<span style="font-weight: bold">Leupold MDNS ECOS - 0 System </span>
The Leupold 3-18X DAGR is their next gen optical sighting system that features a Mk 6 3-18X Front Focal Plane scope with M5CS turrets and combines it with the Aimpoint T-1 Micro. Bringing this system together is the Mk6 34mm IMS (integral Mounting System) along with the MDNS ECOS-0 sight mount.
The overall length of this scope is 11.9 inches, and weights 23.6 ounces. It has a 34mm Main Tube and the 3-18X scope has a 44mm objective size. Overall this is a small, compact package that gives the operator a true 0 to 1000 yard capability. You can enter a room and then exploit targets out the back if you so desired.
The overall package is perfect on this KAC MK12, it clears the back up sights and it small and compact on top. A perfect SDM package.
As configured out of the box, the Aimpoint was mounted at the 12 O Clock position directly over the eye piece. Two thing that I noted immediately was:
1. It blocked the view of the turrets
2. It was also in the way of the magnification adjustment
Both of these were easily solved. I simply adjusted the position of the MDNS Sight mount to give the Aimpoint an angle.
Now in this image it only solved the view of the turrets issue, it still covered the magnification adjustment quite a bit. Now like Nightforce, I was big fan when Leupold had the entire eyepiece turn for the CQBSS 1-8x. It was one of the features I liked. You could quickly and effeciently reach up, palm the ocular and adjust the magnification. It was a gross motor skill. No power ring to find and turn. Here with the Mk 6 3-18X, they went back to a power ring. It's not as small as most power adjustment rings you find out there, but with an Aimpoint T-1 over the top, it was not as easy to find and turn had the entire eyepiece move to adjust the magnification.
So the solution, move the mount.
I experiment a bit with the mount, and I found due to the turret, and the objective lenses, keeping the system intact limited your options for where you positioned the Aimpoint. I had figured that 45 degree angle off to the right was about perfect, but the height and size of the mount meant I could not move it in front of the turret saddle. It was just that millimeter too long and too low to fit the way I was comfortable with. My next thought was to reverse the mount, which worked perfectly.
By reversing the mount and placing the Aimpoint in the same place on the scope tube, I was able to clear the magnification ring and place the Aimpoint at a convenient 45 off the right side of the turret.
This position made me happy ... it was fast, comfortable, I was able to use both optics as they were intended to be used, without having to compromise.
Placing this optic on a Mk 12 rifle I think I found the perfect fit. Now understand, this optic would easily work on something like a 308 semi also. Especially since it shipped with the TreMor2 reticle. While I am not a fan of this reticle, it does seem to be at home on something like a 20" 308 Semi Auto. It would have been just as easy for me to put it on my KAC EMC.
<span style="font-weight: bold">My favorite part... </span>
What really shines in this system is the M5CS turrets. The DAGR is built with the new locking Mil Turret Leupold is calling the M5CS. I think this is the best locking turret on the market period ! There is no other locking turret as simple and effective as the M5CS. It has 1/10th mil adjustments and when you push the small lock in and move it off zero, the lock stays disengaged. You don't have to press it again as long as it is off zero.
Because this optic is designed to take a rifle to at least 1000 yards, it has a double turn capability and features 29 Mils or 100 MOA of elevation travel. Huge, when consider the size of this package.
The second revolution is marked by the small, raised second turn indicator.
Here you can see what it looks like up, and just how low profile the turret is... This needs to be the new standard in turrets. It's a good size, feel, with really positive clicks that are not too closely spaced. A lot of turrets with a lot of elevation put the clicks too close to each other, not here.
The direction Leupold has gone with this package really needs to be applauded. I know not everyone needs to have this dual use, but just the Mk 6 alone is a really nice option.
<span style="font-weight: bold">So, what I would have changed, </span>
Now, I understand the Aimpoint T-1 Micro was a spec optic. But really for guys not looking to follow this spec I would encourage Leupold to consider a slightly different mount and then they can put their Delta Point in the Aimpoint's Place. If you look, most of us run things like the Trijicon RMR on our Spuhr or GDI mounts. These are small, fit on the ring caps, or just off the to side. The Aimpoint is a bit big, nice, I am not complaining, but I find the smaller Red Dots just about perfect. With the Delta Point already available, adjusting that mount to fit would be sweet. This way, I bet you can run it right in front of the turret behind the Objective bell. Still, no complains from me about this scope. I just for the civilian market that is not depending on the military spec, it's a nice choice.
So, if you are running a Semi Auto and you are looking to find a scope that will bridge the gap between indoors and out, this is a great model to work off of. I think the Mk 6 is a awesome little scope, I love the 18X power with the ability to drop down to 3x, and then co-mounting a Aimpoint or even something like a Delta Point in similar fashion, you can mirror what Leupold is doing. The TreMor is a bit busy for me, and I have found people quite confused by the windage holds that change, but mounted on the system like a 20" 308 it works. It limits your lower end for almost anything but observation, but you do have the Aimpoint to take up the slack. I would rather a TMR in its place, but that is a personal opinion.
if you are Law Enforcement or Military, I highly recommend this package if you are using a semi auto platform. It manages both 0 to 100 yards well and then has the ability to bring you out to your max effective range. The scope is capable and handy, with plenty of travel to get you there.
The package shipped with excellent instructions, a DVD and a quick start guide.
The Leupold 3-18X DAGR is their next gen optical sighting system that features a Mk 6 3-18X Front Focal Plane scope with M5CS turrets and combines it with the Aimpoint T-1 Micro. Bringing this system together is the Mk6 34mm IMS (integral Mounting System) along with the MDNS ECOS-0 sight mount.
The overall length of this scope is 11.9 inches, and weights 23.6 ounces. It has a 34mm Main Tube and the 3-18X scope has a 44mm objective size. Overall this is a small, compact package that gives the operator a true 0 to 1000 yard capability. You can enter a room and then exploit targets out the back if you so desired.
The overall package is perfect on this KAC MK12, it clears the back up sights and it small and compact on top. A perfect SDM package.
As configured out of the box, the Aimpoint was mounted at the 12 O Clock position directly over the eye piece. Two thing that I noted immediately was:
1. It blocked the view of the turrets
2. It was also in the way of the magnification adjustment
Both of these were easily solved. I simply adjusted the position of the MDNS Sight mount to give the Aimpoint an angle.
Now in this image it only solved the view of the turrets issue, it still covered the magnification adjustment quite a bit. Now like Nightforce, I was big fan when Leupold had the entire eyepiece turn for the CQBSS 1-8x. It was one of the features I liked. You could quickly and effeciently reach up, palm the ocular and adjust the magnification. It was a gross motor skill. No power ring to find and turn. Here with the Mk 6 3-18X, they went back to a power ring. It's not as small as most power adjustment rings you find out there, but with an Aimpoint T-1 over the top, it was not as easy to find and turn had the entire eyepiece move to adjust the magnification.
So the solution, move the mount.
I experiment a bit with the mount, and I found due to the turret, and the objective lenses, keeping the system intact limited your options for where you positioned the Aimpoint. I had figured that 45 degree angle off to the right was about perfect, but the height and size of the mount meant I could not move it in front of the turret saddle. It was just that millimeter too long and too low to fit the way I was comfortable with. My next thought was to reverse the mount, which worked perfectly.
By reversing the mount and placing the Aimpoint in the same place on the scope tube, I was able to clear the magnification ring and place the Aimpoint at a convenient 45 off the right side of the turret.
This position made me happy ... it was fast, comfortable, I was able to use both optics as they were intended to be used, without having to compromise.
Placing this optic on a Mk 12 rifle I think I found the perfect fit. Now understand, this optic would easily work on something like a 308 semi also. Especially since it shipped with the TreMor2 reticle. While I am not a fan of this reticle, it does seem to be at home on something like a 20" 308 Semi Auto. It would have been just as easy for me to put it on my KAC EMC.
<span style="font-weight: bold">My favorite part... </span>
What really shines in this system is the M5CS turrets. The DAGR is built with the new locking Mil Turret Leupold is calling the M5CS. I think this is the best locking turret on the market period ! There is no other locking turret as simple and effective as the M5CS. It has 1/10th mil adjustments and when you push the small lock in and move it off zero, the lock stays disengaged. You don't have to press it again as long as it is off zero.
Because this optic is designed to take a rifle to at least 1000 yards, it has a double turn capability and features 29 Mils or 100 MOA of elevation travel. Huge, when consider the size of this package.
The second revolution is marked by the small, raised second turn indicator.
Here you can see what it looks like up, and just how low profile the turret is... This needs to be the new standard in turrets. It's a good size, feel, with really positive clicks that are not too closely spaced. A lot of turrets with a lot of elevation put the clicks too close to each other, not here.
The direction Leupold has gone with this package really needs to be applauded. I know not everyone needs to have this dual use, but just the Mk 6 alone is a really nice option.
<span style="font-weight: bold">So, what I would have changed, </span>
Now, I understand the Aimpoint T-1 Micro was a spec optic. But really for guys not looking to follow this spec I would encourage Leupold to consider a slightly different mount and then they can put their Delta Point in the Aimpoint's Place. If you look, most of us run things like the Trijicon RMR on our Spuhr or GDI mounts. These are small, fit on the ring caps, or just off the to side. The Aimpoint is a bit big, nice, I am not complaining, but I find the smaller Red Dots just about perfect. With the Delta Point already available, adjusting that mount to fit would be sweet. This way, I bet you can run it right in front of the turret behind the Objective bell. Still, no complains from me about this scope. I just for the civilian market that is not depending on the military spec, it's a nice choice.
So, if you are running a Semi Auto and you are looking to find a scope that will bridge the gap between indoors and out, this is a great model to work off of. I think the Mk 6 is a awesome little scope, I love the 18X power with the ability to drop down to 3x, and then co-mounting a Aimpoint or even something like a Delta Point in similar fashion, you can mirror what Leupold is doing. The TreMor is a bit busy for me, and I have found people quite confused by the windage holds that change, but mounted on the system like a 20" 308 it works. It limits your lower end for almost anything but observation, but you do have the Aimpoint to take up the slack. I would rather a TMR in its place, but that is a personal opinion.
if you are Law Enforcement or Military, I highly recommend this package if you are using a semi auto platform. It manages both 0 to 100 yards well and then has the ability to bring you out to your max effective range. The scope is capable and handy, with plenty of travel to get you there.
The package shipped with excellent instructions, a DVD and a quick start guide.
