Leupold Mark 4 LR/T choice - Illuminated or FFP reticle?

[hk51pdx]

Hi,

For an SPR type build, i have settled on a Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm optic. However, i haven't been able to make a decision on which version. I think i have it narrowed down to the following:

Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M1 Illum TMR Ret (http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-3-5-10x40mm-lrt-m1-illum-reticle/)
Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M1 FFP TMR Ret (http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-3-5-10x40mm-lrt-m1-front-focal/)
Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M3 FFP TMR Ret (http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-3-5-10x40mm-lrt-m3-front-focal/)

While i like the idea of an illuminated reticle, the FFP reticle seems the better option...maybe? I am not thrilled with M3 (1/2 MOA windage and 1 MOA elevation adjustments) but they are more compact turrets.

I'm looking for additional info, experiences, recommendations, etc.

Thanks.

Jim

[hk51pdx]

Nobody...really? Dang.

Jim

[sgtmajor]

That’s a hard decision and relies alot on what you want it to do. If the range estimation at every power level is most important then the FFP is the best choice. But if there is a chance of low lighting I the illumination is a nice feature and the mills will be right at 10x. I personally use a 4.5-14 that is not FFP or illumination.

[Damascus]

This is all relative to a person's personal preferences, but I would opt for the illuminated version. It's not any trouble for me to dial to 10x if I need to range, and shooting in low light and/or against dark backgrounds wouldn't be shot stopper.
A few months ago when FFP scopes started all the rage, I thought about hopping onto that bandwagon, but have since decided that I'll base my purchase decisions on other features, like glass quality, turret type/adjustment, reticle type (TMR is a great choice, BTW), and illumination.
However, the TMR reticle is quite small, and would be a little easier to see with a FFP, since some of those mils are .4, if you think you'd every try and use them.
My advice, get the one you can get the best deal on!

[SMGLee]

I am partial to the FFP scopes since it is easier to estiamte range at various power factor, that being said, I woudl also recommend the M1 turret which will also give you the fine adjustment your BDC....unless you get a M3 turret that is exactly matched to your rifle and the ammo you are shooting.

[uscbigdawg]

Age old question of why the F*** does Leupold not have their LR/T's with both an Illuminated TMR and it be FFP especially with their zero stop knobs.

Of the two, the FFP is more important to me.

Rich

[LSK]

With a FFP you know that one mil really is one mil. On a SFP you need to test your reticle to make sure that it actually is one mil. SFP scopes that are set to range on a set power are sometimes off because the power ring is off. Meaning that your 10X setting might be either a little more or less than 10X.

[hk51pdx]

Thanks for all of the great feedback - i knew you guys had information to share.

I think the FFP option is the better choice for me, but i'm with uscbigdawg...why not both FFP and illuminated TMR? So in the meantime, i'm leaning toward the M1 FFP. I'm still listening to comments and suggestions, especially if you have one of the scopes in question.

Jim

[LettersFromEarth]

Age old question of why the F*** does Leupold not have their LR/T's with both an Illuminated TMR and it be FFP especially with their zero stop knobs.

Of the two, the FFP is more important to me.

Rich

Im gonna guess that given a 3x FFP reticle is pretty damn small having illumination running would cause the retilcle to bloom somewhat making ranging next to impossible. I have had that happen with other optics not sporting the Leupold name so maybe its just a hurdle they cant/wont overcome?

As for me; FFP reticle are over-hyped IMO. If the target is far enough off to make you do the math chances are you're already dialed up to full mag on your glass anyway. Plus having the reticle get bigger as power goes up is less than ideal (again, all IMO).

[LettersFromEarth]

Hi,

For an SPR type build, i have settled on a Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm optic. However, i haven't been able to make a decision on which version. I think i have it narrowed down to the following:

Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M1 Illum TMR Ret (http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-3-5-10x40mm-lrt-m1-illum-reticle/)
Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M1 FFP TMR Ret (http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-3-5-10x40mm-lrt-m1-front-focal/)
Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M3 FFP TMR Ret (http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-lrt-riflescopes/mark-4-3-5-10x40mm-lrt-m3-front-focal/)

While i like the idea of an illuminated reticle, the FFP reticle seems the better option...maybe? I am not thrilled with M3 (1/2 MOA windage and 1 MOA elevation adjustments) but they are more compact turrets.

I'm looking for additional info, experiences, recommendations, etc.

Thanks.

Jim


Love the M3 knobs, man! They should work fine for your SPR. Remember, an SPR was made for shooting people and not mice. Half MOA windage and full MOA elevation adjustments are well suited for an SPR IMO. Now, are they suited for you?