The Leupold UltimateSlam Scope

It Doesn't Lose Its Zero

The Leupold UltimateSlam Sabot Ballistics Reticle Muzzleloader/Shotgun 3-9x40mm Riflescope (whew, try saying that quickly three times over) is true to Leupold form - it handles recoil well. This fact alone makes it a winner when it comes to shotgun scopes because they have to be able to handle the impact of recoil without losing their zero. It is important that the reticle doesn't float or drift from shot to shot otherwise it is worthless.

Along with the fact that Leupold scopes are known to hold their zero, they are also easier to look through, less cluttered and sharper than many out there. That's why people buy them. The basic specs of the UltimateSlam are: Standard Multicoat Lens System, 1 in. tube, 3.3 x 8.5 X Actual Magnification, 4.4-13.3 Exit Pupil, 12 oz. weight, mounting space 5.6 in., 65 MOA elevation and windage adjustment range, and 4.2 - 3.7 inches eye relief. The UltimateSlam has ¼ MOA finger click adjustments.

This One Stands Out

There are a few things about this scope that make it a stand-out item. First of all, it's very light, only three-quarters of a pound in weight, it essentially has perfect eye relief, and it has a classy matte appearance with the well-known Leupold Gold Ring at the objective. The eye relief is both generous and constant - a full image can be maintained while going through the complete range, even with the zoom setting. While you'd think this scope would sell for $500, it doesn't. The price is around $275, although prices might vary somewhat.

Range-Estimating Feature

Along with being free of eye-clutter, the Leupold UltimateSlam has many other features. The range-estimating feature requires the scope to be powered to the maximum and then to bracket a deer that stands broadside between the marks. If the deer is larger than the bracket is it presumed to be closer than 200 yards away. If the deer is smaller than the brackets, it is considered to be farther than 200 yards away. Seasoned hunters say the better way to find the range - which you should know long before you take aim - is to use a rangefinder, like the Leupold RX-1000. Laser range finding is best for long-range muzzleloading. However, this scope comes with the range-estimating feature, something new for Leupold.

Hold Points Well Thought Out

The UltimateSlam has hold points for 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 yards and there is a 50 yard hold point available by using the top of the circled center. These hold points accurately allow for sabots with 2-pellet or 3-pellet loads and 12 gauge or 20 gauge shotgun loads. The dots on many scopes obscure the vision at longer ranges, but Leupold figured this out and made the 250 yard dot smaller than the 200 yard dot. The scope is versatile and the shockproof and fog proof construction combine together with the other features to deliver the crisp sight picture you expect from Leupold with the rugged reliability necessary for any hunting conditions.

Added Features

This scope is easy to look through, is light weight and adds field performance to traditionally short range firearms, provided the shooter knows the trajectory of his rifle or shotgun. A rifle is not made more accurate by using a scope - a scope helps the shooter find the target. The Leupold UltimateSlam is user friendly, rugged and absolutely waterproof. A durable Leupold Scope Cover is included in the packaging to protect your riflescope during transporting it or when you're storing it.