Rifle Scopes Is this common for a Mark 4?

[sblanch]

I haven't had any exposure to higher end optics until a friend recently bought a Mark 4 6.5-20x50.

My Savage wears the Leupold Rifleman 4-12x40 that was on it when I bought it. It has done just fine getting me some short range experience but it has friction style elevation and windage adjustments that are a pain to dial and a duplex reticle that make it less than ideal for varying ranges even at the limited distances I currently shoot.
I would like a more suitable scope for shooting unkown distances, eventually out to 1000yds. I was set on buying a Falcon 4-14x44 in the spring when the weather would allow more shooting but then I caught wind of the Vortex PST and have been following the threads about them pretty closely.

My question is about the turrets.

After handling a Mark 4 it seemed high quality but I was suprised that the adjustments of the windage and elevation didn't seem very audible or tactile. I had a hard time discerning each 1/4 moa click. Like I said above I have no experience with scopes in this catagory, my only comparison would be with a Fullfield II with covered but hand turnable adjustments and I'd call them very close.

Does this seem common for a MK 4?

I've heard the Falcon adjustments described as "mushy" and read similar reports on the pre-production PST's.

Should I expect worse from Falcon or Vortex?

I really liked the Mark 4 in all other repects, but for $1100 (a lot of money to me) I expected a little more. It seems like a small difference but if the above scopes are worse I think it would be enough to make me save for another 6-8 months for a used nightforce.

Any input or opinions appreciated. If I am expecting too much or talking out of my ass let me hear about it.

 

[trobertson5-0]

Re: Is this common for a Mark 4?

Most Mk4s with the M1 1/4" adjustments are very audible and tactile. This sounds abnormal to me. I don't have experience with the scope you listed as a comparison though so it's hard for me to compare. The M3 knobs are much worse in that respect but since you said 1/4" that rules them out.

 

[Basher]

Re: Is this common for a Mark 4?

My Mark4 4.5-14x40 is really is one of the "re-branded" Precision Rifle (or PR) scopes, but it is listed as a Mark4, and while it doesn't have the M1 turrets (but rather the Target turrets with caps), the clicks on my turrets are very solid and clearly audible when making adjustments. I'd say mushy adjustments on a Mark4 are abnormal, so either have it looked at if you've bought it already, or pass on it and get another.

 

[RussW1911]

Re: Is this common for a Mark 4?

Stay away from the Loopy. you can buy much better for far less.

 

[Hellbender]

Re: Is this common for a Mark 4?

I have 5 of them and they are all fine.

Send that one in and they will fix it and have it back to you in a week or less.

 

[Impact]

Re: Is this common for a Mark 4?

the clicks on my Leupys are solid and clearly audible

 

[msiebert]

Re: Is this common for a Mark 4?

I have used Mark 4 M1 scopes since 1991 or 92. I have personally never had a problem. Everything is relative...in the 90's and even the early 2000's the Mark 4 was considered high end but many scopes have surpassed it these days. I am not too certain you could call it high end today given the other choices available. For one thing Leupold has always used Japanese glass. It is a cold hard fact that jap glass, although pretty good stuff, will always be second to European glass. In their day though the Mark 4 was best noted for its turret accuracy and durability and also for the fact that it was one of the few scopes made that would withstand alot of abuse. One other great thing about them is that they are guaranteed for life to the current owner and it sounds like yours has a problem...send it back for repair.

 

[KYpatriot]

Re: Is this common for a Mark 4?

+1 msinc
Let them look at it.
My MK4 has been fine and has nicely defined clicks. Yes you can buy better, but for "far less"? I dont know about that, unless of course you get a good deal on something used. If you want a new scope there are lots of $500 scopes and $1500 and up scopes but fewer in the thousand dollar range. I think vortex will steal business from Loopy if they get NF quality out the door at Loopy prices.

 

[kingston]

Re: Is this common for a Mark 4?

Mine click, not a high pitched fine click or a deep coarse click, but a click. Mark 4 3.5-10x40 LR/T M1 MD