Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18X44 Review ***Updated 2/9/20***

[Matt Cashell]

In conjunction with the Mesa Precision Arms Crux Carbon Hunter rifle review, I will be testing one of Leupold Optics' latest tactical/hunting riflescopes, the Mark 5 3.6-18X44 riflescope with the First Focal Plane PR-1 MOA reticle.

***Update 2/9/20*** Complete review: Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 Review

Stay tuned on this thread for updates as we go!

 

[OSU Fisher]

Looking forward to your review! I'm debating on what mark5's to go with right now. Have 2 new rifles being built that are similar to your build. One 300wm and one 6.5prc. Cant decide on 5-25 or 3.6-18. Or if I want to go illuminated. Will forsure go with the PR-1 moa.

 

[marktole]

I have one of these scopes in MRAD atop my hunting rifle. Really like the fact that it's 26oz and has the feature set of a tactical scope (FFP, 35mm main tube, reticle options, etc.).

I would like to see a tracking test be done as part of the review, if you weren't already planning that.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I would like to see a tracking test be done as part of the review, if you weren't already planning that.

It is definitely going to be a part of the review!

 

[Kotaman]

Awesome...My last two builds hold this scope and look forward to your review. So far I LOVE mine.

 

[marktole]

It is definitely going to be a part of the review!

Awesome, thank you! Looking forward to your write up.

 

[duckhunter175]

Definitely following this!

 

[DRUSS]

Been looking at the 5-25 version. This review could make a decision easier.....

 

[sportsmans challenge]

Following, have heard great things about this line.

 

[Jon Boy]

Tagging.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[Opiate]

considering this scope will read

 

[eamyrick]

Also looking forward to this. Would like to see the low power reticle shots against a variety of backgrounds with and without illumination as I would likely buy the unillumimated version for hunting.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Also looking forward to this. Would like to see the low power reticle shots against a variety of backgrounds with and without illumination as I would likely buy the unillumimated version for hunting.

I can try to do that

 

[Matt Cashell]

So, I was able to get a little tracking testing done from my homemade machine rest and handdrawn test target.

First I ran the Nightforce ATACR 4-16X50 as a control, as I have already verified its tracking:

Zeroed at the top dot:

(All directions are reference reticle on target, not bullet impact) I ran it down 50 MOA, right 12MOA, up 10 MOA, Left 24 MOA, up 30MOA and right 14MOA which left me Down 10MOA and Right 2MOA:

Back to Zero:

The Nightforce still looks good.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Next was the Mark 5's turn:

Zeroed at the 10MOA dot (using the top 10 MOA hash for zero):

(All directions reference reticle on target, not bullet impact on target) I ran it down 50MOA, right 12 MOA, up 30MOA, left 24MOA, up 4 MOA, right 14MOA which left the reference hash 16MOA down and 2MOA right.

back to zero:

 

[Matt Cashell]

This testing was just preliminary mechanical adjustment testing. So far so good. I plan on doing additional adjustment testing as we go through this process.

NOTE: Please don't make any conclusions about optical performance of either riflescope using these hasty handheld digiscoping photos.

 

[sportsmans challenge]

Sounding good, glad to hear the disclaimer on the photo/view quality

 

[Mk7mmSTW]

Ordered this exact scope last week. Ring selection is the only crutch I found but sold on size/weight.

 

[Brightwhite]

Ordered this exact scope last week. Ring selection is the only crutch I found but sold on size/weight.

I have one on the way too. I went with the ARC M10’s, which I have had before and really like. What did you go with?

 

[Mk7mmSTW]

I have one on the way too. I went with the ARC M10’s, which I have had before and really like. What did you go with?

I’m going with the TPS super low. They are lightweight and the only ring I could find that brings the scope down against the barrel. I think the M10’s are the best looking by far, but even on a straight shank barrel you can still run your hand under the bell. I’m running a sendero proof and bolt throw isn’t a concern so the shortest lightest ring possible was my goal. Even the bigger 56mm fits into the M10 lows and I just can’t swallow that.