Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics CDS on any Leupold scope model?

Ok can you have a CDS custom turret retrofitted to any Leupold or specific models? If not which models? Thanks and Merry Christmas

I believe I saw that you could. But if I was paying the custom shop for a custom turret, I'd do the M1 all day long.

The CDS spins way too easy. Must be taped down or checked before shooting....and there's not always time to check before shooting.

You can have the CDS installed on any of the VX-3's and above. Some VX-2's can have the CDS installed (anything in the last decade pretty much can), but some of the older Vari-X II's aren't able to be retrofitted to the CDS dial. There's a serial number on the bottom of the saddle. If you call 1-800-LEUPOLD with the serial number than can tell you if your scope can be fitted.

The VX-1's can't have the CDS installed.

kk, I've had two of them put on VX3 2.5-8's.

There is some sort of cut-off date for what they can and can't retrofit.

You mean you can install a CDS in a Leupold scope with a regular turret and convert it into a ballistic turret just as simple as changing the "lid"?

There is a company that makes a similar turret that screws right on the scope, with no need to send the scope in or take it off the rifle. I'll try to look it up and post the link. Never used one, but heard good things about them.

Here it is:

http://kentonindustries.com/category/custom-turrets

I ran through adding a Leupold one to my cart on their site, and the price came up to $0.00, so not sure what is up with that. For a Zeiss, it came up to $100.

Not sure what Leupold currently charges to install a CDS retrofit, but last I knew it was around $160

You could not give me another scope with CDS !!!!!If you look at it wrong it spins....Cost me a 170 class buck this year...

Have heard many reports of that happening with the CDS, but with the experiences on the 3 I have, it has never been an issue.

With the intent of this type of turret, it is presumed that you would check/adjust the turret before the shot, especially at any longer distances than the rifle was sighted in with. Correct?

I guess the only scenario I can see being an issue is if you are carrying it on a sling or scabbard, the CDS moves, and then you have to snap a quick shot off. But, really, how much could it turn to affect a short range shot? And longer distance shot, you would certainly have time to glance at the turret to check or adjust. As the gun is coming up, it is pretty easy to get a quick eye on where the turret is set. It would be no different than if you previously moved the turret, and then forgot to bring it back to zero.

That would also be the nice thing about a zero stop. Assuming you have it set up for 100 yard zero, you could feel the turret in the dark, and know it was properly set for the initial setting.

So, the benefits certainly outweigh any risks. I'd much rather take that chance than have to guess or calculate holdover distance for a longer shot with a fixed turret.

I've backpacked with a CDS scope the last two seasons, no problem. Never had it move. Not to say yours didn't just to say any turret can move. It's one of their negatives.

$150

Agree here too. Saw a buddy get into a "spinning" mess at our range before he got straightened out. I caught myself twice inadvertently doing the same. Back to a masking tape cheat sheet with a 6x36 LRD on the way.

The earlier CDS spun way to easy. The newer models that I've had are harder to turn.

I sighted in a few rifles last Friday and figured I'd do the hex screws and zero the turret when I got home. I was putting one in the back seat and I guess accidentally hit the turret with my thumb and heard clicks. Wish I could have counted the clicks. LOL. So I had to rezero that one. I put the neoprene cover on all of my CDS's before they go into the case.

I guess from now on with the CDS, I'll have the hex wrench and fix them before I leave the bench.

Never had that with a Leupold, did with old Redfields

One turn zero stop...

When I first bought leupolds it took me a couple screwups to get used to not having caps on the knobs.
At the range, a couple of times..... (i wish I could say I learned the lesson the first time).... I went to take off the cap to make an adjustment and turned it who knows how far.

Once I sighted in and put my CDS on, though, no problem. I'm sighted in at 200 yds and I'm able to be consistent to 500 yds and pretty much right on when I do my part.
I;ve shot a little at 600 and it's about 6 inches high.
My dial goes to 650.

I love it.

You can make some long shots with them if you have dial cut.

There is a locking CDS on some of the newer scopes. I have one on my VX6. IMHO its definitely an improvement over the easy to spin CDS I had on an earlier Leupold.