TFB Behind the Gun #177: Behind The Glass w/ Nic of Leupold Optics
On this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we have an opportunity to talk to one of the product developers from Leupold & Stevens, Inc., based in Oregon (my home state). Leupold has roots here with a history dating back to 1907, initially specializing in surveying equipment before pivoting to optics after World War II. They are most well known for pioneering truly waterproof and fogproof hunting scopes, as well as developing rugged tactical military scopes, like the Mark 4 line adopted by the U.S. Army for the M24 sniper rifle, and their widely used red dot sights, such as the DeltaPoint Pro and legendary LCO. Our guest today, Nic Kytlica, who has worked for Leupold for nearly two decades, shares some of that extensive company history with us, as well as helps me walk through some of Leupold's current and past products. We'll even get a glimpse into what's coming next from Leupold, including insights into their latest generation of red dot optics and products showcased at events like SHOT Show 2025.
More TFB Behind the Gun Podcast Episodes:
TFB Behind the Gun #177: Behind The Glass w/ Nic of Leupold Optics
On this week's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we have an opportunity to talk to one of the product developers from Leupold Optics. Based here in my home state of Oregon, Leupold Optics helped pioneer both weatherproof hunting scopes, as well as tactical military scopes and red dots. Our Guest today, Nic, shares some of that rich Leupold history with us, as well as helps me walk through some of Leupold's current and past products, with the aim of cluing us in on what's coming out next from Leupold - an entirely new generation of red dot optics. So if you've ever been curious about what Leupold as a company is all about, or you're already a fan and just love to hear about some of the lesser-known history of the company, join me and Nic as we get a look behind the glass at Leupold Optics.
https://www.leupold.com/
https://www.instagram.com/leupoldoptics/
https://www.youtube.com/user/LeupoldOptics
Listen right here at TFB:
Listen to Behind The Gun on TFB – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/podcast/
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
Listen to Behind The Gun on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tfb-behind-the-gun-podcast/id1505843385
Listen on Spotify:
Listen to Behind The Gun on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/5riFj2wJFloCtoKzvCc4ml?si=V-JiLBcXQSKw6cdtWzqdTw
Please support our Behind The Gun Podcast sponsors:
Silencer Shop – www.silencershop.com
Silencer Shop – www.silencershop.com
If you’ve said that buying a silencer is too expensive, too long of a wait, or that the paperwork is too confusing, you’re not alone. Buying a silencer is a big deal, and we don’t take it lightly either! But it’s the easiest it’s ever been!
Kimber – www.R7Mako.com
Kimber – www.R7Mako.com
Kimber’s award-winning R7 Mako: the polymer-frame, striker-fired micro-compact with 14 rounds total capacity, and a trigger you have to experience to believe. Feed your appetite for something different at www.R7Mako.com.
VNSH Holsters – www.vnsh.com/behindthegun
The VNSH (pronounced Vanish) holster is quickly becoming one of the most popular holsters in America and thousands of customers say it’s the most comfortable holster ever. Because you’re a supporter of TFB’s Behind the Gun podcast you can go to www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to get a $50 discount on the vanish holster which normally retails for $130. Visit www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to claim your $50 discount today!
Reloader SCSA Competitor Certified Pilot Currently able to pass himself off as the second cousin twice removed of Joe Flanigan. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballisticaviation/
More by Luke C.
![[SHOT 2026] Surefire's New Weaponlight Models](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/24/22191/post.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2026] BOE's Lightweight Inconel 9mm Can](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/23/23511/post.jpg?size=350x220)
Comments
Join the conversation