Anyone use a Leupold Mark Ar?

**number1olddog** · 03-04-10, 18:45

I am trying to decide on a optic for one of my Ar's. I was initially going to go with a Aimpoint M2 but am leaning towards this Leupold. I like the fact that I can go from 1x to 4.5x and use it for close shooting as well as distance. I don't like the fact of an Aimpoint magnifier as there will be too much going on with a regular aimpint and a magnifier in front of it. Any suggestions on this?

**tmanker** · 03-04-10, 19:34

I, myself, am a perfectionist most often and have ruled out this scope as a viable option on any of my weapons. The BDC doesn't do anything for me on this scope; I would look at mark IV line if you are sold on leupold. I would personally run the aimpoint with 3x if necessary. Could you explain your intent with the weapon in greater detail?

**Belmont31R** · 03-04-10, 19:43

No experience with the Leupold AR scopes...

I am on my 2nd Short-Dot which is the same basic idea.... Nothing is going to be as fast as close in shooting as an RDS. Its impossible to get a true 1x magnification with a variable power optic which means there is a slight "fish eye" experience when shooting two eyes open with a variable power scope. Some companies are advertising "true 1x variables" but its not possible due to the image still going through a magnified lens. You might get 1.10X or something really close but there is no way to get an image through a variable optic and still get a true 1.00000X image.

The Elcan is 1X and 4X but you physically flip a lever which rotates the magnified lens out of the way, and the 1X lens is what you are looking through. A bit different operation than a variable optic.

If you are running a carbine there is little reason to go with such an optic. I have mine on a recce type gun where I can make use of the magnification. On a short gun it doesn't do much, and makes for a heavy package.

If you have any other questions Ill try to answer them if I can. Ive been running a Short-Dot for a couple years now in one capacity or another.

**number1olddog** · 03-04-10, 20:38

I have two Ar's of which both have 16" barrels. One LMT one BCM. My LMT will be a irons only ar and my BCM I will put some sort of optic. I just plan on doing close quarter type shooting but like the Leupold Mark Ar optic incase I would like to make a 4-500 yard shot. I like the Aimpoint line but dont want to have a magnifier because it just feels like too much stuff sitting on top of my upper receivers rail. I see a lot of 3gunners using these type of Leupold Mark Ar type of optics and it seems like a pretty good idea.

**Belmont31R** · 03-04-10, 20:49

Originally Posted by Jason Markert

I have two Ar's of which both have 16" barrels. One LMT one BCM. My LMT will be a irons only ar and my BCM I will put some sort of optic. I just plan on doing close quarter type shooting but like the Leupold Mark Ar optic incase I would like to make a 4-500 yard shot. I like the Aimpoint line but dont want to have a magnifier because it just feels like too much stuff sitting on top of my upper receivers rail. I see a lot of 3gunners using these type of Leupold Mark Ar type of optics and it seems like a pretty good idea.

Even with a variable optic like an Mark AR, Nightforce, Short Dot, etc you still have to turn the magnification up or down. I now have a "cat tail" on my short dot to facilitate changing the magnification around.

With a LaRue magnifier mount changing between the two isnt hard with an Aimpoint and a magnifier.

**Bionic Dead** · 03-19-10, 15:07

I was also thinking about a Mark AR scope...does anyone own one or have used one before?

**sadmin** · 03-19-10, 15:51

I have the 1.5-4 power version in a ADM mount. Its on a Sabre mid-length rifle with an A2 FSB; duplex reticle.

**vaspence** · 03-19-10, 16:08

I have one and in fact just got back from the range with it (just switched it from a NF mount to a Larue). The adjustments are positive and so far I like it. Mine has the BDC reticle. I do like being able to zero it for 5.56, set the knobs then dial in the zero for my M&P 22. It goes back and forth between rifles without any noticeable loss of zero. I hope that made sense.

I haven't played with it past 100 yards and have yet to run it other than from the bench. The verdict is still out on how I will like it vs. an Eotech or Aimpoint for close in, on the move, etc. I do like the reticle better than the Nightforce NXS I had. I also like it better then the Aimpoint 3x but that is based off of the bench not running the gun. I don't know how it will work for the unique shooting positions, broke back prone, etc. but will find out soon.

Spence

**Bionic Dead** · 03-19-10, 17:00

Originally Posted by vaspence

I have one and in fact just got back from the range with it (just switched it from a NF mount to a Larue). The adjustments are positive and so far I like it. Mine has the BDC reticle. I do like being able to zero it for 5.56, set the knobs then dial in the zero for my M&P 22. It goes back and forth between rifles without any noticeable loss of zero. I hope that made sense.

I haven't played with it past 100 yards and have yet to run it other than from the bench. The verdict is still out on how I will like it vs. an Eotech or Aimpoint for close in, on the move, etc. I do like the reticle better than the Nightforce NXS I had. I also like it better then the Aimpoint 3x but that is based off of the bench not running the gun. I don't know how it will work for the unique shooting positions, broke back prone, etc. but will find out soon.

Spence

I was thinking about the 3-9x40 then running a micro-dot off the scope body.