I am trying to decide on a optic for one of my Ar’s. I was initially going to go with a Aimpoint M2 but am leaning towards this Leupold. I like the fact that I can go from 1x to 4.5x and use it for close shooting as well as distance. I don’t like the fact of an Aimpoint magnifier as there will be too much going on with a regular aimpint and a magnifier in front of it. Any suggestions on this?
I, myself, am a perfectionist most often and have ruled out this scope as a viable option on any of my weapons. The BDC doesn’t do anything for me on this scope; I would look at mark IV line if you are sold on leupold. I would personally run the aimpoint with 3x if necessary. Could you explain your intent with the weapon in greater detail?
No experience with the Leupold AR scopes…
I am on my 2nd Short-Dot which is the same basic idea… Nothing is going to be as fast as close in shooting as an RDS. Its impossible to get a true 1x magnification with a variable power optic which means there is a slight “fish eye” experience when shooting two eyes open with a variable power scope. Some companies are advertising “true 1x variables” but its not possible due to the image still going through a magnified lens. You might get 1.10X or something really close but there is no way to get an image through a variable optic and still get a true 1.00000X image.
The Elcan is 1X and 4X but you physically flip a lever which rotates the magnified lens out of the way, and the 1X lens is what you are looking through. A bit different operation than a variable optic.
If you are running a carbine there is little reason to go with such an optic. I have mine on a recce type gun where I can make use of the magnification. On a short gun it doesn’t do much, and makes for a heavy package.
If you have any other questions Ill try to answer them if I can. Ive been running a Short-Dot for a couple years now in one capacity or another.
I have two Ar’s of which both have 16" barrels. One LMT one BCM. My LMT will be a irons only ar and my BCM I will put some sort of optic. I just plan on doing close quarter type shooting but like the Leupold Mark Ar optic incase I would like to make a 4-500 yard shot. I like the Aimpoint line but dont want to have a magnifier because it just feels like too much stuff sitting on top of my upper receivers rail. I see a lot of 3gunners using these type of Leupold Mark Ar type of optics and it seems like a pretty good idea.
Even with a variable optic like an Mark AR, Nightforce, Short Dot, etc you still have to turn the magnification up or down. I now have a “cat tail” on my short dot to facilitate changing the magnification around.
With a LaRue magnifier mount changing between the two isnt hard with an Aimpoint and a magnifier.
I was also thinking about a Mark AR scope…does anyone own one or have used one before?
I have the 1.5-4 power version in a ADM mount. Its on a Sabre mid-length rifle with an A2 FSB; duplex reticle.
I have one and in fact just got back from the range with it (just switched it from a NF mount to a Larue). The adjustments are positive and so far I like it. Mine has the BDC reticle. I do like being able to zero it for 5.56, set the knobs then dial in the zero for my M&P 22. It goes back and forth between rifles without any noticeable loss of zero. I hope that made sense.
I haven’t played with it past 100 yards and have yet to run it other than from the bench. The verdict is still out on how I will like it vs. an Eotech or Aimpoint for close in, on the move, etc. I do like the reticle better than the Nightforce NXS I had. I also like it better then the Aimpoint 3x but that is based off of the bench not running the gun. I don’t know how it will work for the unique shooting positions, broke back prone, etc. but will find out soon.
Spence
I was thinking about the 3-9x40 then running a micro-dot off the scope body.
Is this Leupold scope made in the USA or “overseas”?
I have a Leupold Mark AR 1.5-4x and like it. Of course, it is not the best out there, but for the >$300 price limit I had, it is a fair optic. The glass is clear–uses same coating as the much more expensive Mark 4. One drawback is the reticle is NOT illuminated, so in lowlight situations, dusk, etc. your reticle is not visible. The magnification adjustment ring (what’s the proper term for this?) is knurled and has something like the cattail as part of it, whcih makes it very easy to adjust. Another drawback is it is a 1" tube, not a 30mm. But for my purposes–general range use UNDER 300 yards–it is an outstanding scope for the $. Someday I want to buy an ACOG or a SB short-dot, or even the Vortex Viper but until I can afford them, this is not a bad optic, though it is NOT a sutiable substitute for the duty-use capabilities of the more expensive optics. If I needed a duty optic, I would say wait until you can afford what you realy need rather than going with a cheaper alternative. One plus, though, is the adjustments seem to be brass, not plastic, and are 1/4 moa rather than 1/2 moa. These adjustments are finger adjustable, and the cap for them is also finger removable without need of tools–these adjustments also produce the audible “click” many people favor. Also, I do not detect anything like the “fisheye bubble” on the 1.5x setting mentioned in other posts about other scopes. To my eye at least, the 1.5x seems chrystal clear. The eye-relief is also very forgiving: 3-5 inches.
I have two mark ar scopes. One 1.5-4 and one 3-9. Both seem to be very clear and for the price, i really like them. But the 1.5-4 is no alternative for my eotech. The eotech at close range is much faster than the mark ar on 1.5 power. I can find the targets much faster. But when i shoot at 200 yds it is pretty nice to have the 4x. With any optic you go with its a trade off. but like you said mount a fastfire, deltapoint, or any varation on top of the scope would be pretty sweet.
I cant figure this out, been searching and cant find anything, i would love to know also.
Can you post a photo or diagram of the BDC reticle??
Which reticle did you have on the NXS?
Thank you
Made in Oregon, USA.
The “Leupold” branded scopes are all made in Oregon. They used to mark them as such, but since there is some ambiguity of the laws regarding marking an item as “Made in USA” if some of the components come from overseas, they stopped marking them a few years back. Their glass comes from overseas.
IIRC, some of their binocular lines are made overseas as well.
My son has on on his 15-22
I have one on my Savage bolt gun.
I have a couple, the 1.5-4 and a 3-9. I love em. You can pay a lot more and get a lot less.