Looking for particular features in a Leopold...

[GetmeoutaCT]

...and can't seem to find them in a single scope. I'm wondering whether the smart folks here can help.

First, the background. I've been shooting for about 25 years. Probably 95% of that has been handgun. Recently, I've started getting interesting in target rifle shooting at fixed distances. My recently-joined club has a 200 yard range; I've been using that but am looking for private land where I can shoot farther. Here in CT, such places are somewhat hard to find (which partially explains my forum name, but let that go).

I'm committed to the AR 5.56/223 platform for the moment, for reasons I won't bore anyone with. I'm currently using a Stag Arms Model 2 with a 16" barrell and a Leupold AR Mod 3-8x 40mm scope with firedot. It's more than sufficient for the 200 yard range, but as noted above, I'm looking farther.

So, I recently purchased a Stag Arms stainless steel upper with a 24" bull barrell. I'd like to mate it with a bigger Leopold scope. I'd like to keep it as close to my current Leopold scope as possible, for ease of use and keeping things simple.

OK, here's the question. My criteria for the new Leopold are as follows: 50mm objective. Highest magnification of at least 20x. 1/10 mil adjustments. Illuminated mil-marked recticle. Second focal plane. Budget of 2k or under.

Does anyone know of such an animal? I've been on the Leupold website. Fair to say there is a dizzying number of scopes, even after eliminating the high-cost tactical stuff that is well beyond my budget. However, I cannot find a single scope that meets all my criteria. The one that comes closest is a #115198, in the VX6 line; however, the sole recticle choice for this scope is a plain crosshair with firedot - No mil dots or other marks.

Am I missing something, or am I going to have to go NF or something else (and probably bust my budget)? Thanks in advance -

-Alan

 

[TTundra]

Leupold has 113092, a Mark 4 in 8.5-25x50, m3 turrets and an illuminated TMR reticle. you can find it for around $1500. you can also do a custom shop order and get a Mark 4 6.5-20x50 with M3 turrets and an illuminated mil reticle, but that's a long wait.

I would suggest looking at the Vortex PST line. they have a 6-24x50 that's matched mil/mil and under $1000. Also have the new Razors, but bigger $$.

Also, check out the Burris XTR II. Its newer and getting great reviews. I'll be ordering a 5-25 XTR II in the next few days.

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

Thanks!

 

[RainDodger]

I just bought that same Mark 4, 8.5-25X 50mm, with illumination. It is one gorgeous scope, let me tell you. You can't go wrong with it. I compared it at the range, with the Vortex Viper, though the Viper was a max of 16X. Both are nice scopes and they both passed the "box" test - moving the POA through a box pattern to see how they return to zero. Both did well. The Leupold has that certain "feel" though, that the Vortex lacked. Hard to describe... but the Vortex is far less money. I would be completely happy with the Vortex, but I was luckily able to obtain the Leupold.

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

Raindodger, thanks. Tell me, could you tell whether one scope was better than the other (I guess we're talking about whether the Leupold was better) as far as brightness or sharpness, at least up to 16x?

 

[DRYHUMOR]

You might go to Leupold's Custom Shop

https://customshop.leupold.com/

Not every scope can be built in every way, but a few minutes of building one up may give you something you might want.

I have an 8.5 - 25 x 50 with varmint reticle; those would be worth looking at.

+1 on the Mark 4 also.

 

[RainDodger]

I paid the extra money for the Leupold.... everything about it is just that bit of extra quality.

 

[txblackout]

Not exactly what you asked for. Trijicon accupoint tr23 is5 to 20x. Mil dot in red,green or amber. Fiber optic and tritium. 1188 from Amazon

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

Update!

After trying to justify the cost of the Leupold for two months, I finally decided to order instead a Vortex Viper PST 6-24 50mm (Model PST 624S1-M) from Optics Planet. It's second focal plane like the Leupold.

Price with the St. Paddy's 10% coupon was $675 - less than half what the Leupold would have cost me. Reviews are all excellent and it comes with a 4 inch sunshade, so...

Normally I'll pay a bit extra for the best and I concede the Leupold is better, but for my purposes I think I did fine.

Thanks to all for advice and suggestions!

 

[Paddy]

Why does leupold continue to mix match reticle and turret markings in their own scopes? Mil/moa seems to make very little sense to me. What's the point of a ranging reticle if the corresponding marks on the turrets don't coincide?

Also Op, why do you specify second focal plane? I was under the impression that a mil scale reticle is not going to be useful in second focal plane to estimate range unless it's at an exact magnification setting.

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

Paddy, personal preference really, although these old eyes also have trouble reading the recticle at lower powers in a FFP scope. I suspect I'll be using the new scope at 12X (max is 24), which means each marking will be 2 mils instead of 1. Easy enough to remember.

 

[TTundra]

Personal preference is the big reason. If you've been shooting for 20-30-40-50 years plus, you may not want to change. you're used to moa turrets and you want to keep them.
As for the SFP vs FFP, lots comes into play there. SFP are usually a decent step down in price and if you aren't ranging too much, using it as a holdover is nice. Also, in hunting applications, sometimes a FFP just doesn't work too well. When you want to take a shot at closer distances and have it at low power for a quick shot, the SFP makes for a clearer reticle image.
To each their own, but theres certainly the market for the varying types for now. Some people are happy with what they have grown up on and learned with. Just means more options for the consumer.

 

[COLOSHOOTR]

Paddy, personal preference really, although these old eyes also have trouble reading the recticle at lower powers in a FFP scope. I suspect I'll be using the new scope at 12X (max is 24), which means each marking will be 2 mils instead of 1. Easy enough to remember.

Just make sure you test the scope to be sure exactly where the reticle is actually 1/2 scale as a lot of scopes are a little off so what you think should be right on based on the markings is actually slightly off as the mag ring is not always perfectly calibrated. You'll be happy with the scope I know a few people with them (all FFP though) and they all love them.