Rifle Scopes Am I crazy for thinking about swapping a Mark 5HD for an LRTS?

[ChrisAU]

I have a 3.6-18x44 Mark 5HD on a Christensen MPR in 6.5PRC that I use solely for deer/antelope out to 500 yards. Always tweaking things, I'm wondering if I'd notice any difference in the intended use between the Leupold and a Bushy 4.5-18 LRTS from Cameraland NY outside of the extra $1k in my checking account after the swap? My one and only complaint with the Leupold is the finicky eye box above 12x. Wondering if maybe the 4x erector would be a tad more forgiving in that regard vs the 5x erector in the Loopy. Also prefer the reticle in the Bushnell for holdovers vs the TMR in the Leupold.

 

[Defy Gear]

I really, really liked the LRTSi that I had and regret selling it. You may want to check out the LRHS reticle as well, tons of fans of the "donut" for hunting. Personally, I didn't think the glass gave up much vs. other much more expensive scopes and for me, reticle preference is more important than anything.

I haven't gotten behind any of the MK5 but hope to soon.

 

[stello1001]

So when it comes to those type of crossover scopes, I really liked the weaver tactical. Then I sold both of them and replaced them with LRHS/LRTS scopes. I ended up giving the 4.5-18 to my dad for his hunting rifle as he is getting older and needs a bit more mag. However, the 3-12 that I use is just so damn easy and comfortable to get behind. I've always thought that my next upgrade from here would be the shorter Mk5HD. However, you want to go the complete opposite direction. If I were in your shoes, I'd be looking at the upgraded model that GAP will be selling. It is the LRHS2 or LRTS2. It is the same scope body and erector as the original LRHS/LRTS but supposed to have upgraded glass/coatings so the image quality should stack close to the Mk5HD so it doubt it will seem like a huge downgrade.

 

[Evintos]

Probably won't notice a difference. Eye relief and exit pupil are similar enough on both scopes. You might want to look into a scope with an objective diameter larger than 44mm.

Objective lens diameter (mm)/magnification = exit pupil.
Leupold - 44/3.6 = 12.2mm, 44/12 = 3.66mm, 44/18 = 2.44mm
Bushnell - 44/4.5 =9.777mm, 44/12 = 3.66mm, 44/18 = 2.44mm

Eye relief is 3.54-3.82 inches on the Leupold and 3.94 inches on the Bushnell

 

[Poorboyr]

Yes

 

[Dobermann]

No.

 

[dgheriani]

I have a LRTS 4.5-18 on a 7SAUM /.308 switch barrel and I've actually been thinking about going in the opposite direction as you when funds allow. I don't have any time behind the 3.6-18 Mk5 but I do have 10k+ rounds behind a couple 5-25 Mk5 (with CCH) and definitely prefer it to the LRTS. The glass is better in my Mk5s and the 35mm tube gives you much more elevation (the 4.5-18 LRTS runs out of elevation in my setup at about 1450 yards with the 26" 7SAUM barrel).