Rifle Scopes Leupold Mark 4HD

[ChrisAU]

Back on course, 4.5-18 is mounted on my NRL Hunter rifle. I like it for the package and price for sure. I’d say the turrets aren’t quite as tactile as the Mark 5HD, but again price point and 34mm vs 35mm tube has brought me back into the fold. Also non retarded windage now and made even better by locking on zero.

Small things, but I like Loopys “throw lever” and Leupold Alumina caps are nice. Didn’t get to shoot it this weekend, hopefully next weekend. PR2 reticle is nice, really wish I could get it or even better (for hunting IMO) the PR3 in the 2.5-10. Which speaking of the 2.5-10, USPS has decided to hold it for a few extra days hopefully it shows up soon.

 

[fortify503]

Dang.... I was warned about how off beat these threads can get in the blip of a few days absence...

1. Lack of parallax was no issue with target engagements around 320ish yards
2. I also had to pop the elevation dial off and dial down to get my zero correct at 100 - I will be looking into what they claim it comes "zeroed" at from the factory because I couldn't make sense of it... Maybe 200?? Alas, I had the 3/32nd or whatever the hell the odd ball size the set screws were LOL

 

[ChrisAU]

Got my 2.5-10 in a couple days ago, and interestingly the elevation turret is much better than my 4.5-18. The 4.5-18 isn't bad, but the 2.5-10 is exceptional. Zero mush whatsoever, very snappy and a good bit more audible. Obviously a different erector for 30mm tube vs 34mm.

 

[gbaby125]

Dang.... I was warned about how off beat these threads can get in the blip of a few days absence...

1. Lack of parallax was no issue with target engagements around 320ish yards
2. I also had to pop the elevation dial off and dial down to get my zero correct at 100 - I will be looking into what they claim it comes "zeroed" at from the factory because I couldn't make sense of it... Maybe 200?? Alas, I had the 3/32nd or whatever the hell the odd ball size the set screws were LOL

Lot of real angry dudes in this place.

 

[blue_ridge]

I’m interested in the 8-32 but haven’t seen any available yet. Maybe they’re the last to be released into the wild? May opt for the Steiner T6Xi 5-30 instead.

 

[fortify503]

I’m interested in the 8-32 but haven’t seen any available yet. Maybe they’re the last to be released into the wild? May opt for the Steiner T6Xi 5-30 instead.

I've only got behind one mounted up, haven't shot with it. Able to focus down to 17 yards at full 32x mag.... I was amazed

 

[stanley_white]

Got my 2.5-10 in a couple days ago, and interestingly the elevation turret is much better than my 4.5-18. The 4.5-18 isn't bad, but the 2.5-10 is exceptional. Zero mush whatsoever, very snappy and a good bit more audible. Obviously a different erector for 30mm tube vs 34mm.

How much elevation do you have?

A friend bought the same and after bore sighting he has nine MRAD - which won’t get him where he needs to be.

Maybe this will change after zeroing, but it is still strange to me.

-Stan

 

[ChrisAU]

How much elevation do you have?

A friend bought the same and after bore sighting he has nine MRAD - which won’t get him where he needs to be.

Maybe this will change after zeroing, but it is still strange to me.

-Stan

I haven't even been able to shoot it yet, hoping tomorrow or Sunday I can. I have it on a 40 MOA rail and it boresighted with no problem. I haven't checked available travel after doing that.

 

[stanley_white]

I haven't even been able to shoot it yet, hoping tomorrow or Sunday I can. I have it on a 40 MOA rail and it boresighted with no problem. I haven't checked available travel after doing that.

Thank you.

My friend’s contact is an AR.

-Stan

 

[BCP]

How much elevation do you have?

A friend bought the same and after bore sighting he has nine MRAD - which won’t get him where he needs to be.

Maybe this will change after zeroing, but it is still strange to me.

-Stan

I'll go check mine but I think it has more.

Back on course, 4.5-18 is mounted on my NRL Hunter rifle. I like it for the package and price for sure. I’d say the turrets aren’t quite as tactile as the Mark 5HD, but again price point and 34mm vs 35mm tube has brought me back into the fold. Also non retarded windage now and made even better by locking on zero.

Small things, but I like Loopys “throw lever” and Leupold Alumina caps are nice. Didn’t get to shoot it this weekend, hopefully next weekend. PR2 reticle is nice, really wish I could get it or even better (for hunting IMO) the PR3 in the 2.5-10. Which speaking of the 2.5-10, USPS has decided to hold it for a few extra days hopefully it shows up soon.

View attachment 8411665

You got flip ups? Mine came with shitty bikini covers that instantly broke.

 

[Lowlight]

 

[beetroot]

Got my 2.5-10 in a couple days ago, and interestingly the elevation turret is much better than my 4.5-18. The 4.5-18 isn't bad, but the 2.5-10 is exceptional. Zero mush whatsoever, very snappy and a good bit more audible. Obviously a different erector for 30mm tube vs 34mm.

Any chance of some pictures through the scope a 2.5x and 10x?

Do you think illumination is necessary on this scope or is the reticle thick enough to be used on 2.5x without it?

 

[ChrisAU]

Any chance of some pictures through the scope a 2.5x and 10x?

Do you think illumination is necessary on this scope or is the reticle thick enough to be used on 2.5x without it?

Sent it off for some cosmetic work, should have it back Friday and will do. I got the illuminated version because of concerns for a hunting rifle, but playing around with it I did think to myself that I didn't need it.

 

[Lowlight]

Like

 

[FieldGaugeFailure]

Got my 2.5-10 in a couple days ago, and interestingly the elevation turret is much better than my 4.5-18. The 4.5-18 isn't bad, but the 2.5-10 is exceptional. Zero mush whatsoever, very snappy and a good bit more audible. Obviously a different erector for 30mm tube vs 34mm.

First person I've heard say the 2.5-10 turrets are not only not mushy, but have zero mush. I have four of these scopes now, and they're all quite mushy. The turret is actually the only complaint I have with the scope, everything else is great for the price point.

 

[ChrisAU]

First person I've heard say the 2.5-10 turrets are not only not mushy, but have zero mush. I have four of these scopes now, and they're all quite mushy. The turret is actually the only complaint I have with the scope, everything else is great for the price point.

Odd. Are yours illuminated or no?

 

[FieldGaugeFailure]

Odd. Are yours illuminated or no?

Both. The first one was illuminated, and I picked up another one of the same shortly after that. When it came time to buy a couple optics for my kids, I grabbed two non-ilium because they don't shoot at dusk/dawn much at all. If blindfolded, I wouldn't be able to tell the scopes apart just from the ele turret feel.

Note: they are all FFP, I have no idea if LP does different turrets for SFP or not, as I have no SFP scopes at all

 

[beetroot]

Both. The first one was illuminated, and I picked up another one of the same shortly after that. When it came time to buy a couple optics for my kids, I grabbed two non-ilium because they don't shoot at dusk/dawn much at all. If blindfolded, I wouldn't be able to tell the scopes apart just from the ele turret feel.

Note: they are all FFP, I have no idea if LP does different turrets for SFP or not, as I have no SFP scopes at all

Which reticle do you prefer non-illuminated or illuminated?

I'd have thought the thicker illum one would be better in 10x max scope.

 

[MarinePMI]

I have to say, I received a Mk4HD 4.5-18 PR2, and it seems like quite a good scope for the money.

For the price point, I'm fairly impressed. It was installed on a 1727F ATX, so with the 30 MOA rail, it had to have the zero stop reset, but it wasn't a big deal. Another win for the Fix-it-Stiks that live in my range bag (that stays in my truck). While I thought it might be a little pedestrian on that rifle, it may actually stay on it long term. Seems to work well for a .22.

I have a Mk5HD with the Tremor 3, and the PR2 is just so much cleaner IMHO on this Mk4HD.

 

[FieldGaugeFailure]

Which reticle do you prefer non-illuminated or illuminated?

I'd have thought the thicker illum one would be better in 10x max scope.

FWIW, it's not that much thicker when you're on it (phrasing?). It's noticeable for sure at 10x, but I'm rarely ever there.

 

[M_R_Woodard]

I have a 2.5-10 tmr non illuminated and the reticle usable on 2.5 as a duplex. I probably have 200 rounds on mine through a 223 and really like it. Just bought another one Monday from a member here.

 

[BCP]

Thank you.

My friend’s contact is an AR.

-Stan

I just got around to fiddling with my 2.5-10 and it has 12something mils of up mounted on my AR.

 

[stanley_white]

I just got around to fiddling with my 2.5-10 and it has 12something mils of up mounted on my AR.

Thank you!

My buddy got a new mount with 30 MOA for his AR and we are going to give this a whirl and see what’s up.

-Stan

 

[Burdy]

Back on course, 4.5-18 is mounted on my NRL Hunter rifle. I like it for the package and price for sure. I’d say the turrets aren’t quite as tactile as the Mark 5HD, but again price point and 34mm vs 35mm tube has brought me back into the fold. Also non retarded windage now and made even better by locking on zero.

Small things, but I like Loopys “throw lever” and Leupold Alumina caps are nice. Didn’t get to shoot it this weekend, hopefully next weekend. PR2 reticle is nice, really wish I could get it or even better (for hunting IMO) the PR3 in the 2.5-10. Which speaking of the 2.5-10, USPS has decided to hold it for a few extra days hopefully it shows up soon.

View attachment 8411665

PR3 in 2.5-10 would be....well, what a lot of us have been asking for.

 

[beetroot]

PR3 in 2.5-10 would be....well, what a lot of us have been asking for.

Would it? It looks like it would be way too thin to be of any use from 2.5-5x (approx).
I definitely think the TMR could do with updating/replacing but the PR1/2/3 would all need so changes in order to help visibility on low magnification.

Some thing like the ZCO HTR or March FML-1 where the thick outer bars come in fairly close, but still have 3-5 Mil of wind holds.
A small tree like in the PR2 but with the TMR line thickness would probably be perfect for a 2.5-10.

 

[Feurhand]

PR3 in 2.5-10 would be....well, what a lot of us have been asking for.

Leupold is oddly committed to making great scopes that are this close to perfect, and blowing it at the last moment with poor reticle choices.
At this point I suspect they're doing it on purpose just to fuck with us.

 

[Burdy]

Would it? It looks like it would be way too thin to be of any use from 2.5-5x (approx).
I definitely think the TMR could do with updating/replacing but the PR1/2/3 would all need so changes in order to help visibility on low magnification.

Some thing like the ZCO HTR or March FML-1 where the thick outer bars come in fairly close, but still have 3-5 Mil of wind holds.
A small tree like in the PR2 but with the TMR line thickness would probably be perfect for a 2.5-10.

Well, yes, I mean I make the assumption that a manufacture would optimize any particular reticle in scale for its intended mag range but you are right....likely wouldn't happen like that.

 

[PappyM3]

PR3 in 2.5-10 would be....well, what a lot of us have been asking for.

Would it? It looks like it would be way too thin to be of any use from 2.5-5x (approx).
I definitely think the TMR could do with updating/replacing but the PR1/2/3 would all need so changes in order to help visibility on low magnification.

Some thing like the ZCO HTR or March FML-1 where the thick outer bars come in fairly close, but still have 3-5 Mil of wind holds.
A small tree like in the PR2 but with the TMR line thickness would probably be perfect for a 2.5-10.

Leupold is oddly committed to making great scopes that are this close to perfect, and blowing it at the last moment with poor reticle choices.
At this point I suspect they're doing it on purpose just to fuck with us.

We’re still waiting for another reticle option on the Mk5HD 2-10 that was promised to be right around the corner after the optic was released.

 

[ChrisAU]

Any chance of some pictures through the scope a 2.5x and 10x?

Do you think illumination is necessary on this scope or is the reticle thick enough to be used on 2.5x without it?

 

[JakeM]

View attachment 8429007

View attachment 8429008

The non illuminated TMR is thinner than the illuminated TMR, just letting everyone know.

 

[FieldGaugeFailure]

Do you think illumination is necessary on this scope or is the reticle thick enough to be used on 2.5x without it?

Illum isn't daylight bright, and you likely won't be on 2.5 much anyway. You'll be on 2.5 about as much as you'll be on 10, which is to say rarely at all. Shooting tact-rifle matches, or hunting, I'm usually hovering between 4-8.

 

[holy cow]

PR3-MIL FFP

PR3-MIL FFP

www.leupold.com

View attachment 8320265

View attachment 8320266

What scope has this reticle in?

 

[Cr1775]

You can use the Leupold site to see all the scopes they put the reticle in.

 

[blue_ridge]

Reticles are definitely very subjective which makes it extremely difficult for optics companies to design them. In addition, many scopes where Leupold offers decent reticles cant be found for purchase anywhere. They list them on their website but all you’ll find for sale is some version of the Duplex reticle.

It really begs the question, how much time and money does it really take to design and manufacture a different reticle? How many scopes must be sold to recoup those expenses?

Last, I’ll ask these two questions for anyone who works for an optics company (just in case anyone reads these posts).
1. Does anyone actually test a new reticle in aprototype scope before finalizing the design? Seems many companies release scopes with new reticles that are not scaled properly for that magnification range, which is a real head scratcher.
2. Does anyone consider that even IF you don’t sell many scopes with a certain reticle that you may be increasing your sales anyway because by offering more choices to picky and opinionated MF’s like me, you win us over. We become fans of your brand because we see the multiple choices and we think to yourselves, this company “gets it”.

 

[ChrisAU]

Illum isn't daylight bright, and you likely won't be on 2.5 much anyway. You'll be on 2.5 about as much as you'll be on 10, which is to say rarely at all. Shooting tact-rifle matches, or hunting, I'm usually hovering between 4-8.

Maybe in CO, but in the Southeast you can bet I'll be on 2.5 99.99% of the time the rifle is with me. Only adjusting mag when about to shoot. For hunting.

 

[blue_ridge]

I guess I would make an amendment to amend the Second Amendment. I would make it so firearms as a whole are considered the "arms". Not this bullshit where the receiver is the only part classed as the actual firearm. That's like having a sword, but only the hilt is the protected part. Under my new amendment, all parts of guns including suppressors, auto sears, Glock switches, etc. are all gun parts that are protected.

Maybe in CO, but in the Southeast you can bet I'll be on 2.5 99.99% of the time the rifle is with me. Only adjusting mag when about to shoot. For hunting.

Same here. I have a SwampFox KYLR 2-12x that I hunt with and shoot steel out to 600 yards occasionally. I’m on 2X all the time hunting and on 12X all the time shooting steel or anything past 200 yds. Almost Never use 3-11x.

 

[gopherslayer]

TMR fine line is .05 mil which is about what you would expect as the thickest most manufacturers would ever go. Then you get the illuminated TMR which is .1 mil for fine line thickness!

Spend $200 more for illumination and get the fat girl for hunting the thick stuff. If Loopy has their shit together and these prove reliable (I’m not talking about falling down a mountain 50 times during your hunt like the other website, must be the clumsiest fukrs ever) I can’t see them not being popular especially if it’s just the erector that’s different from the Mark 5.

I have the unpopular G2B reticle in my XTRIIs and they start at 4X with the thickness at .05 mil and they work well now that I’ve used the hell out of them and have become acclimated to it. Still like the Mil-Quad from SWFA.

 

[JohnDeereGuy1996]

I was looking pretty hard at the 8-32 for a 22 vudoo. The 20 mils of total elevation is a bummer though.

 

[Weatherby_Eyebrow]

FYI the 6-24 didn't fit between the caps or at least was so close I wasn't comfortable in my Spuhr SP-4601.

 

[Weatherby_Eyebrow]

Small things, but I like Loopys “throw lever” and Leupold Alumina caps are nice.

What do you mean Alumina caps nice, like as in they can charge me another $100 for them? I got a thong strap with two plastic caps with mine.

 

[Lowlight]

FYI the 6-24 didn't fit between the caps or at least was so close I wasn't comfortable in my Spuhr SP-4601.

What does this even mean, too close to the saddle ?

I looked a couple Spuhr as they have different lengths and the shorts one still gives you about 1/4" on each side of the saddle, then on the average one it was almost 3/8th on each side of the saddle ?

Not to mention a lot the rails today are shorter, like on the Gap production rifle so not getting it, tight is not a bad thing ?

But if you look they are all pretty tight with a one piece mount to the saddle, not to mention the stuff that can bind is more towards the outside vs inside.

 

[Weatherby_Eyebrow]

What does this even mean, too close to the saddle ?

I looked a couple Spuhr as they have different lengths and the shorts one still gives you about 1/4" on each side of the saddle, then on the average one it was almost 3/8th on each side of the saddle ?

Not to mention a lot the rails today are shorter, like on the Gap production rifle so not getting it, tight is not a bad thing ?

But if you look they are all pretty tight with a one piece mount to the saddle, not to mention the stuff that can bind is more towards the outside vs inside.
View attachment 8435541

The mark 4hd is longer than any other scope i have around the turrets.

 

[BCP]

Is that the short spuhr or the longer one? I think they make a 4.5 and a 5" long model.

 

[Weatherby_Eyebrow]

Is that the short spuhr or the longer one? I think they make a 4.5 and a 5" long model.

It’s an older SP-4601, 4.76” long. I’m not sure where it falls in the length vs others.

I did notice when i when looking for my invoice to get the model number it says in the description “fits most 34mm tube scopes except those with extended erector housings”

It has also been discontinued, it looks like the newer version may have a little extra room due to the new cap design, one side with 3 sets of machine screws and the other with only 2.

 

[J-Ham]

It’s an older SP-4601, 4.76” long. I’m not sure where it falls in the length vs others.

I did notice when i when looking for my invoice to get the model number it says in the description “fits most 34mm tube scopes except those with extended erector housings”

It has also been discontinued, it looks like the newer version may have a little extra room due to the new cap design.

So roughly how much room between the caps do you think I need...?

 

[Weatherby_Eyebrow]

So roughly how much room between the caps do you think I need...?

Not much, I debated trying it but ultimately didn't want to gamble with my warranty or resale should I happen to be wrong.

 

[J-Ham]

Not much, I debated trying it but ultimately didn't want to gamble with my warranty or resale should I happen to be wrong.

Sorry, guess I wasn't very clear... How long would you say that erector housing is? Pretty sure I've got an extra 4001 downstairs I was planning on using with a 6-24x as soon as I get the email from Euro, curious if this plan will work.

 

[Weatherby_Eyebrow]

This is the diagram for the SP-4601 - and the inner width dimensions are the same for the SP-4001. I don't have any way to measure accurate enough to help any more than my photos unfortunately. Perhaps give Leopold a call.

 

[ChrisAU]

Here are specs from Leupold. 6.3-1.9-2.1 = 2.3”

Think that’d be a bit tight.

 

[J-Ham]

Right on, thanks fellas!