Best Leupold for 18" SPR(style) build?

[Dave L.]

I think I'm dumping the Illuminated Reticle Idea. After reading up and getting good advice, First Focal Plane is the way to go. Leupold (from what I could find) does not make an Illuminated Optic that is FFP.

[vicious_cb]

The Mk4 MR/T 3-9x36 is calibrated for .223 loads but is not in production anymore. Its replacement is the Mk4 MR/T 2.5-8x36 which has about 1 inch more eye relief but calibrated for 308

[sgtlmj]

The Mk4 MR/T 3-9x36 is calibrated for .223 loads but is not in production anymore. Its replacement is the Mk4 MR/T 2.5-8x36 which has about 1 inch more eye relief but calibrated for 308

+1 on the Mk4 MR/T 2.5-8x36! I had a 3-9 and dumped it in favor of the 2.5-8. The eye relief was the seller. Couple that optic with an illuminated TMR and M2 turrets, and you have perfection.

[Gunfighter13]

I think I'm dumping the Illuminated Reticle Idea. After reading up and getting good advice, First Focal Plane is the way to go. Leupold (from what I could find) does not make an Illuminated Optic that is FFP.

Before you rule out the illuminated scope let me make my recommendation.
The difference with FFP and illuminated is that you can only range find at the maximum magnification with the illuminated. With the FFP you can range find at the lower magnification. What I recommend is if you will shoot in low light that you take advantage of the illuminated TMR. I don’t know how much low light/no light shooting you have done or even if you anticipate doing any at all. For me about 90% of the time it’s 3 AM and low light. Here’s my recommendation.


http://www.leupold.com/tactical/prod...illum-reticle/
or
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/prod...3-front-focal/

This would be a good choice to if you could live with 8X max magnification.http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetac...tail.bok?no=83

[sgtlmj]

FFP scopes work best in the higher power ranges. 4-14x or 3.7-22x for example. Once you get lower than 5'ish, the reticle is quite small and hard to range. For an SPR type setup, the lower the low end the better.

If money is no object, the best option would be a US Optics 1.8-10x37 illuminated. It's a FFP scope with lots of options. Starts around $2k.

[Buck]

Not a Leupold, but I would highly recommend a Night Force 2.5-10x24 NXS in a SPR mount...

Just my .02

Buck

[sgtlmj]

I've never owned (I have used) an illuminated reticle and see no need for them on a precision scope. I have used the mil-dot scopes but with the lazer range finders to me they kind of make them obselete. I have gone to the standard duplex reticles and just range, then crank up the turrets, if I was quicker (and smarter) the mil-dot might be as good but for me they're not.

If all of your shooting is during the day you probably will have no use for illum. Our dept. has a limited budget and weapons mounted night vision is not a possibility right now. Without illum reticles, we would have little low light capability at all.

As far as mil-dots or other ranging reticles, there are many more uses for them than range finding. BDC/Holdovers, moving target leads, wind holds. What if the battery on your LRF dies? It's nice having a backup ranging system. Get a scope with adjustments that match the reticle and a new world opens up to you.

[TWR]

I've shot plenty at night and if I can make out my target, I can see my reticle. As I said I'm not smart enough to use the mil dots, quickly anyway so I use what works for me. If I were LE/MIL maybe things would be different.

As for battery life, how long does the illuminated reticle hold up?

[sgtlmj]

I've shot plenty at night and if I can make out my target, I can see my reticle. As I said I'm not smart enough to use the mil dots, quickly anyway so I use what works for me. If I were LE/MIL maybe things would be different.

As for battery life, how long does the illuminated reticle hold up?

Lit reticles are necessary for varied lighting conditions. Pull up on something really dark with a little backlight and the reticle will wash right out. We never know which side of the meth bug's trailer we'll be setting up on, or if he has a yard light. The lit reticle is good insurance.

On one of my Leupolds, it's been using the same battery for two years. Another dies almost every time I bring it out because the knob turns too easily. I don't know why Leupold won't put a stop or some positive clicks on the rheostat. My US Optic has a cover over the rheostat.

[SHIVAN]

Lit reticles are great for hunting too. They really stand out on the hide of your typical whitetail...

Especially right near dusk.

First focal plane is all the rage with long distance shooters, as you can use the reticle to range at any magnification.

I understand the benefit, but rely on a LRF first, then kentucky elevation/windage second. I am not experienced enough in LD shooting to use mils properly.

I am practicing, but not enough. Be honest with yourself, if you are going to use your reticle to range unknown distances, then maybe the FFP optic is for you.

If you are going to rely on a LRF, or holdovers, then you can get any optic you'd like.

I think all my optics are illuminated except one. They are pretty nice to have.