Leupold Freedom RDS - American Made Series

Here's a question:
If you wanted to purchase a wholly American manufactured RDS, what are your options?
We plan to address this question in an ongoing series here on InRange, starting with this first review of the Leupold Freedom RDS.
InRange is entirely viewer supported:
/ inrangetv

[@Murphy82nd]

American made doesn’t necessarily mean quality, sadly.

[@hukama6911]

laughs in german

[@Murphy82nd]

rifki hukama as someone that has owned quite a few German cars, Germans have their own issues

[@Sidekick_Snowman]

Unfortunately true

[@jacksonperkins775]

make made in America great again

[@KageRyuu6]

Once long ago it used to, but then they started having to compete with companies around the world who can get by with slave wages and non-existent saftey and health standards, so to compete they had to start cutting corners. Sometimes competition doesn't bring out the best, it brings out the cheapest.

[@InrangeTv]

I didn't notice if Sinistral Rifleman mentioned pushing the optic forward, backwards, sideways or oblique during his installation process of the Leupold Freedom RDS because, frankly, I don't do any of that nonsense. I don't use a torque wrench either. What he does to placate the machine spirit is his business. My process: Put the optic on the rail. Put some blue loctite on the screws if feeling *fancy*. Tighten hand tight then a smidge more. Give them all a once over and repeat. Don't crank on them like a moron or you will indeed break that amazing Chinese metallurgy. Even if the RDS is American made, I betcha those screws aren't....and even if they are, don't crank on them stupidly anyways. ADDENDUM: Making witness marks with a silver sharpie is a recommended after installation process to ensure nothing turns or loosens in use.

[@alexvillegas6671]

Thanks for sharing protocol it helps a lot!

[@arieheath7773]

Obviously Phagan burned some of the god emperors most holy incense when installing it.

[@Lordingish]

Yes, but do you burn the correct oils, chant over the optic for 9 hours in binary, and sacrifice a low-level psyker, or are you heretical?

[@karlanthony3521]

I didn't know Karl was a devotee of the Omnissiah...

[@samuelmac1054]

@@Lordingish more like hereticle amirite

[@Outerwebs]

Well... that was an auspicious start to the series.

[@treyh0079]

Eotech or MRO I would think be the best “Bang for your Buck” dealing with USA made optics. Glad y’all are doing this review, curious to see your choices and their outcomes. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrCargod05]

Seriously, you can sometimes get them on sale for high $300 range

[@Meeko1010100112]

@@MrCargod05 And then you can get Holosuns for ~100$ on bargain, which are plenty good for all but the most brutal of use. Hard to avoid how overpriced our American options are, when on bargain sale we're priced at the same price other country of origin's optics MSRP is.

[@Alf9393]

Even with all the hate on Eotechs I can’t say a bad thing about the one I’ve owned for years. Yeah battery life isn’t great but it’s rock solid.

[@cmiddleton9872]

@@Valorius Someone seems to be emotionally invested in their chinese optics

[@MrCargod05]

@@artofshootinginmotion2871 that's why you buy them from reputable dealers like PSA or Primary Arms for example and not just some guy from ebay/Amazon

[@plsuh]

Honesty like this is a big part of why I support InRange on Patreon. Thanks, guys!

[@jeffphillips1832]

Yes but where can I purchase that SWAT gnome?

[@beardoggin8963]

Jeff phillips Amazon. Got my coworker one for his desk

[@roguetorino]

China

[@elektro3000]

Considering the high end magnified riflescopes they make, discovering that they're putting out this half-assed product is twice as disappointing.

[@johnbacon4997]

Nice Pfp, Porsche Ftw

[@elektro3000]

@@johnbacon4997 Thank you, Sebring was a hell of a fun track, I miss it now that I live in Michigan!

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

Most Trijicon products are 100% made in America and work well. I currently own or have owned the RMR, MRO and ACOG, and never had a single issue. Honestly, I would say they're pretty comparable to Aimpoint in build quality, durability, etc. Although, I personally prefer Aimpoint, I would have no issue trusting my life to a Trijicon optic.

[@Chlorate299]

The thing to remember with manufacturing defects is that statistically any individual product is more likely to be like the average than an outlier. So if you receive a defective product there's a good chance that the defect is quite common, particularly if the product is in fairly small scale production.

[@adam-k]

Not if that individual product is featured on KZbin. Regardless of the manufacturer any product that is featured on KZbin has a 95% chance of malfunctioning.

[@mk-ey2kp]

@Logan Waltz hey I have had two surefire scouts fail out of the box. Customer service sounded tired of me lol. I've tried looking up the issue and cannot find much outside of glowing reviews. Guess I was unlucky with a 2 for 2.

[@jacobackley502]

@@mk-ey2kp every surefire I've ever dealt with had issues. Truly, dozens of them. I have no idea why the world has such a high opinion of surefire.

[@daniel_diaz97]

​@@jacobackley502You telling me you have dozens of Surefire lights? Or are you in a customer service line where you're more likely to encounter issues?

[@feeish]

I always think of the scene in back to the future when Doc says to Marty "well no wonder it's broken it says 'Made in Japan'' and Marty replies "what are you talking about Doc all the best stuff is made there." I would love to see more products manufactured in America. But when things come back to the states to be made corners are cut and standards are altered. That lens popping out is a prime example of how "made in America" used to mean something far different than it means now.

[@Broken_Yugo]

I don't think it ever meant anything besides "made in USA". The junk we built in the past, being junk and all, has simply been scrapped long ago. Survivorship bias is the technical term.

[@mrtlsimon]

Having worked in multiple manufacturing businesses as an outside contractor has made me frighteningly aware how crappy some American companies produce products. We have bad quality control and companies that are horrible here too. I hope this series is more good news than bad. How much more would I be willing to pay for an American made product over a equivalent foreign made product? I don't know.

[@purplepenguin43]

We don’t need everything USA made, we just need to buy from people who aren’t our moral or political enemy.

[@Gerrygambone]

EpiicPenguin great point. Nice one sir 👍

[@Awholeopinion]

This is what makes inrange one of the best gun channels on this platform listening to the viewers and adjusting content accordingly can’t wait for more 19th century content

[@mkfreel]

I have a feeling the conclusion of this series is going to be “if you buy American optics, buy trijicon.”

[@robertn4840]

@@TonioD49 agreed, but Trijicon is still good

[@notbadsince97]

Just not the MRO

[@daniel_diaz97]

​@notbadsince97 How is that? My MRO works great.

[@johncashwell1024]

Karl @ InRangeTV, I really appreciate you taking the time to do this particular series. There is just so many choices available that it can be a daunting task to separate all those choices then downselecting to the final few and then selecting best RDS (or any sighting system) for your needs. So much so that over the last 2 years I would go through this process over and over. This is because I would go through the selection process, select a model and start saving but then have to spend the money on some urgent need, e.g. central a/c unit goes out or have to loan it to a family member with an urgent need. Then new models come out and I would have to start over again. A few years back when Vortex and Lucid were new on the scene, I went through this process and selected a Lucid RDS but I should have selected the Vortex and I have regretted it ever since. The Lucid has worked just fine and their customer service is great; I just don't like it. Now that I want a US Made RDS, I just don't know where to start.

[@cjthedevil5689]

That battery life is beneath “not that great” by modern standards, it’s abysmal. 30K hours vs. 1K hours is no competition, I’d buy this optic for 50 dollars, it’s not worth more than that. Leopold should be ashamed of releasing a product like this, it’s reflects so poorly on the company.

[@ethanwiley7605]

Its like with vortex, vortex has some super cheap low quality optics made in china all the way up to $1,000+ american made amazing optics. But at least leupold's was made in america but that doesnt mean anything if its a terrible optic

[@Shieldsz]

@@RewardedRocki Non-stop for two years? So you're going to wait till it runs out and have empty battery when you might need it? I would already replace that thing.

[@christopherdean9684]

1911Shields that’s only about 17,500 hours, compared to the likely 30K+ hours the optic is good for. I think he’ll be fine

[@poisonouslead85]

@J B Leupold is very proud of their incredibly mediocre product line.

[@ArikGST]

About the China Products: My opinion has always been that I don`t care where something is made as long as it`s a good quality product with a fair price (I review knives, most knives nowadays are made in China, Taiwan, Japan etc.). The fact that essential products are now starting to be hard to get (medicine and medical supplies) is definitely a failure of our short sighted governments and companies. I am a Nurse. We cannot get face masks anymore, they are sold out. We can`t get enough incontinence material for our patients because it`s made outside of the country, and the shipping lines are either down or slowed down. There`s some medications that is not available in the quantities we need. This is a serious problem and I hope this crisis works as a system shock to bring back essential products production into the countries where it is needed.

[@halfassedfart]

Yeah, it's funny seeing how people are laying the blame on the PRC. Manufacturing got outsourced because of the prevalence of just in time practices assuming constant access to global markets, and as a means to outflank legislation and labour organization in higher-wage countries.

[@ArikGST]

@@Valorius Well, I hope the coming stock market crash is gonna give those shareholders a bit to think about, Big Pharma is about to fail big if they can`t get their products into the country.

[@farmerboy916]

I'm not buying from china because they're a fascist state who's literally using ethnicity-based concentration camp labor to produce stuff for export. Otherwise I wouldn't much care about their manufacturing stranglehold

[@trangia12]

Manufacturing left America because of labor unions (high wages, health care, child care, retirement,etc.), environmental laws, lawsuits and workman’s comp claims and cost. I was once told by an assembly line worker at a car company 30 years ago that she was paid about twice the normal hourly wages to sit on a stool and read a book until she had to get up and snap in a plastic piece. Then she would sit back down and read her book.

[@kathyjulian1369]

Covid is pure b.s ....sorry our medical system was set up by Nazi....whom we brought over here after WW2....It's just the common flu. News media the real virus on your tell a lie vision.

[@bluefalconssuck5881]

That's the most unfriendly lawn gnome I've ever seen... I need an Enhanced Platoon's worth, outfitted accordingly.

[@beardoggin8963]

Blue Falcons Suck Amazon has them. Got my coworker one for his desk

[@TheFranssiBrother]

that's not unfriendly. It's gone full - Cheeki Breeki

[@turn-n-burn1421]

Thank you for confirming that I'm not imagining things. I'm not sure where mine fell out, but it has and this video twice confirmed that.

[@spookybreakfast]

I'm all for supporting local economy, but this is a field the U.S. is not competitive in. I appreciate that you listen, and are willing to do this for your viewers. I'm personally way more intrigued by your thoughts on those Holosun optics, however.

[@riskyflash6812]

“Why is my LGS selling these for $180?” 11:09 “Oh.”

[@coreyp9211]

Eotech, Trijicon MRO, or the Vortex UH-1. All excellent quality and made in the USA.

[@SinistralRifleman]

Re: Torque wrenches: the single finger method is one that optics companies actually recommend if you don’t have a torque wrench. Most people don’t. Re: pushing the optic to the rear of the rail slots so it doesn’t move forward. This is the method I’ve used for 20 years and my optics don’t move. When I have tested pushing them forward they move to the rear of the slot. But clearly I can’t hit anything and have a wandering zero as evidenced in my hundreds of match videos posted over the last decade. 😂🙄

[@beardoggin8963]

Fair enough, whatever works best for you. I guess I heard to push them to the front first and stuck with it. But if an accomplished shooter like yourself recommends that procedure then it carries a lot of weight. And the 1 finger torque trick was really cool, I will have to start doing that. I usually tighten them down until they start squeaking, then keep tightening them until they loosen up again and back off 1/4 turn 😂

[@yop_cholo]

Ah, so you do admit you built a lookalike using the machine spirit to perform outstanding feats at your matches in your place ? 🤣😘

[@ColburnFreml]

This is counter to my understanding of physics and my experience with optics (although I admit is less, but appeal to authority is a logical fallacy, so here we are). The rifle tries to move rearward under recoil and everything else is trying to stay put. Do you have any theory to explain your experience? Was H&K right for reversing their "keymod" rails.

[@jfess1911]

It is just the phrasing that confuses people. In the video, you say "always make sure that it is pushed to the rear of the rails". Initially I thought that you meant to push it towards the rear of the rifle until it is stopped by the rail. It might be helpful to rephrase to something like "push it towards the front of the rifle until it contacts the BACK SIDE of a rail". The word "rear" is what is confusing people.

[@chassoto]

Get on our level, newb! This comment brought to you by Torque Gang

[@kevinfinney8237]

Good work Karl putting this subject/ debate out there. I've never been a "form over function" guy. Stuff needs to work or I'm moving on.

[@VASILLEVSKI1878]

Welcome to real life. "American made" is a selling point, not a certification of quality. You should be choosing products based on quality, function and other factors irregardless of where they're produced.

[@giuliannochiarelli151]

Heretic Anthem I agree with you, globalization is a goof thing, at least for me. But many people believe that China made another Chernobyl with this. And in part is true. Also there is problems with China, their citizens doesn’t have the same right to protest and express their opinion as we do. So if they have bad working conditions they can’t change it. For me that’s not a fair competition between country’s

[@taiiat0]

since they're going to go through as many American Brands as they can, are they not doing exactly that......

[@asus6983]

Anyone that uses the word "irregardless" automatically lose all credibility.

[@5000rgb]

@@asus6983 Irregardless of what they say.

[@gradydyck519]

@@asus6983 No. You don’t throw out ninety nine percent correct over one percent incorrect. A mistake does not invalidate otherwise sound information.

[@ShinobiHOG]

I love the idea for this series. Thanks for doing it. I just finished my first AR build and its Gucci af. Haven't purchased the glass yet but I just took for granted that every piece of this was American made. More grist for the mill.......

[@arkadeepkundu4729]

Corporate: How do we convey to people this is American made. Marketing: IDK, just slap some *Freedom* in it's name or something.

[@RaftGuidePhil]

Even if it’s an “American” made unit it will undoubtably have Chinese made Parts. America is not known for making electronics such as emitters and switch boards. I know that 50% of a MRO is made from Chinese parts. Same for the RMR. As far as the Vortex UH1, it’s 100% made of Chinese parts and assembled in the US.

[@Jixijenga]

@The Weapon Collection I cannot remember off-hand, but there is a cluster of optical components that are made _only_ in Japan. No where else. This includes components used in military hardware that, if cut off, would force us to use surplus inventory in the USA. I have a list of things like that for a fiction book I was working on years ago regarding the strategic implications of globalization of our supply chain. I shelved it (ho ho!) and moved on, but... Maybe I should revisit that one.

[@tommihommi1]

the actual semiconductors are not that likely to be made in China. There's a ton of fabs in the US or Europe.

[@reubensandwich9249]

I don't remember the exact legal requirements set forth by the FTC of "Made in USA" vs. "Assembled in USA" or even the major/minor parts claim to achieve. If you feel they are deceptive, I suggest you file a complaint with the FTC against Trijicon's claims.

[@5000rgb]

I think Leupold says "designed, machined, and assembled in USA." I'm assuming many of their components, like the tubes, come from the same factory in China as everyone else.

[@egirlharasser49]

Jixijenga I would absolutely pick up a copy of a book like that if you ever finish it. Sounds pretty interesting.

[@free2chasehappy]

Thanks for making videos like this. I am a huge proponent of buying local made and have always been willing to pay extra. It also helps that I don't collect stuffs, I'm more of the one and done kinda guy. The "Made in USA" used to be a badge with great significance, top quality at reasonable prices, but it isn't so for many cases today. I'll pay the difference when I can tell the difference, if you want my money, earn my money. Companies like streamlight and trijicon comes to mind for quality, aseembled in USA and competitive pricing. Politics has really messed up American manufacturing.

[@BFisherMKE]

Jesus, how embarrassing

[@khkenny2]

I had one too, another down side is the FOV, with the size and weight of a 34mm tube it had a much narrower FOV than my Vortex Crossfire red dot, mainly due to the much smaller front element, which makes it extra disappointment

[@PieterBreda]

This is not meant as a an insult but the impression in Europe of US made changed in the past 40 years from best possible to shady and crudely made and of inferior quality. When I was young, US made was the best you could buy and now it is a reason not to buy.

[@podmonkey2501]

Chinese manufacturing is the cause of that. We have lost much of our manufacturing base to China and what is left must compete with cheap Chinese labor. Not to mention unfair economic practices.

[@KA-id4wt]

I think that's because US companies use MADE IN AMERICA as marketing only. For instance, my GE refrigerator says made in USA on the inside. But after dealing with a broken compressor I found that it and many other components where made in Mexico or other shady places. Same with made in Mexico ford and Chevrolet, the dealer will tell you all day it's made in america.

[@Kaboomf]

Eh, not everything old American was actually any good either. I just recently found an early 80's Weaver D4 scope new in the box at work. Nobody wanted it or even knew why we had one taking up shelf space, so I took it home thinking it might be suitable on our kids' airgun (it's meant for .22s so the mounts fit airguns). It's the sorriest excuse for a sight I've ever used. Tiny eye relief and if I don't center my eye exactly to the sight then the point of impact shifts by a ridiculous amount. Way too long minimum focus distance even for use on a .22 never mind an airgun. At what would be a normal plinking or small game hunting distance for a .22 it is impossible to have crosshairs and target both in focus, it can only be focused properly at long range. Imprecise adjusment and tiny adjusment range, I ran out f elevation adjustment trying to get the airgun zeroed at 10 yards or so. When you run out of elevation the screw doesn't stop, it will continue to turn but nothing happens. Oh, and no clicks either of course. I get that this was Weaver's low end offering, but still. This thing is a piece of crap.

[@EminemLovesGrapes]

Generally when it says "Made in America" you need to read "Assembled in the US".

[@Jesses001]

So a bit on the heavy side, dot looks like garbage, battery life is trash, and it fell apart in less then 30 rounds. Very disappointing. I have used Leopold long range optics before, and I was impressed. This is just...sad. I did not like it before it fell apart on you, so this is a hard pass for me.

[@BYLRPhil]

At least Magpul P Mags are still made in the US.

[@VASILLEVSKI1878]

It's a piece of shit product and there are far better options available, meh, but at least it's made in the US.

[@paullytle1904]

@@VASILLEVSKI1878 what how they are easily the best ar mags on the market

[@Warriorcat49]

Heretic Anthem I’d love to see your statistical analysis on the product then. Or even any recent, non-anecdotal evidence which shows that they consistently fail prematurely, cause an unacceptably high number of malfunctions in otherwise functioning rifles, or are otherwise flawed in some way that isn’t just “plastic feed lips bad”.

[@nc_classics_9610]

Warriorcat49 Hmm i wonder why almost every military, law enforcement, and competitor uses them?

[@purplepenguin43]

Warriorcat49 are you just using gen 1’s, or gen 2’s on rifles that need gen 3 features like the over insertion stop like the 416? Were these failures on competition rifles, issued rifles, built rifles or stock rifles. Give us a full rundown of the platform and uses where they failed so we can understand why. Because as was said already, everyone else’s experience has been different or been fixed by the gen3.

[@350anthony]

NO jOKE!! I canceled my order from optics planet, had a VORTEX 1-8 the new new, canceled it , went to my local shop in Bakersfield and PAID UP for a leupold patrol 1-4 with the fire dot, was wanting a bit higher zoom but , I’m totally happy wit picking what the locals shop had in stock and the vxr patrol 1-4 is AWESOME!!!!

[@Ihasanart]

Even before that rear lens let go at the thought of actually being used, the glue/sealant holding it in looked like a serious bodge job.

[@Dugauntlet]

Wow so basically what this video is saying, my 6 year old Vortex Strikefire II Red/Green dot sight (I prefer green dots which was my main reason for purchasing this model, besides the price) weighs the same (7.2 oz), has a better battery life (~2,000 hours at setting 5), and only cost me about $230. The only main difference really is the dot size which is 4 MOA and the use of a CR2 battery. For comparison I looked up the newest version on the Vortex website, the red/green combo appears to be discontinued however, the newest version boasts a battery life of 80,000 hours from a single CR2 on setting 6. It retails new for $200 on Amazon. I still respect Leupold as manufacturer of great optics however, I'll be more apprehensive of purchasing one of their entry level optics here on out. Great job Russel and Karl I can't wait to see how some of the other optics stack up and yes I would be interested in a follow up on this sight when you get it back.

[@PaulMauser]

Eotech has my vote. A little big and heavy for my taste, but still my favorite. Also even some of the most Iconic American products like the Bowie knives of the frontier and civil war were proliferated and finalized by the British. I don't really have a problem buying from our allies especially since American labor is really over priced.

[@frequentfrenzied]

I also don't have a problem purchasing foreign products, Chinese or otherwise as long as they are of a high quality. I don't think this series is trying to make the "American made good - foreign made bad" argument though. I think the real question is more along the lines of "If the global economy has been restricted or has totally collapsed and you literally have no other option, are there any affordable American made optics that are even worth paying for?".

[@Kycirion]

Same. I wish they could make drastic improvements to battery life, or add shake-awake. But otherwise I love my Eotech.

[@MrFRIINGE]

For some the donations Eotech gave to Democrats to win military contracts is reason enough not to buy them. No company is perfect. I don't mind buying a Chinese made optic, as taxes in any country technically go towards stuff we don't support. If the optic is good quality, I buy it. It's not like I'm donating all of my money to the Chinese government, instead it goes to a US company that offers low prices for a good optic and I am ok with that.

[@Rltvader1]

I'm confused on the pulling the optic backwards when mounting on the rail? Wouldn't you push the optic the most forward?

[@beardoggin8963]

That is what I was always been taught and done on my guns, was to push the optic forward

[@blackirish781]

Larger field of view

[@herknorth8691]

I *think* what he meant when he said to "push the mount against the rear of the rails" was that the cross-bolts in the mount should be pressed forward against the rear of the receiver rails. It could have probably been phrased better.

[@beardoggin8963]

the alt-flight. He meant pulling it back into the pic rail slot.

[@Rltvader1]

@@beardoggin8963 yes I know, that's what I don't understand

[@depletedyourcranium]

Shouldn't you push the optic forward when mounting, not to the rear? Recoil is going to drive the gun back, meaning the optic wants to slide forward due to inertia. If its already pushed forward tightly, it shouldn't have any room to slide under recoil, whereas if its pushed to the rear, there will be the slight gap it could move forward in. EDIT: after listening again, I think that's actually what you mean (pushed to the rear of the rails, meaning pushed forward against the rear side of the slot). It just came off a little confusing the first time I heard it.

[@marshhawkarms]

Nope he doubled down on his method of putting it at the back of the slot on another forum. But yes- it should be at the front is the normally understood correct method, for the reason you mentioned.

[@rustynut1967]

@@Valorius Maybe it had something to do with it's fast demise.

[@iLLeag7e]

Great concept for a series, InRangeTV! This is good stuff

[@yikes3013]

This has to be the most stereotypicaly American red dot ever, the name is hilariously bad

[@Warriorcat49]

It’s very embarrassing.

[@juliusevolvere6835]

Ironic. Because of American freedom worship. The free market capitalists chose to manufacture overseas and now Americans are suffering for it. Nationalism is the only way forward and upward.

[@YesIHaveManyProblemsThanks]

Im proud to be one of your patreons, because you make videos like this.

[@sickjohnson]

Looking forward to the next reviews guys, thanks! RIP RDS...

[@dans2291]

Shouldn’t you push optics to the front of the rail to keep it from moving under recoil not the rear?

[@Anon.Emouse]

I agree. The rifle will travel rearward under recoil but the scope and mount's inertia will make it want to stay in place so it will try to creep forward on the rail.

[@madcatjoe]

In your directions for mounting the optic, you are supposed to push any accessory mounted to a rail forwards in the rail, not rearwards. The recoil of the rifle is the reason for this, which is why you want the accessory pushed forwards.

[@SinistralRifleman]

Joe Moore when I’ve done that they moved rearwards. The methodology I describe in the video here I’ve never had an optic move forward.

[@johnlarsen7068]

That is really unfortunate, I've got a luepold myself and really enjoy it. It's a Mark AR variable power red dot, a discontinued member of their budget line (~$350), and after a couple hundred rounds it has given me no issues. Hopefully this continues to be it the case. Worst case, they do have a lifetime warranty on all of their products regardless of whether or not you are the original owner.

[@Kruchmann]

I don't care where the product was manufactured, as long its has a good quality, and a price I can afford, I will buy it.

[@marzcapone9939]

I try to buy US made when possible. This RDS is embarrassing, to Leupold can do better. This must have been a committee designed, "price point" product.

[@dandexinventor]

This is what we face in today's cultural climate...money vs integrity. All to often, the race to be in a place of no worries has overridden doing things we can be proud of. Our mindset as U.S. citizens has to change for any of this to get better. It does not matter what the rest of the world is doing...I'm hoping we can recover and come back stronger than ever after having learned a difficult lesson in how we are not. Now is our chance. Money is a far second to doing what we love to the best of our ability and therefore striving for perfection. I'd be willing to give Leupold the benefit of the doubt and call this an honest mistake, so the question is, is there a pattern? I will also say, Trijicon has done very well in my experience. Guess we will see!

[@Skyrunner_84]

Personally I agree and appreciate the honest review. The one thing I have to disagree with is the looks. I think it looks very good.

[@otetechie]

It looks like the same illumination they use in my old VR-X patrol I bought almost a decade ago. I was really happy with the illumination and battery life. I would get 3-4 months out of a battery with the illumination left on continuously. It definitely seems to be a little behind the times.

[@dmoney6005]

Love how kinda complicated it is to adjust the brightness lol. I’m imagining an old fudd in his hallway smashing the button trying to set it for darkness in a bump in the night, watching the dot blink under stress 😂

[@ghostlight69420]

Good thing he did all that "point shooting" practice. Whatever that means...

[@ALRinaldi]

That's the way Leopold optics change brightness; the DPP is the same way.

[@dmoney6005]

Anthony Rinaldi Wow thanks I didn’t know that, I was just poking fun but honestly I wouldn’t want that button there where it’s even more likely to get hit on accident. Also I’d rather have up or down, that’s just dumb to be forced to cycle through it every time

[@jimfield3347]

Watch the old Fudd crap!

[@mrollem2]

@@dmoney6005 As Anthony said, its the way some of the other Leupold illuminated optics work. There's only one button and I think it is easier to adjust than my Vortex red dots. You don't have to look for the up or down button. It is actually quite intuitive after you do it a few times.

[@timgrede6845]

If looking for an innovative sight try SEE-ALL open sight. It is a holographic sight that is tough enough for the larger rifles. If raised to the same level as magnifiers or prism around corner sights will also work with them. It also works once centered and can be handed to left or right and can use the same zero.

[@smuldohuntermuldo9312]

Great to see Apocalypse Gnome again.

[@858415]

The Sig Romeo 4 series say assembled in U.S.A

[@aquablaster86]

I was taught to put forward pressure on the 1913 mount to avoid moving under recoil. If it's already pushed up against the forward most lug, then it can not move forward any farther.

[@quentingentil977]

I can understand your wish to buy American made products: as a European I want too to buy things manufactured on my continent (and not in Russia). For RDS, I think I only have the choice between Aimpoint, Steiner, Meopta and Docter.

[@isaace8090]

Failures happen, even with brand new products from respectable companies. I had an Elcan Spectre OS 3x fail on me around the 20 round mark. I had to mail it back to Canada for repair or replacement. They ended up replacing it but I had to pay shipping to Canada plus insurance, which ended up being a bit expensive for such a small object. While I got mine on sale for $600, it was originally a $1000 optic. The new one seems to be fine, but there is always something in the back of my mind that makes me not trust this optic. It mostly gets swapped around as a test optic at this point due to my lack of trust. We will see as the round count climbs if it will hold up. My advice, if you are getting an Elcan, get one of the military issued style Spectres. They seem to have a much better track record.

[@diadlo13]

Push your optic all the way FORWARD when mounting it to prevent it from moving forward under recoil

[@Rich45464]

Awesome job guys look foward to more of these types of videos. I rather my money stay here in the states

[@alt5494]

The Meprolight m21 is the best option for a mid priced optic that I have found. Nearly every review is on the gen one not the gen two. Very few people have trigger time on gen two's. They are a bit heavy, but are extremely durable with no battery's/electronics to fail. InRangeTv should really test one when you get back to testing overseas optics.

[@BK45AUS]

Thanks for this series, that'd be a $700 dollar optic down here, even the delta points start at $800 and go up from there. Being that i only shoot IPSC and not competitively ( due to disability ) i think i'll be looking at other options. Will be interesting to see any updates after it goes back to the factory though.

[@riverbard8287]

Looking forward to more of this American Made series of videos.

[@BTCAsia]

Interesting series concept. I look forward to discovering some options. I have a US Optics scope, but most of my other sighting system are European or Asian. ChiCom made is my last choice, but sometimes price and quality requirements mean the ChiCom is the best option.

[@skyhop]

When I saw one of these sitting around at cabelas, I gave it a good look over. I wonder what their standard is for "made in america," as it certainly doesn't look like it to me. Assembled in the US, maybe.

[@CommodoreFluffy]

i really appreciate how you made an argument for buying American without getting nativist or xenophobic. even as a leftist i can appreciate the sense behind having locally produced backups in case international trade is disrupted.

[@0214Bub]

Looks really old school, something Arnold would have had in some action movie. Honestly when you mentioned American made, the only ones that came to mind was Leupold, Trijicon, and Eotech. Although I have a DDP on a pistol for a carbine red dot I would go with a Trijicon or Eotech any day of the week. I've used Eotechs in the past before switching to Aimpoints and actually liked them quite well despite all the hate in the gun community they get. Looking forward to more of these.

[@192mickey]

Vortex's AMG line is also US made.

[@JDangly]

Just a 2 cents worth. When mounting an optic you advised to push it to the rear of the T slot. You would actually want to push it forward in the T slot as recoil drives the the gun backwards and momentum would push the optic forwards. Just a point for new shooters. Good review though 👍🏼

[@neurotoksyn]

think I might go with the holosun if this is what we're making over here.

[@1982rrose]

Thanks Karl & Russell. Looking fwd to more content from you. Don't worry about us being disinterested. Unless it's music videos lol.

[@kuttinkuddy3905]

Thanks guys cant wait for the trijicon stuff..

[@AK-ub4ri]

I'll just continue purchasing Aimpoint PROs, the DL1/3N battery maybe be werid but it's been working since 2008 for me.

[@ryanschlotfeldt1070]

Good review, glad someone is releasing decent info and not just being a shill!

[@exploited8779]

EoTech is the best American optic/Optic period, not only was it selected a second time after testing it again harder by SOCOM after all the bullshit “problems” that never effected the XPS/EXPS series over the Aimpoints, Trijicon and Vortex optics among others, it is also using far newer technology in holograms then all other red dot optics which use very old LED tech in different bodies they decide to charge 900 dollars for. The hologram also allows the dot to stay 1MOA under magnification where red dots increase the dot size times what ever magnification you have. Not to mention you can also smash the glass out of an EOTECH and it’ll still work. I love my micro series Aimpoints but Eotech EXPS is the king of reflex sights and they live on all my “go to” rifles.

[@Normjohanson]

Actually you push it forward when you mount an optic. The recoil pulls the mounted items forward.

[@BobRobsstrikesagain]

I was seriously looking into buying this too.

[@EQ541]

I like mine. Works great. BDC version.

[@myfine86]

I have one on my FS2000, I honestly love it. I haven't had an issue with it probably 3k rounds. I would easily buy another one, but I like variety.

[@80spodcastchannel]

MORE SInstrel Rifleman firearms and accessory's reviews !!!!

[@linkchen8245]

Yes scope manufacturers are labor intensive. What about LCO or even a delta point ?

[@djowen5192]

Freedom sights. Can't beat it.

[@aaronsuever2532]

We need to get Magpul and PSA in on the red dot market. God knows they'd make something great and reasonably priced

[@bartb7790]

Well at least the rear lens has its freedom now :)

[@trekOCLVone]

Stay on this topic. Thank you !

[@countercivilization]

Thank you very informative!

[@seanlukew7499]

Least expensive USA made still honking expensive and that tiny front glass! Leupold usually makes good stuff and that is one rock solid looking mount but I for one want to see your review of the HOLOSUN Scopes as they are American designed and offer a great deal of value.

[@toml802]

I like using schnorr washers on cap screws like this. They're paper thin and finger tight will stay tight.

[@saisandoval]

Great vid, I would love to buy USA “quality” products. Hopefully this makes Leupold make a better product

[@Rltvader1]

I believe the MRO is American made. I have one on my WWSD

[@beardoggin8963]

Richard Tenison the MRO is an excellent choice. And will most likely win this test based on its features-reliability vs cost

[@johnrunnion7570]

There are 2 problems with this video: (1) Fastened joints work properly only when they're assembled to design torque specifications. KEEP the owners manual, so you know the torque specifications and use a TORQUE WRENCH to tighten (never loosen using the torque wrench) to the specifications. This alone will eliminate 99.9% of problems associated with loose mounts or stripped screws. (2) Finally, when mounting to your rail, you want to push the accessory FORWARD on the rail, not rearward, because the initial recoil impulse of the rifle causes the accessory to want to move forward.

[@mikenuccio6716]

Thank you! I thought I was the only one who cringed when he said rearward!!

[@mikenuccio6716]

Thank you! I thought I was the only one who cringed when he said rearward!!

[@gnarshread]

I would love to buy American products. My problem is I'm on a budget so I try to at least make sure the seller is based out the US.

[@plymcousa3002]

I recently coughed up the extra money for a MRO over a holosun. I like Holosun but... I’d rather get US made. Plus it’s Trijicon. You know it’s tough.

[@icorezx14r]

Wow, I had high hopes for this one..........next!

[@MrWarwick15]

Thanks Guys! Rich.

[@jefftuckercfii]

What about Burris? My place of employment has an industry discount with Burris. Where do they make their optics? Anyone? Their website doesn't talk about where their products are made. It says on Google, though, and the legal section of their site agrees, that Burris is owned by Beretta.

[@mattfleming86]

I have beat the living hell out of my hs503. Its been on my farm gun for a couple years now. I change the battery once a year, just because. It has never failed me and I don't suspect it will. Most folks that hate on holosun don't own one. I now have two. Yeah.. every now and then i'm sure one goes down- But so does trijicon and occasionally even aimpoint. I'd take that optic to a fight without a shadow of a doubt. Could it fail? Yeah. But its so far down on my worry list that it might as well not be on it. Only sucky part about a holosun is the mount. Rest is fantastic. And hell.. i've worn half the anodizing off mine, plus dents dings and scratches and that shitty mount is still taking abuse. So....

[@thewiezman]

karl have you had much time using the pk-a venezuela red dot? i know you like the obzor but these also seem to be held in high regard in the “eastern” style optics

[@Mpeterson1286]

I was just scoping these out yesterday. How did you know?!

[@MM-gm2yk]

For red dots I run Trijicon MRO made in the USA. I got my first one when they came out it has been to hell and back love it I now have 3

[@sodasandwich]

think you just got a lemin...no excuse for the lens popping out but from what i see it was mounted improperly. always push rings and mounts forward not rearward. the manual states 65inch pounds on the base screws. i would use a torque wrench. i would NEVER use loctice on ring screws. not needed and it only causes grief down the road with removal torque settings and possibilty of screwing up aluminum threads. the Leupy i have is very clear. on par with my Aimpoint. it certainly doesnt have that blue tint like many of the China imports. if your seeing a star burst it could be a condition called Astigmatism. you also didnt mention the dot is a 1moa. this is unherd of in a red dot at this price. if your shooting past 30 yards it makes a bgf difference . i will take a 1moa over those 3 and 4 moa imports all day long.