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

Matt Cashell

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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

6604fbb456e6a60b39f4e070799ccf1e.jpg


Stay tuned on this thread for updates as we go!
 
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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

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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.
 

eamyrick

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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.
 
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Matt Cashell

Matt Cashell

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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
 
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Matt Cashell

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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:
fecfb9eea09c04e861608e5cf44d7dc5.jpg


(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:

783c8fc056d272e919423b5ce9aadc33.jpg


Back to Zero:

8a09a7abea56cc89fcf6b1cb85a4558d.jpg


The Nightforce still looks good.
 
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Matt Cashell

Matt Cashell

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Next was the Mark 5's turn:

Zeroed at the 10MOA dot (using the top 10 MOA hash for zero):
b00d89edf0adfe5b429a9856dd3b5368.jpg


(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.
a5960ed46eaa7fb8188c2ee40d3225a3.jpg


back to zero:

cde77ce3c0e71b958e022ae87bc5de1e.jpg
 
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Matt Cashell

Matt Cashell

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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.
 

Mk7mmSTW

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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.
 
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