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GLOCKMASTER
01-11-10, 18:10
Recently I was able to spend some time on the range with the new Leupold CQBSS optic. The new CQBSS is a front focal plane 1.1 x 8 power optic built on a 34 mm tube using a Horus 27 illuminated dot reticle. The CQBSS was specifically designed for law enforcement and military use, which is very obvious by its robust and well designed features. The windage and elevation adjustment dials are large with a pinch release style locking adjustment system to allow quick and secure adjustments even with gloves. The dials also have built-in zero stops. The windage and elevation reticle adjustments are .10 mil per click. The illuminated dot was also visible during bright sunlight. The power adjustment ring is a large and knurled bezel so you do not have to hunt for it. A nice feature of this scope is that when the power adjustment is on 1.1 the Horus reticle all but disappears and the only thing you see is a horizontal reticle line with an illuminated red dot in the middle.

Once the scope was mounted I dry fired it around the building to see how the illuminated reticle worked indoors. The reticle worked as expected indoors and the clarity of the glass was outstanding. I found the large brightness adjustment dial has clean discernable clicks at every level of adjustment. After a couple of days I was finally able to get out to the range to see what I could get out of this optic. Because of other activity on the range, I was only able to get it back to 100 yards so I was limited on distance which was disappointing. Once on the range I zeroed the CQBSS at 100 yards. The zeroing process was made easy by the pinch style locking windage and elevation dials with this style of adjustment dials it eliminates the need for a multi-tool or coin to make the adjustments. The adjustment dials are very easy to adjust and when released are locked in place without having to worry about them moving when the dial is brushed against gear or other items.After obtaining a solid zero I made several windage and elevation adjustments only to find the reticle to track perfectly which was no surprise. Once I finished checking the tracking of the reticle I started working my way in to the 7 yard line. While on the range I was able to shoot a few slow fire drills and a few rapid fire drills as I worked my way across the range. During the course of shooting with the scope I adjusted the power of the scope several times so I could get a feel for the front focal plane optic as this is the first time I have used a front focal plane optic. When I was able to get in close where I could service several targets during rapid fire drills this scope really showed how versatile and fast it actually can be. When at the 7 yard line with the scope set on 1.1 power and shooting with both eyes open it was amazing how fast you could transition from target to target. I think the reason for this is because it is very close to being very close to a true 1x optic. The red dot reticle is suppose to be a 5 moa dot however, when the power is set on 1.1 it appears to be 2 moa or smaller. The dot appears so small that it’s tough to acquire during multi target speed drills. Since this was a gen 1 version, there were some issues with the dot reticle. The dot reticle was not quite a refined as it should be and it was a bit small on 1.1x. The dot in the gen 2 is suppose to be a 10 moa dot so there will be a very noticeable difference in the size of the dot on the 1.1 power setting but, it will not be overwhelming. The gen 2 version of the CQBSS is currently in production in small numbers for testing. Look for an update once I get my hands on the gen 2 version to confirm what changes have been made.


I think this optic has a lot to offer to the LE and military community because it is so versatile with its wide range power, ease of power adjustment, ease of elevation and windage adjustments and its reticle. Hopefully this optic will be made available by Leupold in the near future and should be displayed at the SHOT Show.


http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0173-1.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0174-1.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0163-1.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0179-1.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0178-1.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0183poweradjust.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0184-1.jpg

Reticle on 1.1x
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0147-1.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0147-2.jpg

Higher power setting
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0148-1.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0142-1.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0139-1.jpg

subzero
01-11-10, 19:04
I gotta admit, that sounds impressive. 8x with a good useful reticle? I like how they did the power adjustment as well.

tray
01-11-10, 19:53
That's impressive. I hope the refinements address the the concerns expressed by many over the years for an all purpose, all encompassing optic. The only real negative I can think of now....what will be the $$$$$?

GLOCKMASTER
01-11-10, 19:54
TRhe only real negative I can think of now....what will be the $$$$$?

I hope to get that and more information later this week.

SHIVAN
01-11-10, 20:04
Would love to see this optic when we see each other in February, will you have it with you?

GLOCKMASTER
01-11-10, 20:06
Would love to see this optic when we see each other in February, will you have it with you?

I had to return this one fairly quickly so it could be sent to someone else. I'm hoping to get another one in my hands very soon and would like to bring it to the gathering. I will know more later this week.;)

SeriousStudent
01-11-10, 20:22
Jeff, thanks very much for the write-up. I have been debating an SPR, and the biggest question is the optic. I've decided on everything else.

Did they give you any data on anticipated battery life? Or if there is an auto-shutoff timer?

It looks pretty rugged, and I like the built-in cattail. That will save an extra $75.

It would be fun to try one with a Bobro mount. :)

Stay safe!

GLOCKMASTER
01-11-10, 20:29
Jeff, thanks very much for the write-up. I have been debating an SPR, and the biggest question is the optic. I've decided on everything else.

Did they give you any data on anticipated battery life? Or if there is an auto-shutoff timer?

It looks pretty rugged, and I like the built-in cattail. That will save an extra $75.

It would be fun to try one with a Bobro mount. :)

Stay safe!

You're welcome.

I hope to have more information later this week after I meet with a few people who have been on top of this project from the beginning. I will try to get answers to the questions you asked and post the answers later this week.

Bulldog1967
01-11-10, 20:33
Sweet. Tag for $$$.

Failure2Stop
01-11-10, 20:52
It's good to see Leupold coming out with competitive optics. I am looking forward to hearing more about these.

USMC03
01-11-10, 20:55
JFreuler,


Awesome review and great pics.


Look foward to any additional info. The first focal plane is a great feature, but I hope Leuopld can keep the price reasonable.


1.1 - 8x magnificiation is awesome range of magnification for military, law enforcement, and practical rifle / 3 gun shooters. Any chance that you have the weight (with or without the mount) for the CQBSS?


If it's within my price range, I'll definately be getting a Leupold CQBSS!


Looking forward to any additional information.





Take care and be safe

Harv
01-11-10, 21:25
So Leupold finally got around to making a short dot.........;)

Abraxas
01-11-10, 21:26
Great, something else for me to want.;)

SeriousStudent
01-11-10, 21:50
You're welcome.

I hope to have more information later this week after I meet with a few people who have been on top of this project from the beginning. I will try to get answers to the questions you asked and post the answers later this week.

Thank you very much, I sure do appreciate it. :)

Have a safe and enjoyable week.

rob_s
01-11-10, 22:17
Any chance that you have the weight (with or without the mount) for the CQBSS?

That was my first question as well.

GLOCKMASTER
01-12-10, 04:59
JFreuler,


Any chance that you have the weight (with or without the mount) for the CQBSS?




Hopefully will have that later this week. I only had this for a very short time and did not have an opportunity to weigh it.

RAM Engineer
01-12-10, 20:34
Jeff,

Off-topic, but what jacket are you wearing and how do you like it?

Jason

Steve
01-12-10, 20:55
Jeff. off opic what hair gel do you like?

great report man.

promising but that reticle looks clutterd.?


call yah once im on the ground at shot.

akula88
01-13-10, 00:29
Promising...

GLOCKMASTER
01-13-10, 05:35
Jeff,

Off-topic, but what jacket are you wearing and how do you like it?

Jason

Arcteryx Alpha Jacket and yes I really like it.

GLOCKMASTER
01-13-10, 05:37
Jeff. off opic what hair gel do you like?

great report man.

promising but that reticle looks clutterd.?


call yah once im on the ground at shot.

The reticle is not cluttered when it is set on a low power setting and even on a higher powered setting it's still good. I just don't think the camera does the reticle justice.

GLOCKMASTER
01-13-10, 20:20
For those interested there will be reference marks for the elevation and windage dials. I should see a gen 2 version tomorrow and should have some new pictures.

Steve
01-13-10, 21:03
The reticle is not cluttered when it is set on a low power setting and even on a higher powered setting it's still good. I just don't think the camera does the reticle justice.

Ill take your word and check it out next week

00bullitt
01-14-10, 09:33
Dave Neth, and Team Leupold shooter had a Gen 2 version at the Fort Benning 3 Gun recently. Very nice optic. But at a ridiculous price tag of $2600. Would I pay that?
Probably. This optic is well thought out and fills a great role in CQB and DMR type duties. I'm not fond of FFP reticles in a CQB optic but this scope is at that threshold of needing FFP and can serve both roles very well. In my opinion.....anything more than 6x and the RFP reticles start to max out for their purpose.

I was able to look almost directly at the sun and the firedot was still visible. It had a very translucent appearance to it which helped at the higher powers when the dot increased in size. The H27 reticle was visible through the enlarged firedot. Although the dot is not necessary for those distant engagements, if one had to increase magnification from the low side where the firedot was being utilized to the high side, it would not hinder use of the reticle not obscure the target.

Knobs were nice and big with very tactile clicks and return to zero feature. Glass was typical Leupold quality. Still not european clear but Leupold clear.

It did look to be on the heavy side, but then again....it is a 34mm tube and an 8x optic.

d90king
01-14-10, 10:53
Very nice write up and detailed info. Looking forward to pricing info. I am close to picking up a NF NXS 2.5-10 and this looks to be a nice alternative to put into the mix.

supersix4
01-14-10, 17:45
$2600!!! good grief :rolleyes:

GLOCKMASTER
01-15-10, 05:35
$2600!!! good grief :rolleyes:

I met with reps from Leupold yesterday. They have not set a price as of yet. However, when they do you would have to understand who this optic was built for and it's purpose.

I have a few new pictures that I will post later this evening.

rob_s
01-15-10, 05:52
If the go-faster "tactical" version is really that expensive, or however expensive it is (and I don't think there's any doubt that it will cost an arm and a leg), hopefully they will offer a hunting version like the rest of their line that will be more than serviceable for 99% of users.

piggly_wiggly
01-15-10, 06:11
Taggage for weight data :)

Robb Jensen
01-15-10, 07:00
Scope looks awesome but that mount and rings looks like it weighs a lot.

Chris Rhines
01-15-10, 07:06
Looks like a fantastic optic, and I'd love to get my mitts on one to wring it out. That said, $2600 is a lot to spend on a 3-gun toy, and I don't see this scope being $2000 more capable than my Burris.

-C

JMW2
01-15-10, 10:25
Taggage for weight data :)

Weight is 23oz

There is a different mount with the gen 2 version. It weighs in at 10oz.

GLOCKMASTER
01-15-10, 16:51
If the go-faster "tactical" version is really that expensive, or however expensive it is (and I don't think there's any doubt that it will cost an arm and a leg), hopefully they will offer a hunting version like the rest of their line that will be more than serviceable for 99% of users.

Rob I hear what you're saying. I'm sure if this optic is a big success they will offer a version for other shooters to enjoy.;);)

GLOCKMASTER
01-15-10, 16:52
Yesterday I was able to get a few pictures of an improved version of the CQBSS.
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0203.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0214.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0258.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0232.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/CQBSS/DSC_0265.jpg

VA_Dinger
01-15-10, 17:00
Very impressive, I will be very interested in buying one when they become available.

SeriousStudent
01-15-10, 17:43
That is a potential stumbling block on the price. $2600 is the usually advertised price for which I can buy a Schmidt and Bender Short Dot.

If I ever decided to try and get some of my money back by selling it, I think it might be easier with the S&B? Do you gents think that many people would pay $2000 to $2400 for a used Leupold?

If they throw in a mount with that, it would help the equation. But I would likely end up putting it in a Bobro or Larue mount anyway.

I know Larue makes a 34mm mount, but cannot find one from Bobro in that size.

That 8x makes it so tempting for an SPR or Recce build, however.....

Victor
01-15-10, 18:22
Great review and it looks as if Leupy REALLY did listen to the war fighters on this one!

Vic

scottryan
01-15-10, 19:05
I think the most innovative thing about this is the whole eyepiece is turned to adjust the magnification.

This will be much easier to manipulate quickly especially with heavy gloves on than the ring dial with the square stud used currently on their products.

I would like to see this feature on the whole product line, both combat and sporting products.

Robb Jensen
01-15-10, 20:00
I think the most innovative thing about this is the whole eyepiece is turned to adjust the magnification.



That's not innovative. Both my Nightforce scope operate this way. One of them is 6yrs old.

supersix4
01-16-10, 18:12
That's not innovative. Both my Nightforce scope operate this way. One of them is 6yrs old.



unfortunately that is 'innovative' for leupold...

:(

6933
01-16-10, 19:54
J- Any personal experience to make a comparison between this and a NF? What have you found to be the practical lowest/highest settings(distances)? Maybe you can drop into Asheboro for a test run! Will be in Fayettenam wknd. of Jan. 23!

scottryan
01-16-10, 20:28
That's not innovative. Both my Nightforce scope operate this way. One of them is 6yrs old.


I meant for them.

SkiDevil
01-17-10, 02:17
This scope reminds a lot of the U.S. Optics SN-3 Scope, albeit with a greater magnification range.

The idea is sound and an excellent write-up with accompanying photographs give some great insight into the product and its possible uses. But as another member commented, I would have to agree that if the selling price will be upwards of $2K the S&B Short Dot would certainly be my choice as well. Simply because it is a more proven commodity.

Although I applaud Leupold for trying to market a better tactical scope for the competitive/ tactical rifle community. I think coming-up with innovative products that offer more to the consumer at a lower price point would be a better strategy. Selling a greater number of scopes would certainly make-up the difference.

Over the last few years, Leupold's prices keep rising and it makes one wonder if a similar return in innovation and quality accompanies that increase. If I went to SHOT that is something I would be interested to know about.

I agree with RobS, I think if a 'hunting model' becomes available us more common folks may take a closer look at picking one-up.

I say make these observations after having been a devout Leupold Riflescope user, with three rifles in my safe topped with the gold banded ring on the bezel.
The other member who commented that Leupold glass is not as clear as the Euro scopes is correct. I have been looking around for a while at various scopes and in my opinion nothing produced in the states comes close to the glass from Europe.

If I end-up dropping over $2K on a scope it will be a Schmidt and Bender or a Zeis.

SkiDevil

rob_s
01-17-10, 07:37
Rob I hear what you're saying. I'm sure if this optic is a big success they will offer a version for other shooters to enjoy.;);)

Here's hoping the same pricing structure wins out then too. Leupold "hunting" optics seem to retail for 75% or less of their "tactical" counterparts and most shooters aren't going to tell the difference in the features. That makes a $2600 tactical optic a sub-$2k hunting optic.


Leupold 1.5-5x20 Mark 4 MR/T 30mm Riflescope $800 (http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-5x20-Mark-4-MRT-30mm-Riflescope-P3309.aspx)
http://swfa.com/images/leu56994.jpg


Leupold 1.5-5x20 VX-3 30mm Riflescope $600 (http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-5x20-VX-3-30mm-Riflescope-P12636.aspx)
http://swfa.com/images/leu66625.jpg

FromMyColdDeadHand
01-17-10, 18:25
If there was a version with out the Horus reticle, how much would that cut down the price? I saw somewhere that the reticle may add $500 to the price???

I'd be happy with just a mil reticle or a BDC for 75gg OTM rounds out of a 16 inch barrel, hopefully at something over sea level by a few feet.


Looks like Leupold figured out a way to engineer out the suck. If I were a teacher and Leupold was my student turing this in as their science project, I would think that the parents had actually done the project with the help of NASA.

bones
01-18-10, 14:36
$2600 OUCH

ColdDeadHands
01-19-10, 21:16
If I end-up dropping over $2K on a scope it will be a Schmidt and Bender or a Zeis.

SkiDevil

Ditto. If they could keep the price under $2000 I would be very interested. I think S&B will come out with a 1-8 also.

Robb Jensen
01-19-10, 23:26
I saw the Leupold 1.1-8x today at SHOT. It's pretty badass.

The 1.1-8x that really impressed me today was the Premier Reticles scope, it's also a 34mm or 35mm tube. but the most impressive things about it to me was that when the scope is at 1-3x it has a standard red dot like a S&B short dot. Above that the reticle changes to a illuminated mil-dot (which increases in size since it's a front and 2nd focal plane scope). Also the turrets lock at your settings and the dials can be dialed back to 0 after zeroing the rifle without needing an allend wrench. Way badass but it's going to be a $2900 scope retail.

RAM Engineer
01-19-10, 23:45
I look forward to all the forthcoming 1-8x scopes battling it out for supremacy.

Robb Jensen
01-20-10, 00:03
Fixed it for clarity.

Chris Rhines
01-20-10, 20:16
I'm seriously looking forward to getting my mitts on the Premier Reticles 1.1-8x.

-C

CRR
01-21-10, 08:33
While Leupold make a good quality optic, their product just doesn't compare to S&B, Zeiss or NightForce. I think they are nutz to price it in the $2600 range especially when European makers and NightForce could easily dupilcate this. I'd rather spend $2600 on an S&B or NXS, so while the Leupold looks like a great scope I'm going to wait to see what the Europeans and NXS counter this with.

Leupold tactical scopes are getting closer and closer in price to NXS, which is crazy given the optical quality differences. IOR offer a tactical 1.5-8 x26 scope with an illuminated reticule for about $1400, that's the sort of money Leupold should be pitching at.

http://swfa.com/IOR-15-8x26-Tactical-35mm-Rifle-Scope-P6757.aspx

RAM Engineer
01-21-10, 11:13
S&B 1-8x24 PM Short Dot
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cstactical/4286265596/in/photostream/

Premier Reticles V8 1.1-8x24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT2DmtioSBk&feature=player_embedded

Here are some of the other contenders in this class of scopes.

CRR
01-21-10, 12:42
S&B 1-8x24 PM Short Dot
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cstactical/4286265596/in/photostream/

Premier Reticles V8 1.1-8x24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT2DmtioSBk&feature=player_embedded

Here are some of the other contenders in this class of scopes.

Very nice! So why would anyone buy the Leupold at the much rumored price point of $2600 when S&B have the same product in market.

rob_s
01-21-10, 13:31
Very nice! So why would anyone buy the Leupold at the much rumored price point of $2600 when S&B have the same product in market.

Because the S&B is $4k? :p

CRR
01-21-10, 13:58
Because the S&B is $4k? :p

S&B's current Short Dot is $2.5k. I can't see how they are going to charge $700 more than what they are selling their 5-25x56 scopes for. $2.5k to $3k will be the price point.

rob_s
01-21-10, 14:12
Time will tell, but I think you're wrong. Actual retail price vs. actual retail price, or MSRP vs. MSRP, I think that the S&B will be more.

I don't think Leupold is putting the price they are on this optic simply because they want to, or because they think they can get that much, but they're doing it because that's what their costs are leading to. If Leupold has to sell a 1.1-8x for $2k, S&B is going to have to sell the same concept for more. It may well be a better scope, but it will be more.

dtibbals
01-22-10, 00:22
Time will tell, but I think you're wrong. Actual retail price vs. actual retail price, or MSRP vs. MSRP, I think that the S&B will be more.

I don't think Leupold is putting the price they are on this optic simply because they want to, or because they think they can get that much, but they're doing it because that's what their costs are leading to. If Leupold has to sell a 1.1-8x for $2k, S&B is going to have to sell the same concept for more. It may well be a better scope, but it will be more.

I would agree. Look at how much more the S&B short dot is compared to a Nightforce, Trijicon etc. You have to remember the top end of the optic is 8x not 4x. that is a big difference! I don't really think I need a 8x on a 5.56 rifle however I will say on one of the new 308 rifles it would be awesome!!!! The Larue or LMT with 16" barrel with a 1.1-8x would do everything you could ask for!!!!

Mitch
01-22-10, 18:17
I don't think this was posted yet. Sorry if its a double.

Video from SHOT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NyPSurb0Kc

GLOCKMASTER
01-22-10, 19:44
I will say on one of the new 308 rifles it would be awesome!!!! The Larue or LMT with 16" barrel with a 1.1-8x would do everything you could ask for!!!!

It's my understanding that is the purpose behind this optic. With that being said they are suppose to have BDC dials for 5.56, .338 Lapua and others.

Also the reason the price seems to be rather high on this optic Lwupold has to pay Horus a for using their reticle. Leupold may have other reticles to offer for this scope which will reduce the cost.

Darkop
02-05-10, 09:36
It's my understanding that is the purpose behind this optic. With that being said they are suppose to have BDC dials for 5.56, .338 Lapua and others.

Also the reason the price seems to be rather high on this optic Lwupold has to pay Horus a for using their reticle. Leupold may have other reticles to offer for this scope which will reduce the cost.


JFreuler,
When you test drove this scope you were using a 5.56 gun. I noticed the knobs are calibrated for M118LR 175g pills. Any idea what barrel length this calibration was intended for (KAC SR25 20" ?). My intent would to mount this on a Noveske Leonidas 14.5" gun. Seems it would be perfect for this. Also, at shot did Leupold give a release date.

TIA

Until that day,
Darkop

KevinB
05-18-10, 08:33
16" SR-25 with 7.62 M118LR

I have not seen any of the other turrets.

TehLlama
05-19-10, 17:56
I'm still on the fence about how practical the exit pupil is at high magnification - I realize it's going to be limited, but the functional practical is something I'd love to have Kevin's perspective on.

Belmont31R
05-19-10, 20:16
I would agree. Look at how much more the S&B short dot is compared to a Nightforce, Trijicon etc. You have to remember the top end of the optic is 8x not 4x. that is a big difference! I don't really think I need a 8x on a 5.56 rifle however I will say on one of the new 308 rifles it would be awesome!!!! The Larue or LMT with 16" barrel with a 1.1-8x would do everything you could ask for!!!!



There is a 1-8X Short Dot coming later this year.


Also unless Leupold breaks away from every other scope they've made you're still getting a better optic all around with Schmidt and Bender. They tend to over-engineer their stuff, and it makes for a very tough scope with superior glass and electronics to control the red dot. Leupolds tend to be thin walled, and use decent glass but not on the level of the Euro brands. Turrents tend to be like marshmallows in feel. It would be cool if they upped the quality significantly to better match the Euro brands but they've done this same sort of thing before. Make a "Euro-esque" scope, charge an absurd amount of money for it, and its still not close to the performance of the Euro scopes.


Here is the 1-8X Short Dot: http://www.schmidtundbender.de/index.php?option=com_content&Itemid=51&id=78&task=view



Also keep in mind this new Short-Dot has the ability to go to a TRUE 1X as opposed to every other scope going to 1.1X which gives a slight fish eye effect when shooting with both eyes open. This Leupold is still 1.1X bottom end so you are not getting a true 1X like an Aimpoint. With this you turn down the power to 1.1X, and then you click one position past 1.1X to go to 1X. I think this is a 1st with the variable power optics unless you count something like the Elcan DR but they are totally different movements.


Short-Dot 1-8 Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_d4X5sfDuE

GLOCKMASTER
05-19-10, 20:32
There is a 1-8X Short Dot coming later this year.


Also unless Leupold breaks away from every other scope they've made you're still getting a better optic all around with Schmidt and Bender. They tend to over-engineer their stuff, and it makes for a very tough scope with superior glass and electronics to control the red dot. Leupolds tend to be thin walled, and use decent glass but not on the level of the Euro brands. Turrents tend to be like marshmallows in feel. It would be cool if they upped the quality significantly to better match the Euro brands but they've done this same sort of thing before. Make a "Euro-esque" scope, charge an absurd amount of money for it, and its still not close to the performance of the Euro scopes.


Here is the 1-8X Short Dot: http://www.schmidtundbender.de/index.php?option=com_content&Itemid=51&id=78&task=view



Also keep in mind this new Short-Dot has the ability to go to a TRUE 1X as opposed to every other scope going to 1.1X which gives a slight fish eye effect when shooting with both eyes open. This Leupold is still 1.1X bottom end so you are not getting a true 1X like an Aimpoint. With this you turn down the power to 1.1X, and then you click one position past 1.1X to go to 1X. I think this is a 1st with the variable power optics unless you count something like the Elcan DR but they are totally different movements.


Short-Dot 1-8 Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_d4X5sfDuE

The S&B has a long way to go if they are going to compete with the CQBSS. The glass in the Leupy is outstanding and is of better quality than what I have seen in a S&B. The one S&B 1-8 that I looked through was like looking through a fish bowl. They can also put whatever they want on the scope that doesn't mean that it's a TRUE 1x optic.

This is without a doubt one of the best scopes Leupold has ever built.

Belmont31R
05-19-10, 20:46
The S&B has a long way to go if they are going to compete with the CQBSS. The glass in the Leupy is outstanding and is of better quality than what I have seen in a S&B. The one S&B 1-8 that I looked through was like looking through a fish bowl. They can also put whatever they want on the scope that doesn't mean that it's a TRUE 1x optic.

This is without a doubt one of the best scopes Leupold has ever built.



Most SB glass is running within 1-2 percentage points of what is possible with light transmission through glass.

It would be nice for Leupold to get in this type of market if nothing else it will force innovations in other companies to improve their product. Id really be interested in seeing them side by side but I doubt that will ever happen.


From the people Ive talked to the 1X setting on the 1-8 short dot is really nice compared to what is currently available (1.1X).

eternal24k
07-19-10, 06:44
here's hoping for a non Bullet Drop reticle

FromMyColdDeadHand
08-28-10, 10:33
Interesting, the M118 knob drops seem almost right on my BH77gr223 thru a 18inch barrel, at least out to 400 yards.

Hope this scope price comes down from mentioned prices.

rsilvers
09-04-10, 10:43
Leupold tactical scopes are getting closer and closer in price to NXS, which is crazy given the optical quality differences.

Nightforce is a very good scope mechanically, and the optics are good - and I like the scopes and buy them - but they do not exceed Leupold optically.

MarkG
10-07-10, 09:28
I wasn't able to find the scope on Leupold's website. Has it even hit the market yet?

Titleist
10-07-10, 11:04
I wasn't able to find the scope on Leupold's website. Has it even hit the market yet?

No, not yet.

Eagle1*
10-12-10, 13:52
Just got off of the phone with an LE rep at Leupold and was told they have no idea as of yet when this will be available!:mad:

JSantoro
10-12-10, 14:28
I'm still on the fence about how practical the exit pupil is at high magnification - I realize it's going to be limited, but the functional practical is something I'd love to have Kevin's perspective on.

How small the exit pupil is at 8x really stood out to me when I tried it. I'd like some more shooting time on one before making anything that sounds like a judgement or opinion, but the fact is that it's noticeably smaller that one would expect.

Whether it's a detriment or not remains to be seen, and it'll still boil down to a user selecting to use X optic with it's set of complications vs. Y of the same general type with it's own set of complications. Everything ends up being a design compromise between features, and all based on our personal/professional wants and pecadillos.

KevinB
10-12-10, 23:21
Its available to certain Mil entities.

Folks keep buying them up so commercial releases get pushed back.

Small teaser pic
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/KAC%20Weapons/M110CwLeupold1-8.jpg

IMHO your dumb if you dont get the H58 reticle with Dot, some of the non Army folks wanted the TMR reticle which does not have a dot and is IMHO handicaping yourself with a 1.1- sight that does not have a dot to run at the 1.1

Maybe I am biased from Short Dot years, but I run the CQBSS on 1.1 and crank up as needed to 8x, and at 1.1 it needs a DOT...

TehLlama
10-13-10, 15:59
Its available to certain Mil entities.

Folks keep buying them up so commercial releases get pushed back.

Small teaser pic
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/KAC%20Weapons/M110CwLeupold1-8.jpg

IMHO your dumb if you dont get the H58 reticle with Dot, some of the non Army folks wanted the TMR reticle which does not have a dot and is IMHO handicaping yourself with a 1.1- sight that does not have a dot to run at the 1.1

Maybe I am biased from Short Dot years, but I run the CQBSS on 1.1 and crank up as needed to 8x, and at 1.1 it needs a DOT...

Wouldn't the TMR reticle be the only other leupold option that would work well with the SFP/FFP reticle/illuminated dot setup? Could that be a viable (and maybe cheaper) option?
Are Leupold looking into doing something like this in a more affordable 30mm low power variable (maybe a 1.1-4x ITMR Mk4M2...?)

Team Chuck Norris
10-11-11, 19:11
Cabela's indicates that they have a "limited stock" of these scopes.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Optics/Riflescopes%7C/pc/104792580/c/104752080/sc/104535180/Leupold174-Mark-8-CQBSS-Riflescope/1249647.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshooting-optics-riflescopes%2F_%2FN-1100246%2FNs-MAX_SALE_PRICE%257C1%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104792580%253Bcat104752080%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104792580%3Bcat104752080%3Bcat104535180



I note from the product description that the product is "imported."

I called Leupold and asked them to identify the country where the scope was produced. They said that they refuse to identify their "suppliers." I responded that I did not want to know the identity of their supplier, just the country. They again refused.

For $4k, Leupold cannot make the product in the USA?

Does anyone know they country from which this scope is imported?

And more worrisome, does Leupold even have the technical capacity to make a complete scope these days or has all that capacity been shipped overseas?

KevinB
10-12-11, 10:34
Made in the USA. The Government has inspectors at the factory.