I found love with Leica scopes

[Derek M.]

For the life of me I have yet to figure out why Leica is not more popular (expense maybe). I just received my rifle scope (dangit, now I have to buy 4 more). **** thing is sweet.

Got the Leica ER 3.5-14-42. Reticle is IBS G7 Reticle:

Not only is it lightweight, the glass is so clear and bright and color transmission is the best I've seen. Comes with an elevation turret you can dial in.

 

[Derek M.]

I put this on my 6.5x284. Now if Leica would just bump up to offering a 4x18x50 they'd be in serious business.

 

[SBruce]

I was just seeing those the other day. Wish I'd have taken some more time to look closer.

So, if I'm understanding you correctly, the low pro elevation dial is interchangable with a micrometer style turret?

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

When they come out with tactical turrets I will give them another look quality is there no worries. Good to here a review

 

[Derek M.]

I was just seeing those the other day. Wish I'd have taken some more time to look closer.

So, if I'm understanding you correctly, the low pro elevation dial is interchangable with a micrometer style turret?

The ele turret is not only low profile but dials just like a NF but less stiff. I don't have the best vision so I need good glass. I broke down and spent some $$ on this one and now I need 4 more. The Leupolds have got to go.

Was told Zeiss and Leica glass are made in same factory but like steel for barrels, each company sets their own chemistry requirements to go into the glass make-up itself.

The Leica is by far the best glass I've ever looked through in low light. Simply amazing. Regular price is $2100 or so but I picked mine up for $1500

 

[Derek M.]

From the website: Leica Camera AG - Sport Optics - Reticles

The LEICA ER 3.5-14x42 is available with ASV elevation turret – it adjusts the point of impact of the bullet to different distances at the turn of the turret knob. Available Reticles: German #1, German 4A, LeicaPlex, Leica Ballistik Plex and Leica CDD. All reticles are the second image plane (American Style).

Leica IBS G7 Reticle

The ballistics experts at G7 have teamed up with the optical experts at Leica to develop the Integrated Ballistic System (IBS) reticle. This multi-purpose reticle allows the shooter the advantages of using the ballistic drop reticle or using the center aiming point in conjunction with a custom ballistic turret that has been calibrated in yards. The hold over aiming points give the shooter aim points out to approximately 500 yards depending the on cartridge and bullet used. The reticle has windage hash marks that assist the shooter in compensating for the wind.

The IBS Ballistic Calculator powered by G7 allows the shooter to calculate and print out the distance for each hold over dot or hash mark for his or her rifle and cartridge. The ballistic information of the shooters cartridge is entered into the calculator, or factory cartridge specifications are selected, and allows the user to print a field-carry hold over chart for that specific load.

A custom ballistic turret may be ordered from G7 which allows the shooter to adjust the vertical turret to match the distance to the target, then hold right on to complete the shot. See the downloadable form for ordering your custom turret from G7.

The Leica ER riflescope when equipped with the IBS G7 reticle gives the rifleman or woman the ultimate in long range performance whether using a bullet drop compensating turret or reticle.

Leica/G7 ballistics calculator: G7 Flash Ballistics

 

[SBruce]

From the website: Leica Camera AG - Sport Optics - Reticles

The LEICA ER 3.5-14x42 is available with ASV elevation turret – it adjusts the point of impact of the bullet to different distances at the turn of the turret knob. Available Reticles: German #1, German 4A, LeicaPlex, Leica Ballistik Plex and Leica CDD. All reticles are the second image plane (American Style).

Leica IBS G7 Reticle

The ballistics experts at G7 have teamed up with the optical experts at Leica to develop the Integrated Ballistic System (IBS) reticle. This multi-purpose reticle allows the shooter the advantages of using the ballistic drop reticle or using the center aiming point in conjunction with a custom ballistic turret that has been calibrated in yards. The hold over aiming points give the shooter aim points out to approximately 500 yards depending the on cartridge and bullet used. The reticle has windage hash marks that assist the shooter in compensating for the wind.

The IBS Ballistic Calculator powered by G7 allows the shooter to calculate and print out the distance for each hold over dot or hash mark for his or her rifle and cartridge. The ballistic information of the shooters cartridge is entered into the calculator, or factory cartridge specifications are selected, and allows the user to print a field-carry hold over chart for that specific load.

A custom ballistic turret may be ordered from G7 which allows the shooter to adjust the vertical turret to match the distance to the target, then hold right on to complete the shot. See the downloadable form for ordering your custom turret from G7.

The Leica ER riflescope when equipped with the IBS G7 reticle gives the rifleman or woman the ultimate in long range performance whether using a bullet drop compensating turret or reticle.

Leica/G7 ballistics calculator: G7 Flash Ballistics

Kinda thought that resembled the Huskemaw. Biggest complaint I have about the Huskemaws is that there isn't any hold-over marks on the reticle. Elevation adjustment has to be dialed. I believe Aaron went from Huskemaw to G7.? Is so, it appears that this scope is kinda designed around the Huskemaw system but with a better reticle and low profile adjustments.......??

 

[Derek M.]

Kinda thought that resembled the Huskemaw. Biggest complaint I have about the Huskemaws is that there isn't any hold-over marks on the reticle. Everything has to be dialed. I believe Aaron went from Huskemaw to G7.?

Aaron started G7 yes. Until I just made the above post, I had no idea the reticle I had is a G7 design.

I do not believe it has to be dialed in but is an option from what I skimmed.

I just wanted a generic MOA turret which is what I got with the scope, plus drop hashmarks so I can have the best of both worlds. I prefer using a MOA over a custom turret in case I change loads.

The reticle I have has several holdover marks. I posted the pic.

 

[SBruce]

Yea, same boat. I like to use the reticle for quick shots. Looks like I'll have to check into these scopes a little more.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Derek M.]

My opinion:

If Leica would create a 4x18 or 4x20x50 with an MOAR style NF reticle, same 30mm tube, same extra tube length to adjust for eye relief, they'd outsell everyone.

The next glass as a lateral move is Swaro. S&B tops both but when the glass gets this good, my eyes no longer detect a difference.

All Leica would need is a 20 MOA horizontal compensator reticle with a few MOA windage like in the one I bought and, well, they'd offer the perfect hunting scope.

 

[Derek M.]

Here's a review:



It is a 42 not 44 objective though.

 

[SBruce]

Mine just showed up last week. So far, just glassing with it and messing with adjustments and focus and such, I think I'll really really like it. Also got it for $1500 through Midway.

It's lightweight +
It's got excellent clarity and brightness +
It's low profile with a 30 mm tube +
It's got very generous eye relief and very forgiving/non critical eye box +
It's got an excellent reticle design for those that want MOA windage & drop +
Only downside is not alot of minutes worth of adjustment in the dial -
But I wont be dialing much anyway, if at all. It's going on a coyote hunting rifle and they don't usually give us time to dial when we call them in. Not to mention the extra movement required to look at a chart and dial the scope.

This scope is going on a lightweight, short barreled AI 6X47 Lapua. 22" Brux fluted #4, Borden action, Mcmillan HTG stock, Jewel trigger. Seekins precision rings on a picatinny rail.

Should be able to get ~3500'/sec. pretty easily with 70-75 grn bullets. That reticle is a perfect match if I've ever seen one for calling coyotes or hunting other pretators at ranges from 50 to 550 yds at my elevations. With a sight in of dead on at 150, 1" low at 200, there's a dot or dash for every 50 yd increase in distance out to 550 yds with a perfect match for my trajectory. It's also got 1 MOA windage marks on both horizontal wires and no marks on the upper vertical wire, meaning it doesn't fill the entire view with dots or dashes. Also, the dots match with odd intervals (250, 350, 450, 550) and the longer dashes are on at 300, 400 and 500 yds, main crosshair for use out to 200.

Only time and testing will show if it will hold a perfect zero and be capable of consistant sub 1/2 moa groups but I am assuming it will at this point. Love the reticle and the optics for a predator calling scope.

 

[eddybo]

My only problem is the zero stop only allows like 18 MOA of elevation adjustment. Other than limitation, they are great scopes. I put one on my favorite rifle I like them so much.

 

[lovdasnow]

what's the weight? and do you guys have a close up pic of the elevation turret?

did i read it only has 18moa of horizontal adjustment with the zero stop? how could it be so little?