heavy recoil.
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1″ Maintenance-Free Tube: Standard 1″ tube diameter fits most rings. Nitrogen-purged, O-ring sealed—no internal fogging, no moisture intrusion.
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Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof: Built to handle the outdoors. Submersible, impact-resistant, and tested to withstand heavy recoil from centerfire rifles. Critical for rough backcountry use.
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Parallax Set at 100 Yards: Optimized for centerfire hunting cartridges. No parallax adjustment needed for typical hunting ranges (50–300 yards).
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Matte Black Finish: Low-glare, scratch-resistant finish. Blends with most rifles and doesn’t spook game.
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Made in USA: Leupold designs and manufactures optics in Beaverton, Oregon. Backed by Leupold’s lifetime warranty.
Specifications
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Magnification: 3-9x (3:1 zoom ratio)
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Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
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Reticle: Duplex (thick outer posts, fine center crosshair)
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Tube Diameter: 1″ (25.4mm)
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Adjustments: 1/4 MOA per click (windage and elevation, finger click)
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Elevation Dial: Custom Dial System (CDS) – custom-calibrated to your ballistics
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Parallax Setting: 100 yards (fixed)
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Eye Relief: ~4.2″ (varies by magnification; generous for recoil management)
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Field of View: ~33.6 ft @ 100 yd (3x) / ~11.2 ft @ 100 yd (9x)
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Optical Coatings: Multi-coated lenses (advanced optical system)
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Finish: Matte black (low-glare, scratch-resistant)
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Waterproof: Yes (O-ring sealed, submersible)
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Fogproof: Yes (nitrogen-purged)
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Shockproof: Yes (tested to withstand heavy centerfire recoil)
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Length: ~11.2″ (varies by production)
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Weight: ~9.6 oz (varies by production)
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Product Type: Variable power riflescope with CDS elevation dial
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Activity: Hunting (deer, elk, predators, varmints, small game, long-range)
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Rifle Compatibility: Centerfire rifles (not recommended for air rifles exceeding .22 caliber)
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Model Numbers: Multiple (varies by finish and reticle; check SKU)
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Warranty: Leupold lifetime warranty (repair or replacement for defects)
Ideal For
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Deer Hunting: 3-9x is the classic deer hunting magnification range. Duplex reticle for quick shots in brush. CDS dial for precise long-range shots in open country.
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Elk & Big Game: 9x magnification for long-range shots in open terrain. CDS dial for dialing distance on elk, moose, or sheep at 300, 400, 500+ yards.
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Predator Hunting: Coyotes, foxes, bobcats—9x for spotting and precise shots at distance. CDS dial for dialing windage and elevation on moving targets.
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Varmint Hunting: Prairie dogs, groundhogs, woodchucks—fine center crosshair for small targets. CDS dial for dialing exact distance.
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Long-Range Hunting: CDS eliminates holdovers. Dial your exact distance, aim dead-on, and shoot. No charts, no mental math.
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Youth Rifles & Recoil-Sensitive Shooters: Lightweight, compact, low-recoil perception. Ideal for .243, .270, 7mm-08, .308.
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Brush Hunting: 3x low end for fast, close-range shots in dense woods or thick cover.
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Open Country Hunting: 9x high end for precision shots at distance in fields, meadows, or mountain terrain.
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Budget-Conscious Hunters: Leupold quality with CDS technology at an entry-level price. Best value in the 3-9×40 CDS category.
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All-Weather Hunting: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof. Built for rain, snow, mud, and rough handling.
What’s Included
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(1) Leupold VX-Freedom CDS 3-9x40mm Duplex Riflescope
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(1) Standard Elevation Dial (installed)
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(1) CDS Order Form / Instructions (for ordering custom dial)
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(1) Owner’s Manual
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(1) Lens Cloth
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(1) Flip-Back Lens Covers (varies by production; check SKU)
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Original Packaging
How CDS Works
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Submit Your Ballistics: After purchase, go to Leupold’s CDS website or call Leupold. Provide:
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Bullet weight (grains)
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Ballistic coefficient (BC)
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Muzzle velocity (fps)
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Zero distance (yards)
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Average elevation (feet)
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Average temperature (°F)
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Scope height above bore (inches)
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Leupold Creates Your Custom Dial: Leupold calculates your exact ballistics and sends you a custom elevation dial calibrated to your load. Free of charge (first dial included; additional dials ~$50 each).
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Install the Dial: Swap the standard elevation dial for your custom CDS dial (takes 5 minutes, no tools required).
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Range, Dial, Shoot: Range your target with your laser rangefinder. Turn the elevation dial to match the distance. Aim dead-on (no holdovers). Shoot.
Example: You’re hunting elk. You range a bull at 375 yards. You dial “3.75” on your CDS elevation dial. You aim dead-on (center crosshair). You shoot. No holdover charts, no mental math, no guessing.
Leupold Quality
Since 1907, Leupold has been the gold standard for American-made optics. Hunters, shooters, and military professionals trust Leupold for durability, clarity, and reliability in the harshest conditions.
Why Leupold scopes matter:
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American-Made: Designed and manufactured in Beaverton, Oregon.
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Lifetime Warranty: No questions asked, no registration required.
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Proven Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof construction.
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Premium Glass: Multi-coated lenses, precision-ground optics, 1/4 MOA adjustments.
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CDS Technology: Custom ballistics dial eliminates holdovers. Proven by thousands of hunters worldwide.
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Trusted by Hunters: Millions of VX-Freedom scopes sold. The go-to choice for entry-level hunters who want Leupold quality with CDS precision.
Important Notes
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Rings Not Included: 1″ rings required (sold separately). Medium or high rings depending on your rifle’s action and objective bell clearance.
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Lens Covers Not Always Included: Some SKUs include flip-back lens covers; others do not. Check product listing or order separately (Leupold Alumina covers recommended).
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CDS Dial Lead Time: Custom CDS dial takes 2-3 weeks to manufacture and ship after you submit your ballistics. Plan ahead of hunting season.
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Laser Rangefinder Required: CDS system requires a laser rangefinder to measure exact distance. If you don’t have one, consider the standard VX-Freedom (non-CDS) or bundle with a Leupold RX rangefinder.
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Parallax: Fixed at 100 yards. Not ideal for extreme close-range (<50 yd) or extreme long-range (>500 yd) shooting. Perfect for typical hunting ranges (50–400 yd with CDS).
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Eye Relief: ~4.2″ is generous for recoil management, but check your rifle’s stock length and shooting style.
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Mounting Torque: Follow Leupold’s recommended torque specs (typically 15–18 in-lbs for ring screws, 65 in-lbs for base screws). Use a torque driver for best results.
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Zeroing: Sight in at 100 yards for most hunting cartridges. 1/4 MOA clicks make precise adjustments easy.
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Air Rifles: Not recommended for high-powered air rifles exceeding .22 caliber (recoil characteristics can damage internal components).
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Additional CDS Dials: If you shoot multiple loads or calibers, order additional CDS dials (~$50 each). Each dial is calibrated to one specific load.
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Warranty: Leupold lifetime warranty covers everything—even if you lose it, break it, or drop it in a river. No questions asked, no registration required.








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