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opinions on Leupold Gold Ring HD 12-40x60 spotting scope

Brother looking for one to use on the range and came across a clean used GR HD spotting scope, any reviews?

How were the non HD's?

Google that model and review. Something will come up.

I had mine for a long time. It is good, but not alpha glass. I like the codura cover for transport.
I also have a HD Leica 62mm, and it is noticeably better.
Still like the Leupold for the gun range.

I have a Non HD and am pretty happy with it for what it is. It is not alpha glass as Terry mentioned but a decent scope for the money.

I've owned a GR 12-40x60 HD as well an earlier non-HD version. The HD was a noticeably better scope above 30X vs the non-HD. In fact my non-HD was not really useable above 30X.

Pluses for the scopes include a very long eye relief for a spotting scope....very nice for an eye glass wearer. Also the relatively compact size (especially length) and weight for a scope in the magnification and objective lens size. The armoring is good as well. Also the low end 12X power is very user friendly for finding targets or animals in the field of view.

I compared my GR HD with a Swaro 20-60 x 65 mm HD and the GR lost out without a fight. We were on a bighorn count and the Swaro allowed me to count rings and age a ram that I couldn't begin to see rings with the GR HD. So ultimately the Leupold got sold and Swaro found its way home. Still have the Swaro 12 seasons later and haven't looked back.

I've used that spotter (also an HD) for 6-8 seasons. It works well for most of my hunting (brown bear & moose) and has proven to be immeasurably durable.

Thanks guys I came to the conclusion that for my brothers budget the used GR HD should work for his 300 yd shooting range..

For me I will stick to the alpha glass for long range hunting BUT will be selling my Meopta MeoStar 82 HD Angled and getting a Swarovski 65mm that is lighter, smaller and easier to pack...

thanks!!