Leupold Mark "AR" 1.5-4x 20 mm

[30 cal slut]

I guess this is a new product that's out.

http://www.leupold.com/tactical/prod...ar-1-5-4x20mm/

While listed as a dual use (hunting and "tactical") ... my initial impression is that it is a budget alternative to the S&B Short Dot, with the main functional difference is that the lowest level of magnification is 1.5x (vs. 1.1x for the S&B Short Dot). I saw this listed for $280 at optics planet (w/ free shipping to boot).

Some initial reports posted elsewhere do not like the performance of the unit in low light situations.



Anyone try this out yet?

[rob_s]

$280 is a very attractive price. The non-illuminated 1.5-5 MR/T is $630, the illuminated version of same is $900, and the non-tactical versions are $430 and $600 respectively.

It looks like illumination can add $170-270, and in the bargain line I'd think some folks might pay another $100-150 for the illumination option.

I think that lower cost, and slightly lower power, version would be a great addition to a .22 LR training rig for someone using one of the MR/Ts on their primary.

[HiggsBoson]

I have had the brother to that (the Mark AR 3-9x40mm) for a couple of months.

I also would like to read a review of the 1.5-4x version; I'm impressed by the value delivered by the one I have at an affordable price.

Re: comparisons to the S&B Short Dot, none of the existing Mark AR line have an illuminated reticle, but at this price I'd be surprised if it did. The DMS-1 tried for that and apparently didn't deliver on quality.

[UVvis]

As a side note to HiggsBoson's post.

This Mark AR scope is a 1" tube. I don't think Leupold offers an illuminated option in anything but the 30mm tubes.

I have the illuminated VX-3 version that Rob linked to above. In lower light I loose the crosshairs unless the illumination is turned on. I can't imagine the optics are that much different. From talking to Leupold Tech guys, the VX-3 versus the MR/T version difference is mostly in the erector springs, turrets, and exterior coatings, with the MR/T having a more rugged build.

[cschwanz]

I am looking into the 3x9 mildot version in the very near future. Id be interested in reviews of the unit as a whole, not just the 1.5x4 version.

[blrmkr79]

I was going to get the 3x9 mildot and saw that they now have a 4x12 mildot for just a little bit more. Went ahead and ordered it.

[SilverBullet432]

Search result. Picked one of these up yesterday for my .300BLK upper. Build and quality seem good to go. I wanted a good, US-made glass. Think I got it! ADM QD mount is on the way!

[.46caliber]

This is an old one, but it could use some more meat to it.

I bought a Mark AR Mod 1 1.5-4X fall of last year. So far, I've been pretty happy with it. Mine has the Firedot-G SPR, the center point of the cross hairs is illuminated with a single green dot. Good visibility in day light, 6 different brightness settings. I can certainly see why others prefer a rotary dial type brightness adjustment, but the push-button cycle adjustment is by no means a failure. Transitioning from indoor to outdoor would probably make it more of an issue.

Glass is good, but not great. Eye relief is pretty unforgiving. I've found that I have to settle in just right, there is a sweet spot and if I'm not in it, I'm not seeing properly. The 1.5X as the lowest power is another draw back. At the end of the day though, I feel these are the sacrifices made for the price. $350-400 ish.

I have mine in a Burris PEPR with QD. (Got it for about $60 when Cabela's discontinued it on their site) The mount is heavy and I think I may swap it out. I wanted a QD mount so the scope could be removed sans tools to use the BUIS. The mount is heavy, and I'm using the smooth tops. There's just no way around the weight. I also find myself wishing the scope was a bit higher. I want to find some dimensions on an AeroPrecision lightweight mount if it sits higher, I'll probably switch. Pair that with off-set irons and I'm not so worried about QD.

I'm very happy with the scope. I'm not thrilled with the mount, but it does the job.

[GH41]

The center height to top of rail is 1 1/2" according to AP. I have the extended version in route. GH

[.46caliber]

The center height to top of rail is 1 1/2" according to AP. I have the extended version in route. GH

I think the Burris PEPR is the same. The dimensions on their site look to be incorrect. I wonder why AP didn't start with the extended. I won't be surprised if they phase out the original.


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