Leupold Mark 4 2.5-8x36mm MR/T M1 Illum. TMR -or- ??????????????

[royta]

I have $500 in gift certificates to Cabela's. I want to put a scope on my SDI mid-length AR-15 and use the rifle for coyotes, rabbits, and other such vermin. Now I need to determine which scope to buy. I want a high quality, lower weight, medium magnification tactical grade scope with a plex-ish style reticle.

Thinking I would like a Leupold, I inquired about a special order. Cabela's can order me the Leupold Mark 4 2.5-8x36mm MR/T M1 (yes, I want 1/4MOA adjustments) Illum. TMR for $1049.99 plus $19.95 shipping. OK, so it's not the cheapest place to buy the scope, but $500 of the money isn't coming from me, so it's actually quite inexpensive.

Here's my dilemma. Is the Leupold Mark 4 the be-all end-all of scopes for my intended application, or are there other manufactures and/or models that I should consider? I looked at the Nikon Monarch X 2.5-10x44 Tactical Illuminated Mildot, but it weighs 24.7 ounces compared to the Leupold's 16 ounces. This is more than likely due to the 44mm objective vs. the 36mm objective and the 2.3 inch longer length.

Anyway, I'm hoping I can receive some good advice. Thanks.

Roy

[SHIVAN]

Do not pay Cabela's optics prices...even if $500 is "free"...

From what I understand, hunting vermin can mean long shots of small targets.

I'd prefer something like the 4.5-14x50 M1 if it were me...

[royta]

Do not pay Cabela's optics prices...even if $500 is "free"...

From what I understand, hunting vermin can mean long shots of small targets.

I'd prefer something like the 4.5-14x50 M1 if it were me...

I know what you're saying regarding the long shots at vermin. I have a Sightron SII4-16x42 AO with 1/8MOA on my Pac-Nor barreled .22-250. That particular rifle is my long range rifle for small critters. I probably need to be realistic on the capabilities of my SDI mid-length rifle, so I was thinking a 2.5-8 would fit the bill. A 2.5-8 is more than likely all I'll need to get coyotes or larger fuzzy bunnies at 200 to 300 yards. I sure as heck hope that SDI 16" mid-length is capable of it.

Regarding the Cabela's issue: You could probably argue that everything Cabela's sells will have a higher margin than smaller companies using lower margins in order to gain business. Should I just throw away $500 in gift certificates because I don't want to fuel Cabela's high margin selling frenzy? Or should I just wait around and buy something on sale that I really might not need. Let's be realistic here. I want a scope. Cabela's can get me a scope. I have $500 in Cabela's gift certificates. I don't want a Cabela's meat grinder that is on sale. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

[SHIVAN]

Of course you don't throw away the $500 in Cabela's gift cards...

Just thinking you might be able to find a better price, and use that $500 in gift cards @ Cabelas for something else you need that Cabela's offers at a more realistic/decent price. Like camo, goretex, rain gear, fishing gear, ammo, gps, 2-way radios, etc.

They are selling optics at full retail + shipping. Use the $500 to do whatever you want, as you will either way.

FWIW, I have accounts at certain places that can get the 2.5-8 TMR Ill. for ~$840. So there are discounts to be had if you have your connections in place, or a good account some place or another.

Also, for the 16" carbine the 2.5-8 would be perfect, and 8x is plenty at 300yds or in....

[royta]

So...I guess there aren't any others I should consider? I wouldn't mind spending less money on a different scope, but since this is going on an AR-15, I thought a tactical plex-ish type reticle would be best. You know, in case of zomebie hordes or apocolypse type scenarios.

[royta]

Of course you don't throw away the $500 in Cabela's gift cards...

Just thinking you might be able to find a better price, and use that $500 in gift cards @ Cabelas for something else you need that Cabela's offers at a more realistic/decent price. Like camo, goretex, rain gear, fishing gear, ammo, gps, 2-way radios, etc.

They are selling optics at full retail + shipping. Use the $500 to do whatever you want, as you will either way.

FWIW, I have accounts at certain places that can get the 2.5-8 TMR Ill. for ~$840. So there are discounts to be had if you have your connections in place, or a good account some place or another.

Also, for the 16" carbine the 2.5-8 would be perfect, and 8x is plenty at 300yds or in....

You do have sound advice. However, I'm looking at spending the absolute minimum right now. I'll buy camo & gore-tex later on when I have money to spend on that. Actually, I will be big game hunting again after a 12 year or so hiatus. No, no, that kind of thinking just gets me spending more money now, when I need to be waiting until this Spring after we buy a house.

[SHIVAN]

From my point of view, if you are Ok with the 8x top end, it's an ideal scope in it's price range.

The next step up with that power range would be the S&B's, Swarovski, Kahles, etc.

Then you are talking about at least $200 more. Probably not needed when the Leupold will do it all too.

I really like the 3x9x36mm M1 mildot I have on my 18" Rem700.

[TWR]

If you want to spend less money and get a scope that will work nicely for critters, look at the VX-III 3.5-10 with a Boone and Crocket reticle. Or for that matter the standard duplex works fine for 300 yards.

I have one of each on a 16" HBAR and a 17" RECCE type midlength but the one without the B&C reticle has turrets (older MK4 PR series). I also have a 1.5-5 on a lightweight carbine that I use for closer called coyotes.

The 2.5-8 is a nice scope without a doubt and the magnification range is very usable, for $400.00 Id look hard at whether or not you need all the gadgets for twice the price. Don't get me wrong they may serve a purpose but for critters at 300 yards?

[Mark LaRue]

Of course you don't throw away the $500 in Cabela's gift cards...

Just thinking you might be able to find a better price, and use that $500 in gift cards @ Cabelas for something else you need that Cabela's offers at a more realistic/decent price. Like camo, goretex, rain gear, fishing gear, ammo, gps, 2-way radios, etc.

Yeah, or maybe a Cookshack Smokette II.

Smoke a whole venison ham in this baby ....

[usmcgrunt]

Yeah, or maybe a Cookshack Smokette II.

Smoke a whole venison ham in this baby ....

Spoken like a True Texan!

Grunt Out!