Luepold Mark AR vs. Vortex Viper HS-T

[Boozer]

Hi all-

After a bit of massaging I finally have a Remington 700 in .30-06 that will hold ~1" groups at 100 yards. At this point I am looking to start shooting a bit further. I currently have a very basic Leupold 3x9 on it right now, and am looking to switch to something with a little more magnification, and adjustable turrets. Even though it is meant for the .223/5.56 AR, I have been looking at the Leupold Mark AR in the 4x12 model. My motivation for this is that I have had a good experience with my current scope, and I generally hear good thing about leupold. This scope has all my requirements while keeping it around the $500 mark, which is where I would like to stay. I have not heard of many people recommending or suggesting this scope, so i'm trying to get a bit of feedback.

The other option I am looking at is the Vortex Viper HS-T in 4x16. I've read many good posts and reviews about this scope, and feel like it would be a good choice as well. I'm trying to make it out to the 500 yard mark, so 16x is probably a bit overkill, but it does come with the MOA retical, which would be great for wind holds and shorter shots.


Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Boozer]

Wow, I thought that question would incite a riotous debate... Anyone?

 

[kcebcj]

I use the Vortex HSLR 4-16 and am satisfied with its performance. I really like the capped windage and use the reticle for wind. Have dialed this thing out to a 1000 yards a lot and it returns to zero perfectly.

 

[JoeS1044]

I sell both of these scopes at my job and I'd take the Vortex every time first you will be getting an amazing product with the best warranty in the business by fair. And the turrets will be perfect for you since the elevation turret has zero stop capabilities makes for dialing a lot easier when you do not have to remember where your zero is at. Id recommend Vortex over almost any other product I sell.

 

[kcebcj]

I sell both of these scopes at my job and I'd take the Vortex every time first you will be getting an amazing product with the best warranty in the business by fair. And the turrets will be perfect for you since the elevation turret has zero stop capabilities makes for dialing a lot easier when you do not have to remember where your zero is at. Id recommend Vortex over almost any other product I sell.

Where is your shop in Lewiston? I'm building another rifle and would like to visit as I will need a scope for it. You can PM the address if you like.

 

[JoeS1044]

Where is your shop in Lewiston? I'm building another rifle and would like to visit as I will need a scope for it. You can PM the address if you like.

right now I'm working at Sportsmans Warehouse I'm our resident scope guy!

 

[Boozer]

Thanks guys. I haven't had the chance to hold the vortex in my hands or look through it, so plunking down the cash sight unseen is a little nerve racking.

I'm a bit surprised at the lack of info about the Mark AR, but maybe there's a reason for that?!?! I'll stop looking for a recommendation where there isn't one.

 

[JoeS1044]

Thanks guys. I haven't had the chance to hold the vortex in my hands or look through it, so plunking down the cash sight unseen is a little nerve racking.

I'm a bit surprised at the lack of info about the Mark AR, but maybe there's a reason for that?!?! I'll stop looking for a recommendation where there isn't one.

I've played with them quite a few times Boozer but honestly for the money and the fact that Leupold doesnt have a warranty anymore besides manufacturer defect the cost of Leupold and in my opinion the glass is clearer in the Vortex I often dont recommend the Leupolds. Its hard for me to justify telling someone to buy a product for the simple name recognition dont get me wrong Leupold is an exceptional brand but I personally like Vortex better I recommend going to a store and playing with them both. Good Luck with your decision!

 

[Boozer]

I've played with them quite a few times Boozer but honestly for the money and the fact that Leupold doesnt have a warranty anymore besides manufacturer defect the cost of Leupold and in my opinion the glass is clearer in the Vortex I often dont recommend the Leupolds. Its hard for me to justify telling someone to buy a product for the simple name recognition dont get me wrong Leupold is an exceptional brand but I personally like Vortex better I recommend going to a store and playing with them both. Good Luck with your decision!

I was under the impression Leupold still had a warranty on their products. I know there's the gold ring/non gold ring issue. This is straight from their website:

Leupold Warranty Infomation | Leupold Optics

Did they change their warranty somehow?

 

[JoeS1044]

I was under the impression Leupold still had a warranty on their products. I know there's the gold ring/non gold ring issue. This is straight from their website:

Leupold Warranty Infomation | Leupold Optics

Did they change their warranty somehow?

I spoke with one of their reps about a month ago and he said they are going away with the gold ring warranty and moving to only a manufacturer defect because they feel their product is good enough that they shouldnt have to back the customers fault for breaking it. He did say that anyone who buys one before they change the rule will be grandfathered in under their old warranty rule.

 

[elkwhisper]

I spoke with one of their reps about a month ago and he said they are going away with the gold ring warranty and moving to only a manufacturer defect because they feel their product is good enough that they shouldnt have to back the customers fault for breaking it. He did say that anyone who buys one before they change the rule will be grandfathered in under their old warranty rule.

As one of two Leupold reps that cover Idaho......I can assure you that nothing has changed with the Leupold Gold Ring Warranty. We still build them in Beaverton OR and that is where we service them on the rare occasion they need to be repaired. Leupold has built a legendary reputation for taking care of customers.....and it wasn't by accident. Trust me when I tell you that when given the chance Leupold will accommodate most any valid warranty claim and our goal is to not only to take care of our loyal users... but to EARN your future business.

Not sure where you are getting your info or who you actually talked too.... but if you ever need some clarification feel free to give me a holler.

 

[magedon44]

I use the Vortex HSLR 4-16 and am satisfied with its performance. I really like the capped windage and use the reticle for wind. Have dialed this thing out to a 1000 yards a lot and it returns to zero perfectly.

I am thinking a about buying a new viper HS-LR 4-16 with the 1/2 moa clicks, this scope had capped windage, I am comparing this scope to the new HS-T with exposed windage in 1/4 clicks... how do you think the exposed windage turrets would be in real life hunting situations out west going in and out of scabberts and the possibility of accedently turning it? I like the 1/4 moa elevation clicks but worry about the windage being mistakenly turned.. i saw that you have shot these scopes and just was looking for some advice..? as im sure you do the same..im sitting here scratching my head contemplating buying a new toy i dont really need..lol

 

[Iclimb]

As one of two Leupold reps that cover Idaho......I can assure you that nothing has changed with the Leupold Gold Ring Warranty. We still build them in Beaverton OR and that is where we service them on the rare occasion they need to be repaired. Leupold has built a legendary reputation for taking care of customers.....and it wasn't by accident. Trust me when I tell you that when given the chance Leupold will accommodate most any valid warranty claim and our goal is to not only to take care of our loyal users... but to EARN your future business.

Not sure where you are getting your info or who you actually talked too.... but if you ever need some clarification feel free to give me a holler.

I've been around half a dozen leupolds that do not track or hold a zero. So many of my friends have trouble with them that it has really scared me off of them. One recently was sent in for repair, and returned. We put it on the rifle and it's doing the exact same thing as it was. I don't think they even touched it. Put another scope on and the rifle shot flawless.For that reason I can't give you an actual hands on report but I do have a few vortex's one being the new HS-t. All track perfectly and to me the glass is great. I've converted three friends to vortex and I'm sure more will follow. If you end up going with the HS-t or any vortex,pm me I'll see if I can get you a deal.

 

[bruce_ventura]

I've been around half a dozen leupolds that do not track or hold a zero. So many of my friends have trouble with them that it has really scared me off of them. One recently was sent in for repair, and returned. We put it on the rifle and it's doing the exact same thing as it was. I don't think they even touched it. Put another scope on and the rifle shot flawless...

I'm not a fan of Leupold, but I'm wondering if there were any mitigating circumstances. For example, there are a lot of older Leupolds out there. Erector leaf springs can weaken over time. Were there any old scopes in that half dozen? Or were they all late model scopes, suggesting a recent change in Leupold quality? What models are we talking about: low cost VX-1s or higher end VX-3, Mark 4, VX-6, etc? Just curious to know more details.

The bad warranty experience is not defensible.