Leupold MK4 6.5-20 M5 ?

[6.5shaggy]

Does anyone have any experience with one of these? 6.5-20x50 er/t m1 style M5 turret ffp, not the new locking model. I've been using an IOR fixed 10 and don't want to give up glass quality but need more magnification past 1000. I would also like custom knobs eventually witch the IORs don't have. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[sp6x6]

I have been using mine since spring bear, and I like the scope. I have M5 and TMR reticule. So drops are same as hold overs, I find the optics clear, taking it speed goat on Thursday

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Shaggy,

I have the new Locking Turret model w/TMR reticle. This scope rocks, say what you will about the M1 model (I have one of those too)... completely different beast, i can't give any info on the "standard" M5 sorry. If you want my .002, spend the extra $$$ & pick up the locking turret model.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

oops....

 

[Bravo 4]

I've had the scope you are asking about for several months and it's holdin up pretty well. For some reason I go through scopes on a pretty regular basis. I had it mounted on a Barret M107 and it took quite a beating from recoil and bouncing around in a HMMWV. Now it's on my .338 Edge. When I did an initial check the adjustments were 1% off. The TMR reticle was spot on. I had an IOR 3-18 FFP on it a while back and will say that even though the Leupold glass is good, the IOR glass is great. I haven't had a chance to look through the 34mm locking turret Leupold but will be getting them issued in a couple weeks on our new XM2010's.

I like this scope but have to admit that if I wasn't "stuck" with choosing a Leupold I would have went with a NightForce. Sorry Outlaw but I can't see spending that much on a Leupold... Maybe when we get them in I might change my mind.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

No apologies necessary Bravo, I bought one because I wanted one. My life doesn't depend on it, just my pride. If &/or when one of my 6 or 7 leupys fails I'll start looking other directions. I do admit the glass of my Nikons was superb, but the eye relief sucks (not to mention 1/8 moa clicks), my Zeiss is a fantastic piece of glass but no turrets on mine....lol

As stated, I have two MK4's, the first one I may part ways with do to the M1 knob & TMR reticle (or i'll have the knobs replaced). The locking turret FFP is staying on my 338RUM, I have a LOT of testing to do to find out if it truly is as good as my first impressions, or if "it's just another Leupold..."

Bravo, if you get the time, I would have much interest in a review on the Locking Turret Leupy from your end.

OP, the custom turrets is a pretty good selling point on the Leupy as you can get them from either Leupold or Kenton. But we all get along w/o them too... if you shoot in multiple altitudes, it may be necessary to utilize different knobs or know the dope change, which in my opinion, defeats the point of a custom knob. The FFP is taking some time to get used to, I do like it for sure, but this is my first & it's kinda funky to get used to.

 

[6.5shaggy]

Guys,
Thank you so much for your input. Bravo thank you so much for your service, and please let us know about the xm2010s. I use a tactical scope because I want to, not because I have to. I have a younger friend, who just got out, that was U.S.M.C. scout/sniper in Iraq and Afganistan, and I am truly humbled by all who served.
I just have a 6.5-284 for hunting and my IOR 10x is simply amazing out to 1000, and has held zero for the past 3 years no problem. I don't baby my equipment but I'm not in a battle zone either. But now I'm extending to 1300 and out and 10x is a little lacking. I was just wondering if Leupolds glass had improved any from the Mark 4 I had 4-5 years ago, or should I stay with IOR or maybe a Nightforce. I do alot of dialing up and down in practice but I am picky about quality glass, will a NF a disapointment behind the IOR glass?

Shag

 

[Bravo 4]

Outlaw,
Got word today that our rifles didn't ship, somebody screwed the pooch. They won't come in for several more months. Might have to do a review from Afghanistan.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Bravo 4,

That must have been some pooch screwin! Several months? wow.... no worries, you didn't need to train with it anyway right? I've been beating on mine a little bit as time is limited during hunting season, i've only had it out on 2 or 3 sessions so far with acceptable reliability. I am still testing so I can't say for sure that this is in fact better than the standard Mk4.... be safe over there & I sincerely thank you for your service.

Here is a pic (& a poor one at that) of the MK4 M5-A wearing ARC rings, next to a 1" Nikon Monarch 6.5-20:

 

[CS T]

I really like the Leupold M5. I will also be testing out a Locking Turret unit.




Mike @ CST

 

[Outlaw6.0]

Mike,


When you get a vid of the Locking Turret model make sure to throw it up, Lowlight has been working on one for quite a while.

thanks,

 

[CS T]

Mike,


When you get a vid of the Locking Turret model make sure to throw it up, Lowlight has been working on one for quite a while.

thanks,

I will do that. We no longer have an in house video guy work for us so it takes longer to get videos done.

Mike @ CST