Leupold Mark 6 or Vortex HD II - Serious Middle Class Problem

[irondude]

I have a bit of a dilemma, I “need” a new scope for a precision rifle build. The rifle is a tack driver and I want something with a wide magnification range. The two I am considering are:

1 – Leupold Mark 6 3-18X44
2 – Vortex HDII 3-18X50

I am leaning toward the Leupold, it is light weight and comes with the H59 Reticles for about $2,400.00. The Vortex is a bit more cost effective at $2,200.00, but it is considerably heavier and longer than the Mark 6.

Any first hand experience with either of these?

[HKGuns]

MK6 for me all day long.

[SomeOtherGuy]

I would take a good look at the 4.5-18x44 version of the Bushnell LRHS before buying either one. It's just over half the price and will do the same job, except below 4.5x. It also comes with a G2H reticle that is a refined "Christmas tree" with some holds but not the overwhelming grid of many Horus reticles.

The RazorII looks good except for the weight.

[Hochsitz]

MK6 for me all day long.

Me too. Love my Mark 6.

[NongShim]

Mk 6 is a great line of scopes. H59 is hard to beat for a lot of things.

I own a couple Mk6 scopes including the one you specifically asked about.

I also have a Bushnell HDMR 3.5-21X with H59. It is a great scope too. MUCH heavier.

The Mk6 3-18X is so short and light. I love it.

[SomeOtherGuy]

Not trying to beat a dead horse here, just ensure accurate comparison. The DMR/HDMR is a large and somewhat heavy scope. The LRHS is significantly lighter at 26.5oz and 14.2" long for the 4.5-18x version.

http://www.bushnell.com/all-products/rifle-scopes/elite-tactical-hunter/lrhs-4-5-18x-44mm

The Mark 6 is still smaller and lighter at 23.6oz and 11.9", but the difference between it and the LRHS is much smaller than either one of those compared to the RazorII (which is 46.5oz and 14.4").

https://www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes/mark-6-riflescopes/mark-6-3-18x44mm-m5b2-34mm/

http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/razor_hd_gen_II_riflescopes

[irondude]

I did not need much prodding on the Mark 6. It is now inbound. Thanks everyone.

[HD1911]

Make sure it Tracks True and is Repeatable. A box test would be very prudent for you.