Rifle Scopes March 5-42x56 PRS scope

[Denys]

I've been playing with the new March 5-42x56 PRS scope for the last few days in the March booth at SHOT. There was a lot of interest in that riflescope and for good reasons.

The scope is a nice size at just a smidge over 14 inches compared to another brand's 5-45x56 at a touch over 17 inches. It's also a third of a pound lighter at 33.5 oz.

The March has the High Master lenses (super ED glass) and focuses down to 10 yards, not 30 meters like others. It has 140 MOA of elevation and 50 MOA of windage and is in FFP. It also has something that I really like; a wide angle eyepiece with a 26 degree view as opposed to the usual 20 degrees. This makes it easier to get behind in a hurry due to the larger eyebox. The eyepiece also has a nice diopter adjustment; very positive,very easy to use and lock down or unlock.

The knobs have 50MOA per revolution, which is nice, and it has the easiest zero stop imaginable.

Edited to fix the typos made typing on a mobile device.

 

[beretta_man11]

It does sound interesting. Thanks for posting.

 

[Hairy Biker]

Have you tried the wide angled eyepiece in a variety of positions yet? I'm interested from the prone sling and layback position - I run both positions at between 8 - 10 power.

At 8 power, on a March FX 5 - 40 I can centre the black parallax donut and ride the rifle through recoil but interested in how much of a a black donut is in the new eyepiece. I love my 20x WW ocular on my Leica spotting scope because of the flexibility and hope this scope offers the same at the lower powers we need for out of position (i.e. not bipod or barricade benchrest) shooting we do.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Which reticles are they offering with this one?

 

[KWilson]

Which reticles are they offering with this one?

I know there is a Christmas tree reticle but haven't got a picture handy. Interesting to see how this scope will be received since March cop a bashing on here regarding the finicky eyebox. I imagine Shiraz will be wanting to put one in Frank's hands as soon as possible for a no BS review. If this scope is truly flexible enough to be used as PRS scope as intended, it should sell well.

 

[Denys]

As near as I can tell, there will be a mil version and an MOA version. I'll get pictures of the reticles when I can find them.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of the scope. I'll be updating the pictures with captions as I find time.

http://img.gg/EoaNFSD

 

[steve123]

This is a FFP scope, right?

 

[Papagrizzly]

Yes, FFP.

This was developed specifically for the PRS market, but of course, fits many other uses. Heavy duty 34mm tube. Lots of interest in this scope at SHOT and we booked many orders for them.

 

[Denys]

I added captions to the photos and noticed that the last one has a picture of the reticle.

 

[kingston]

This scope tops my short list of best of Shot Show 2019.

Conditions in the exhibition hall are far from ideal for evaluating optics. That said, under strained conditions, this scope was extremely bright throughout the magnification range, eye relief was consistent throughout the magnification range and the eyebox was massive and forgiving throughout the magnification range. Multiple times I found myself double checking the magnification setting in disbelief. I was flabbergasted by this optic’s performance from 30-42x. I ordered one on the spot.

 

[Just Macca]

The sensitivity of the parallax is my line interest.

Also, I hope they revamp the 3-24 model with a 56mm objective, high master glass and the new eye piece with parallax that’s much less sensitive. If so, it would be the best thing going under 26oz

 

[Iron Worker]

Is it under $ 4,000 ?

 

[Denys]

I spent some time looking through that scope at the show. The eyebox created by the 26 degree eyepiece is amazing. I could get behind the scope quickly at 42X in the dark hall. We pasted a business card on one of the pillars about 30-40 yards away and it was fun looking at it and try reading it. At high enough magnification it was very difficult to stay still long enough to read the fine print, but this was not due to the optics, it was age, the carpet and the flimsy stand.

As a long-time F-class shooter, I spend a lot of time behind a scope looking at the target and I can tell that I would have had no problem reading the entire card once in position behind a rifle; that eyepiece is great and the glass in the scope is fabulous.

 

[MTSLW]

Glad to see March coming out with some stuff for the practical rifle world. I love my 3-24!

 

[Mach U]

Moa or mrad? Prices?

 

[S12A]

Sounds like they are listening to the market with the new eye piece .
Interested in the Parallax sensitivity, if that’s not an issue than it looks like a nice scope .

 

[acudaowner]

its a nice looking scope , doubt i will ever see one of these anywhere in use near me. have to wonder if with the moving objective if you could still use something like the Charlie Tarac with it or would the extra weight impeed it from normal use but that's almost a sick posibility the scope 400 moa elevation the tarac (0) to 1,000 MOA (or 300 MILs) that would be a crazy amount of adjustment.

 

[Steel+Killer]

This scope tops my short list of best of Shot Show 2019.

Conditions in the exhibition hall are far from ideal for evaluating optics. That said, under strained conditions, this scope was extremely bright throughout the magnification range, eye relief was consistent throughout the magnification range and the eyebox was massive and forgiving throughout the magnification range. Multiple times I found myself double checking the magnification setting in disbelief. I was flabbergasted by this optic’s performance from 30-42x. I ordered one on the spot.

From what I can gather it appears to only be available in MOA seems odd they would market a scope for PRS and not have a MIL version. I am not trying to bash March or start a MOA vs MIL shit show, just making an observation and I can totally be wrong maybe they do have a MIL version.

 

[KWilson]

From what I can gather it appears to only be available in MOA seems odd they would market a scope for PRS and not have a MIL version. I am not trying to bash March or start a MOA vs MIL shit show, just making an observation and I can totally be wrong maybe they do have a MIL version.

There will be a MIL version also - don't fear!

 

[thestacche]

As with all March reticles the one in that last picture looks awful.

 

[chasedeer]

This are nice review any idea on MSRP also weight

 

[Just Macca]

its a nice looking scope , doubt i will ever see one of these anywhere in use near me. have to wonder if with the moving objective if you could still use something like the Charlie Tarac with it or would the extra weight impeed it from normal use but that's almost a sick posibility the scope 400 moa elevation the tarac (0) to 1,000 MOA (or 300 MILs) that would be a crazy amount of adjustment.

You're thinking of the genesis, this is different.

 

[Denys]

This are nice review any idea on MSRP also weight

As indicated in the opening post, the weight is 33.5 ounces. The MSRP announced at the show is $4,200.

 

[Denys]

From what I can gather it appears to only be available in MOA seems odd they would market a scope for PRS and not have a MIL version. I am not trying to bash March or start a MOA vs MIL shit show, just making an observation and I can totally be wrong maybe they do have a MIL version.

That is an incorrect assumption. There are two models of this scope, an MOA one and a MIL one. At the show, we only had an MOA model to show and because of my F-Class predilection, I'm an MOA guy and that's what I know and talk about. To reiterate, there are two versions of this scope.

 

[Rthur]

Is there a dimensional pic of the reticle?

R

 

[Mach U]

4200, does that come with a rifle?

 

[Denys]

4200, does that come with a rifle?

We are talking about March riflescopes. But for you, I'm sure they could supply you with a rifle such as this one.

No offense intended, it's all in fun, but this is one serious riflescope.

 

[Steel+Killer]

That is an incorrect assumption. There are two models of this scope, an MOA one and a MIL one. At the show, we only had an MOA model to show and because of my F-Class predilection, I'm an MOA guy and that's what I know and talk about. To reiterate, there are two versions of this scope.

I figured as much thanks for clarifying. Now you have my interest!

 

[Steel+Killer]

As indicated in the opening post, the weight is 33.5 ounces. The MSRP announced at the show is $4,200.

So that is MSRP what will street price likely be?

 

[Denys]

I figured as much thanks for clarifying. Now you have my interest!

Not a problem, it was I who didn't make that clear from the start.

 

[Denys]

So that is MSRP what will street price likely be?

I couldn't begin to tell you you and it's not my place to do that. But I will tell you this; from the number of orders we took at the show and the number of people who stopped by and gawked at this scope and fondled it, I can tell you it's going to be a hot item. March scopes are built by hand, in small batches so it would not surprise me there would be a waiting list for this scope. You can figure out the rest.

 

[b6graham]

cool but that reticle though?? must have the engineer from Primary Arms

 

[kingston]

By placing an order for a MIL/MIL configuration, I secured a spot at the head of the line. I did this not having seen the actual reticle. I was that impressed with the optic. We discussed my reticle preferences in the context of the FML-1 in their MAR1052 (5-40x56mm) and the MOA reticle from the sample on hand. March didn’t have subtensions for the display’s MOA reticle.

Currently, I shoot the MSR2/Ki, a reticle characterized by its simplicity and versatility. I love its tiny 0.035 MIL floating dot and don’t prefer Christmas trees, but I don’t hate them either. Despite it’s tactical lineage, the MSR2/Ki is a phenomenal long range hunting reticle. Coincidentally, even its integrated ranging stadia correspond well with the height of an bull elk torso (chest to shoulder).

All this said, I’m not under the impression March/Deon has finalized a MIL reticle design for their PRS 5-42x56mm and expect the conversation to continue. Reticle preferences are one of the more subjective choices when configuring an optic. If whatever they come up with doesn’t suit me, there’s likely to be a long line of people behind me whom it does.

 

[koshkin]

I took a look at this scope and thought it was quite impressive. The new eyepiece makes a difference. If I do another High End Tactical article this year (and I plan to), I will try to include the new March in it.

The original 5-40x is a very decent scope and its parallax is a lot less finicky than on the 3-24x. I expect the new 5-42x scope to retain that.

ILya

 

[Papagrizzly]

We had a lot of people ask about the Mil model at the show, and we have more of those on order than the MOA version, but in adding up the pre-orders taken from the show I was surprised that there were equal numbers of orders taken.
I know that I want one badly, but mine will be a MOA version just because I am used to thinking in MOA.

Just FYI -

The MOA model number is MAR1100
The Mil Model number is MAR1101

List price as stated above is $4200.00. Anyone in the service or retired Vets and Leo get 20% off. These will be available either directly through Marchoptics.com or through many dealers including Optics Planet that seem to discount them a bit. If you have a favorite dealer, ask them to call us and become one of our dealers.

 

[Denys]

Here is a close-up of the data card that was next to the riflescope, showing the MOA reticle. I cropped and enlarged the picture so it's not supersharp, but it gives an idea.

 

[ejames]

I'm really interested in this scopealso as march has been around along time and pretty much know what they are doing. itll be interesting see when this comes to market and the mil recticle.

 

[ingraham]

its nice to finally have some info/review about this scopemi have been searching the internet for days, thinking pf picking one up.

 

[KWilson]

We had a lot of people ask about the Mil model at the show, and we have more of those on order than the MOA version, but in adding up the pre-orders taken from the show I was surprised that there were equal numbers of orders taken.
I know that I want one badly, but mine will be a MOA version just because I am used to thinking in MOA.

Just FYI -

The MOA model number is MAR1100
The Mil Model number is MAR1101

List price as stated above is $4200.00. Anyone in the service or retired Vets and Leo get 20% off. These will be available either directly through Marchoptics.com or through many dealers including Optics Planet that seem to discount them a bit. If you have a favorite dealer, ask them to call us and become one of our dealers.

We had a lot of people ask about the Mil model at the show, and we have more of those on order than the MOA version, but in adding up the pre-orders taken from the show I was surprised that there were equal numbers of orders taken.
I know that I want one badly, but mine will be a MOA version just because I am used to thinking in MOA.

Just FYI -

The MOA model number is MAR1100
The Mil Model number is MAR1101

List price as stated above is $4200.00. Anyone in the service or retired Vets and Leo get 20% off. These will be available either directly through Marchoptics.com or through many dealers including Optics Planet that seem to discount them a bit. If you have a favorite dealer, ask them to call us and become one of our dealers.

Do March have an official release date for this scope?

 

[Glassaholic]

We had a lot of people ask about the Mil model at the show, and we have more of those on order than the MOA version, but in adding up the pre-orders taken from the show I was surprised that there were equal numbers of orders taken.
I know that I want one badly, but mine will be a MOA version just because I am used to thinking in MOA.

Just FYI -

The MOA model number is MAR1100
The Mil Model number is MAR1101

List price as stated above is $4200.00. Anyone in the service or retired Vets and Leo get 20% off. These will be available either directly through Marchoptics.com or through many dealers including Optics Planet that seem to discount them a bit. If you have a favorite dealer, ask them to call us and become one of our dealers.

Thank you Shiraz, this is fantastic news for sure. When the High Master glass was announced a couple years ago I eagerly anticipated seeing it available in the FFP line but was very disappointed to see it was not available. Now March has taken the venerable 5-40 and squeezed a little more juice into a 5-42, included the HM glass and provided a more forgiving eyepiece that has me very optimistic. When will details of the new reticle be made available? When will full specs be made available on the marchoptics.com website as I lookup MAR1101 and cannot find anything.

 

[Glassaholic]

Contacted Optics Planet and not ETA on the 5-42 in Mil

 

[Glassaholic]

Does anyone have an idea of when these scopes will hit our shores? Specifically the mil version, would be nice to get a closeup of the reticle as well.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Also interested in a pic or link of the mil reticle.

 

[DellaDog]

No word yet, but somethings going on. Pretty good sale going on.
March sale

 

[Discogodfather]

I like everything I see about this scope and it seems to be the tactical scope March always wanted to make to get into the running but never could pull off. On the 3-25's and 5-40's is was always turrets, rets, snappy focus, small FOV.

The only thing I can see being hard for people to accept is March's illumination control, which is single push button that cycles through 4 levels, and you got to keep pushing to turn it off. They sell a module that allows for more settings but it's another $300. I hate this illumination system.

The High Master optical performance is next level, resolution is stunning and it's almost impossible to induce lateral CA. I don't know what they did, but it seems like they finally figured out a way to get something like Ohara FPL-53 in there. I compare my 10-60x56 HM to some binocs and other spotters that I know use FPL-53 and there is some optical similarity.

They seem to be addressing all of their past weak points.

The ret looks like the Genesis, which I am still trying to understand how it's supposed to work. In ELR the Genesis reticle is still a head scratcher. It's either a bad ret or it's too smart for us morons to figure.

 

[Dthomas3523]

If that’s the reticle, never mind, I’m out.

 

[DellaDog]

If that’s the reticle, never mind, I’m out.

I hope not as well.

Probably won't see the Genesis 100 MOA holdover on the PRS, but I’d prefer a complete re-design similar to the SKMR3

 

[kingston]

I just received notice that MARCH USA is closing it's doors. I'd placed an order for their new PRS scope at SHOT. I was in fact the very first to place an order for the PRS in a mil configuration and expected it to arrive any day now.

I received the following:

"Dear Mr. XXXXXXX,



Thank you for your order with March Optics.



The item on your order, item # MAR1101, is no longer available. Due to our ongoing Retirement Sale, all orders are limited to stock on hand and we will not be receiving stock to fill backorders. Since this item is not in stock, your order has been cancelled and your card has not been charged.



While we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, we value your business and would be happy to recommend a similar item that may suit your needs! There has never been a better time to buy March Optics scopes and accessories, as the current sale extends to all in-stock merchandise. We welcome you to browse our website and take a look at the wide selection of scopes currently on sale.



Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions.



Best Regards,



Megan
Customer Service
March Optics USA, Inc.

EN#300384"

 

[DellaDog]

Got the same email

 

[kingston]

Upon calling March USA they couldn't tell me if the PRS was still in the pipeline or provide a corresponding part number to cross reference with Deon's site (March Global).

MARCH Scopes | DEON Optical Design Corporation

MARCH Scopes Official Site

marchscopes.com

This was a very exciting optic.

It sounds like someone else will pick up March distribution in the US and North America. Time will tell.

There lot's of great glass out there today, but it would be a shame to loose March.