Need to make quick decision re: VX-III or Mark 4

[fireroad]

I was just about to pull the trigger (no pun intended) on a VX-III 4.5-14X40mm AO with VH recticle ($500) when I found out that a friend of a friend is cash strapped and selling a brand new Mark 4 LR/T 4.5-14X40mm with mil dot for $575. I know they are pretty much the same glass, the VX-III is lighter but the Mark 4 for has more adjustment (30 mm tube) and target turrets (don't yet understand the benefit of them). I will be putting them on a Rem 700 in 300 wsm, shooting a 180gr Accubond for big game out to 600, maybe 750, yards.

Any input? How hard is it to learn to use mil dots correctly? Do those huge turrets snag on things easily?

 

[preacherman]

I love the varmint retical for "varmints"... but the Mark 4 with the mildot might be preferable on big game...

Mark 4 is a more expensive scope... sounds like a good price, if in good condition...

 

[Sharpstick]

The new VX3 (vs old VXIII) may have better glass (ssshhhh!) due to a different coating, but the mark 4 would have side focus/parallax. Does the Mark 4 have target turrets (tall but standard diameter with a cap that covers them) or M1 turrets (big, uncovered with finger knurls). The M1s can catch on stuff and move but that wouldn't be a deal breaker in my view as its a nice scope.

If it has standard target turrets, you can keep them covered so they don't get accidently adjusted.

Never used mil dots so I'm no help with that. I use a yardage marked turret and do wind with a MOA reticle.

 

[fireroad]

The scope is brand new in box, never mounted. It has the tall target turrets. They bought it brand new at Christmas, so I'm told it's the same model as featured on the website.

Mark 4 4.5-14x40mm LR/T Target

 

[FEENIX]

Go with Mark 4!

Quickly!

Hurry up!

Now!

What are you waiting for?

Go!

!

 

[mike33]

. The M1s can catch on stuff and move but that wouldn't be a deal breaker in my view as its a nice scope.

If it has standard target turrets, you can keep them covered so they don't get accidently adjusted.

Would you think this would be an issue with a nightforce scope?
mike

 

[fireroad]

It does have the target turrets. As far as if it's an issue with the NF scopes I don't know as they are out of my weight budget.

 

[Sharpstick]

The M1 style turrets getting adjusted accidently isn't a big issue. They are there for folks who dial and keeping track of them being zeroed becomes second nature. It's rare that they get bumped.

I only dial for elevation and I currently have the regular Leupold target turret with a custom dial. It wears a cap when in the truck or mule scabbord, but It's exposed 90% of the time while I'm in the field. You get used to checking that it's zeroed and if your going to dial for a shot it doesn't matter anyway. I haven't messed with NF enough to know if they would be open to accidental adjustment.

Thats a great deal on a Mark 4.

 

[Booney]

You can change a VXIII to a MARK V for 120$ just send it in and ask for M1 turrets thats it

 

[fireroad]

You can change a VXIII to a MARK V for 120$ just send it in and ask for M1 turrets thats it

Or I can just buy the Mark 4 for $75 more than a VX-III with target turrets. If I feel the need for the M1 turrets I can always buy them at a later date.

 

[Mikecr]

The best turrets are those you can reach up and adjust as needed in the field.
This is not a problem, as every tactical scope demonstrates.

I'd go Mk4

 

[fireroad]

Are the target turrets not field adjustable?

 

[brentc]

They are field adjustable, you just have to mess with a cap, which can be a pain if you need to make a quick shot. With the M1, you get a range and dial up.

I wouldn't worry about accidental adjustments with the exposed turret because you can always return it to zero within a matter of seconds.

There is no doubt that you should get into some sort of turret. They can increase your long range capability immensely when you figure out how to use them effectively with your rifle.

 

[Mikecr]

I don't consider capped adjustments field adjustable. Nor do I trust that they are field sealed(without the o-ringed cap).
I don't see a use for such a scope beyond fixed range shooting(BR).
I also will not tolerate an adjustable objective. And again, I picture their use only for fixed shooting.

Strong opinions, I know. I'll just bringing some contrast to this.
I'm a woodchuck hunter. I use only Mk4s and NXSs. I range,, solve,, dial,, focus,, level,, and if I can take it with a single shot, I will.
No reason to **** around with a scope not designed for this.

Many people here walk shots into targets. Or they shoot fixed ranges from benches. This is not hunting, and typically their scopes are not suited well for hunting.
If you're a hunter, a real hunter, you'll be content with a Mk4.
It's a great scope -overall.