Choosing the Best Rifle Scope for Southern Big Game Hunting: Trijicon vs. Leupold
Apr 27th 2025
Imagine stalking a deer or boar through the South’s dense forests as the sun fades. The thick brush and dim light demand a rifle scope that’s clear, tough, and reliable. Trijicon and Leupold are two top brands that rise to the challenge. In this blog post, we’ll compare Trijicon’s Tenmile and Accupoint series with Leupold’s VX and Mark 5 series to find the perfect scope for southern big game hunting.
Trijicon: Built for Tough Conditions
Trijicon scopes are renowned for their ruggedness and clarity, making them a go-to for hunters in demanding environments.
Tenmile Series
The Tenmile series is Trijicon’s premium line, built for precision and durability. With large objective lenses (up to 56mm) and ED glass, these scopes deliver exceptional low-light performance, perfect for early morning or late evening hunts. Illuminated reticles with red/green options ensure fast target acquisition. At 24-36 oz, they’re heavier, making them ideal for static setups like tree stands rather than long treks.
Accupoint Series
For hunters on the move, the Accupoint series is a standout. Weighing just 13.4-20 oz, it’s lightweight and features battery-free illumination using fiber optics and tritium, so you never worry about a dead battery. The Bindon Aiming Concept allows both-eyes-open shooting, great for close-range shots in dense cover. It’s a practical choice for navigating southern thickets.
Leupold: Versatility and Value
Leupold is known for reliable, hunter-friendly scopes that balance performance and affordability.
VX Series
The VX series, including models like the VX-3HD 4.5-14x40, is a favorite for its versatility. The Twilight Max Light Management System boosts low-light performance, and at 16 oz, it’s easy to carry on long hunts. Leupold’s no-questions-asked lifetime warranty offers peace of mind, making it a smart long-term investment.
Mark 5HD Series
For top-tier performance, the Mark 5HD series delivers. With high-quality glass and first focal plane reticles, it’s designed for precision and durability. At 26 oz, it’s heavier than the VX but offers outstanding clarity, appealing to hunters who prioritize optical quality over weight.
Comparing the Scopes for Southern Hunting
| Factor | Trijicon Tenmile | Trijicon Accupoint | Leupold VX | Leupold Mark 5HD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Light Performance | Excellent (large objectives, ED glass) | Excellent (battery-free illumination) | Good (Twilight Max system) | Excellent (premium glass) |
| Durability | Top-tier (handles heavy recoil) | Reliable (lighter but robust) | Reliable (occasional zero issues) | Top-tier (military-grade) |
| Weight | 24-36 oz (heavier) | 13.4-20 oz (lightweight) | 12-17 oz (lightweight) | 26 oz (moderate) |
| Magnification | 3-18x, 4.5-30x (long-range) | 3-9x, 2.5-10x (versatile) | 4.5-14x, 3-15x (versatile) | 3.6-18x (long-range) |
| Price | $1,000-$2,000 | $600-$900 | $300-$800 | $1,200-$2,000 |
| Warranty | Lifetime (5-year electronics) | Lifetime (5-year electronics) | Lifetime (no questions asked) | Lifetime (no questions asked) |
Low-Light Performance
Southern hunts often happen at dawn, dusk, or in overcast conditions, where low-light clarity is critical.
- Trijicon Tenmile: Large objective lenses and ED glass provide bright, clear images, ideal for spotting game in dim light.
- Trijicon Accupoint: Battery-free illumination adjusts to ambient light, ensuring a visible reticle, especially for night hog hunting.
- Leupold VX: The Twilight Max system extends visibility by up to 20 minutes at twilight, though it may not match premium models.
- Leupold Mark 5HD: Premium glass delivers crisp images, rivaling the Tenmile in low-light conditions.
Verdict: Tenmile and Mark 5HD lead, but Accupoint’s illumination is uniquely reliable.
Durability and Reliability
Rugged terrain and heavy recoil from big game rifles require scopes that hold zero.
- Trijicon Tenmile: Exceptional durability, handling heavy recoil from calibers like .375 and .404J.
- Trijicon Accupoint: Robust for lighter rifles, with no reported issues in rough conditions.
- Leupold VX: Reliable, though some older models have minor zero wander issues.
- Leupold Mark 5HD: Military-grade durability, matching the Tenmile’s toughness.
Verdict: Tenmile and Mark 5HD are the most durable, with Accupoint and VX solid for lighter use.
Weight and Portability
Southern hunters often trek through dense brush, making lightweight scopes a priority.
- Trijicon Tenmile: Heavier (24-36 oz), better for static hunts.
- Trijicon Accupoint: Lightweight (13.4-20 oz), perfect for mobility.
- Leupold VX: Lightweight (12-17 oz), great for long treks.
- Leupold Mark 5HD: Moderate (26 oz), less ideal for ultralight setups.
Verdict: Accupoint and VX series excel for portability.
Magnification Range
Most southern shots range from 50-300 yards, with occasional longer opportunities.
- Trijicon Tenmile: 3-18x or 4.5-30x, ideal for long-range precision.
- Trijicon Accupoint: 3-9x or 2.5-10x, perfect for typical southern ranges.
- Leupold VX: 4.5-14x or 3-15x, versatile for most hunts.
- Leupold Mark 5HD: 3.6-18x, ample for any scenario.
Verdict: Accupoint and VX are ideal for southern hunting ranges.
Price and Warranty
Budget and after-sales support matter for long-term value.
- Trijicon Tenmile: $1,000-$2,000, with a lifetime warranty (5-year electronics).
- Trijicon Accupoint: $600-$900, same warranty.
- Leupold VX: $300-$800, with a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty.
- Leupold Mark 5HD: $1,200-$2,000, same warranty.
Verdict: VX series offers the best value and warranty.
Recommendations
- Budget-Conscious Hunters: Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 – Affordable, lightweight, and reliable, with great low-light clarity and an unbeatable warranty.
- Lightweight and Mobile Hunters: Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 – At 13.4 oz, it’s perfect for long treks, with battery-free illumination for quick shots in dense cover.
- Premium Performance Seekers: Trijicon Tenmile 3-18x44 – Top-tier durability and low-light clarity for rugged conditions. Alternatively, Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 offers similar quality with a better warranty.
Conclusion: Trijicon Takes the Crown
For southern big game hunting, where low-light performance and durability are paramount, Trijicon is the winner. The Accupoint series is ideal for mobile hunters, with its lightweight design and reliable battery-free illumination, perfect for quick shots in thick cover. The Tenmile series offers unmatched toughness and optical clarity, excelling in harsh conditions and longer ranges. Leupold’s VX series is a close contender for its value and lifetime warranty, and the Mark 5HD matches the Tenmile in premium performance. However, Trijicon’s superior low-light capabilities and ruggedness make it the top choice for the South’s challenging terrain. Whether you’re stalking deer in dense woods or targeting boar from a stand, Trijicon has you covered.