Best Leupold for 18" SPR(style) build?

[Dave L.]

Hey guys, I'm looking for advice on Leupold MK4 optics for a Rifle-length VIS w/Noveski 18" SPR barrel.

I would like the optic to cover the majority of the effective range of the rifle past 50 meters.

Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

[TWR]

It's hard to beat the 3.5-10 power range. I'd personaly stay away from the 50 mm objective, it adds considerable weight and gives little in return.

[Dave L.]

It's hard to beat the 3.5-10 power range. I'd personaly stay away from the 50 mm objective, it adds considerable weight and gives little in return.

That's kinda what I was leaning toward. So Illuminated Mil-dot or Ill. Tactical Milling reticle?

[TREE FROG]

Dave it really depends on your over all application ( Mildot vs. TMR and SPR average light conditions and distances you in tend to have an average target engament. I would look for a good first Focal plane Scope Illume Ret NVG comp if needed ? your choice MILDOT, TMR, SPR If you need to make quick adjustments M3, M2 type turrets M1 1/4 per clicks for those occasion witch require you to thread the needle , but in the past I would go to hold over’s be for I'm running for the turrets Mildot ,TMR,SPR all provide ranging capability and can be used for hold overs I would stay away from going wth more power but thats just me .

[Paulinski]

I went with Mark 4 3-9X36 with TMR reticle.

[twodollarbill]

Check out the Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR/T M2 Illum. Special Purpose Reticle Model # 56994
Also look at LaRue Tactical SPR / M4 Scope Mount QD LT-104

I'm looking for this setup arriving at my place on 12/25

[Dave L.]

Check out the Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR/T M2 Illum. Special Purpose Reticle Model # 56994
Also look at LaRue Tactical SPR / M4 Scope Mount QD LT-104

I'm looking for this setup arriving at my place on 12/25

I have looked at this- great set-up for 14.5" and 16, I just need a little more power for this gun.

[Dave L.]

I went with Mark 4 3-9X36 with TMR reticle.

They don't make this scope with Illuminated Reticle do they???

[Paulinski]

They don't make this scope with Illuminated Reticle do they???

Yes they do. Mine is illuminated.

[TWR]

I've never owned (I have used) an illuminated reticle and see no need for them on a precision scope. I have used the mil-dot scopes but with the lazer range finders to me they kind of make them obselete. I have gone to the standard duplex reticles and just range, then crank up the turrets, if I was quicker (and smarter) the mil-dot might be as good but for me they're not.


I love my 1.5-5 leupold but for a precision rig I prefer more magnification yet not so much that an adjustable objective is needed so that leaves me with the 3.5-10 VXIII or MK4 40MM scopes. YMMV

[Dave L.]

I think I'm dumping the Illuminated Reticle Idea. After reading up and getting good advice, First Focal Plane is the way to go. Leupold (from what I could find) does not make an Illuminated Optic that is FFP.

[vicious_cb]

The Mk4 MR/T 3-9x36 is calibrated for .223 loads but is not in production anymore. Its replacement is the Mk4 MR/T 2.5-8x36 which has about 1 inch more eye relief but calibrated for 308

[sgtlmj]

The Mk4 MR/T 3-9x36 is calibrated for .223 loads but is not in production anymore. Its replacement is the Mk4 MR/T 2.5-8x36 which has about 1 inch more eye relief but calibrated for 308

+1 on the Mk4 MR/T 2.5-8x36! I had a 3-9 and dumped it in favor of the 2.5-8. The eye relief was the seller. Couple that optic with an illuminated TMR and M2 turrets, and you have perfection.

http://www.sgtlmj.com/sonora.jpg

[Gunfighter13]

I think I'm dumping the Illuminated Reticle Idea. After reading up and getting good advice, First Focal Plane is the way to go. Leupold (from what I could find) does not make an Illuminated Optic that is FFP.

Before you rule out the illuminated scope let me make my recommendation.
The difference with FFP and illuminated is that you can only range find at the maximum magnification with the illuminated. With the FFP you can range find at the lower magnification. What I recommend is if you will shoot in low light that you take advantage of the illuminated TMR. I don’t know how much low light/no light shooting you have done or even if you anticipate doing any at all. For me about 90% of the time it’s 3 AM and low light. Here’s my recommendation.


http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-3-5-10x40mm-lrt-m3-illum-reticle/
or
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-3-5-10x40mm-lrt-m3-front-focal/

This would be a good choice to if you could live with 8X max magnification.http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=83

[sgtlmj]

FFP scopes work best in the higher power ranges. 4-14x or 3.7-22x for example. Once you get lower than 5'ish, the reticle is quite small and hard to range. For an SPR type setup, the lower the low end the better.

If money is no object, the best option would be a US Optics 1.8-10x37 illuminated. It's a FFP scope with lots of options. Starts around $2k.

[Buck]

Not a Leupold, but I would highly recommend a Night Force 2.5-10x24 NXS in a SPR mount...

Just my .02

Buck

[sgtlmj]

I've never owned (I have used) an illuminated reticle and see no need for them on a precision scope. I have used the mil-dot scopes but with the lazer range finders to me they kind of make them obselete. I have gone to the standard duplex reticles and just range, then crank up the turrets, if I was quicker (and smarter) the mil-dot might be as good but for me they're not.

If all of your shooting is during the day you probably will have no use for illum. Our dept. has a limited budget and weapons mounted night vision is not a possibility right now. Without illum reticles, we would have little low light capability at all.

As far as mil-dots or other ranging reticles, there are many more uses for them than range finding. BDC/Holdovers, moving target leads, wind holds. What if the battery on your LRF dies? It's nice having a backup ranging system. Get a scope with adjustments that match the reticle and a new world opens up to you.

[TWR]

I've shot plenty at night and if I can make out my target, I can see my reticle. As I said I'm not smart enough to use the mil dots, quickly anyway so I use what works for me. If I were LE/MIL maybe things would be different.

As for battery life, how long does the illuminated reticle hold up?

[sgtlmj]

I've shot plenty at night and if I can make out my target, I can see my reticle. As I said I'm not smart enough to use the mil dots, quickly anyway so I use what works for me. If I were LE/MIL maybe things would be different.

As for battery life, how long does the illuminated reticle hold up?

Lit reticles are necessary for varied lighting conditions. Pull up on something really dark with a little backlight and the reticle will wash right out. We never know which side of the meth bug's trailer we'll be setting up on, or if he has a yard light. The lit reticle is good insurance.

On one of my Leupolds, it's been using the same battery for two years. Another dies almost every time I bring it out because the knob turns too easily. I don't know why Leupold won't put a stop or some positive clicks on the rheostat. My US Optic has a cover over the rheostat.

[SHIVAN]

Lit reticles are great for hunting too. They really stand out on the hide of your typical whitetail...

Especially right near dusk.

First focal plane is all the rage with long distance shooters, as you can use the reticle to range at any magnification.

I understand the benefit, but rely on a LRF first, then kentucky elevation/windage second. I am not experienced enough in LD shooting to use mils properly.

I am practicing, but not enough. Be honest with yourself, if you are going to use your reticle to range unknown distances, then maybe the FFP optic is for you.

If you are going to rely on a LRF, or holdovers, then you can get any optic you'd like.

I think all my optics are illuminated except one. They are pretty nice to have.

[DocGKR]

sgtlmj and Gunfighter13 have given some great advice above. With Leupold optics, the MR/T line of scopes is a better "fit" with AR15 rifles than the LR. Illuminated reticles are an advantage for a rifle intended for other than range use... There are some reasons why the original SPR's Leup 3.5-10x LR/T was replaced with the 3-9x TS30A2 MR/T scope when the Mk12 was type classified... For a mid-range 50-500 yd or so type rifle, the 2.5-8x MR/T with M2 turrets is another good option in the Leupold line of scopes.

[Dano5326]

2.5-10x NightForce

[DocGKR]

That NF is very fine optic for this type of rifle!

[TWR]

"Lit reticles are necessary for varied lighting conditions. Pull up on something really dark with a little backlight and the reticle will wash right out. We never know which side of the meth bug's trailer we'll be setting up on, or if he has a yard light. The lit reticle is good insurance." sgtlmj

That is a point I hadn't considered and I agree it would be good insurance.

What my experience has been for hunting is I can see my crosshairs and the animal well after legal shooting time. When using a spotlight with a red lense for coyote hunting, it doesn't take much light as we use the halo, the crosshairs are plain as day. But if they started shining back at us I think I can see your point.
I've used an eo-tech and found it needed to be turned down low to prevent the target from washing out. But again I can see "insurance" for all conditions. Thank you.

[vicious_cb]

The leupold mark 4 mrt 3-9x36 if you want to keep it authentic

[edwin907]

I still can't believe they discontinued the MR/T 3-9!



Leupold 3-9 MR/T M3 TMR ILL

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z238/edwin907/SPRb.jpg

[Dave L.]

Alright, thanks guys for the great advice.

Sounds like 2.5-8X Illum. would be a good choice for me.

Now can someone explain which target knobs would be the best (M1,M2,M3) for an AR(SPR) platform and why?

[Gunfighter13]

Alright, thanks guys for the great advice.

Sounds like 2.5-8X Illum. would be a good choice for me.

Now can someone explain which target knobs would be the best (M1,M2,M3) for an AR(SPR) platform and why?

The M1 has 1/4 MOA adjustment and the M2 has 1/2 MOA adjustment.
The M1 will give you a finer adjustment but you have to go twice as many clicks as the M2. I perfer the 1/4 MOA adjustment.

[isakhnov]

Is parallax adjustment available on 2.5-8?

[vicious_cb]

Anyone have any experience with the NF 2.5-10x24mm NXS?

How do you like the optic?
What reticle do you have?
Do you like it better than the mark 4?

[royta]

The M1 has 1/4 MOA adjustment and the M2 has 1/2 MOA adjustment.
The M1 will give you a finer adjustment but you have to go twice as many clicks as the M2. I perfer the 1/4 MOA adjustment.

I also prefer the finer adjustment. Not necessarily for the elevation, but definitely for the windage adjustment. I shoot critters and not people, so a finer adjustment is more important to me.

[Parabellum9x19mm]

Hey guys, I'm looking for advice on Leupold MK4 optics for a Rifle-length VIS w/Noveski 18" SPR barrel.




i recently ordered a VIS SPR upper from Noveske and am anxiously waiting for it.

still trying to pick optics myself. accupoint looks good, but lack of hold capabilities has me leaning towards nightforce.

let us know what you decide on and POST PIX please :D

[doorkicker]

My MK12 MOD 0 has a Leupold MK4 MR/T ILL MD/M1
Take a look at Kenton Industries custom BDCs also.

I picked mine up with ARMS #22 M rings for $775 shipped....body/glass is pristine :D Search the forums Dave and you might find a keeper ;)