Rifle Scopes Thoughts on Leupold Mk 4 ER/T 4.5-14 x 50

[Burton]

So I am considering purchasing a Leupold MK 4 ER/T 4.5-14 x 50 with M5 (1/10 mil) turrets and the TMR reticle.

Has anyone had any issues with this optic? What pros and cons that you have you experienced? How is the optical clarity, light transmission, overall quality of the optic?

I have not had much experience with Leupold other than their VX series scopes.

Thanks for the input!

 

[jclark]

I have the 6.5-20 model on my rifle and while i don't have much experience with other optics i've been very pleased with mine and would like to get the 4.5-14 model for a .223 build. I know many on here prefer other brands but i've been happy with my purchase and would do it again. I might add that my rifle got dropped once inside the house and the turret punched a hole in the wood floor and kept its zero and didn't have any difference in the turret so i assume its not bent.

 

[med17]

I have several Mrk 4's, including a 4.5 X 14 . I've had very few problems over the years, and I am very hard on them. Heat, cold, mud, snow, drop them, bang them around in the pickup, and they have all held up very well. My 4.5X14 has moa turrents and TMR illuminated reticle and I am very pleased with it. It's a newer model so it has a better illumination system than the older models. Leupold has improved the illuminated reticle on the newer ones. Good glass, lifetime warranty, I like them.

 

[Cascade_Sherpa]

I also have owned several Mark 4's over the last ten years and never had a single issue. That magnification range that you are considering is one of my most favorite that Leopold makes. I used mine for everything from hunting elk in timber to shooting steel plates out to 1000 yards: its a very versatile range. And the TMR is the best reticle that Leopold makes and should work well with 1/10 mil increments. You won't be disappointed if you get one.

John

 

[garandman]

Very pleased with my MK 4 6.5-20x with TMR reticle.

 

[krummarine]

Wow; no Leupold bashers popping up yet. I guess there's a first for everything. I have several Leupy's, to include a MK 4 and will be buying more in the future.

 

[garandman]

Wow; no Leupold bashers popping up yet. I guess there's a first for everything. I have several Leupy's, to include a MK 4 and will be buying more in the future.

I think the problem is a lot of people seem to think of Leupold as "your father's riflescope." And there's lots of other quality choices available now. All the "cool kids" are buying NF / USO / Vortex, etc. That the "latest" thing is defacto the greatest thing. And some people, when they buy something, hang their worth as a human being on the fact that they ONLY buy the best. Which means (1) giving props to themselves for their brilliant purchase (2) bashing everything else.

If you read carefully, you can tell the difference between a legit negative review of a product, vs. those just out to bash others.

 

[thrusty]

I've got a 7yr old Mk4 4.5-14 TMR....it's not the ER/T though...so it's SFP. I've had zero issues with it - tracks well, shoots well and I can see my target at all effective ranges for my rifle (shot it out to 1100yrds).

 

[USMC#1]

Quality wise there is nothing wrong with them.

Just options are somewhat lacking.... It's an older model trying to keep up with the newer ones...

FYI, I really like Leupolds and plan on getting a MK6 or Mk8!

 

[sulcop96]

Our team used them for years until we recently went with the Nightforce ATACR, but I bought mine from the department and still use it on non-duty rifles. Leupy's are fine scopes but lost popularity in a flooded tactical market with lot's of great offerings. When you get to the better manufacturers; USO, NF, Leupold, S&B, Premier, March to name a few its more about personal preference and I note people bash more on name then actually having time with the scope. Don't get me wrong, some criticism is valid and that goes for almost all manufacturers but if your buying in this group you should not have any serious issues; does not track, hold zero, glass fogs etc. It's more the little things that some like over other scopes. I have had at least one of all the high end scopes except the Premier (yet) and have my favorite but all were very good scopes.

Sully

 

[BCP]

I've had a couple of the regular ones, an older VX-III tactical and a newer Mk4 illuminated. The older model had tracking issues and the reticule was canted, the newer one had problems focusing at higher magnification and the illumination battery was a weird little one-off guy that I had to order online (Radio Shack, Frys, nobody had one). The manual said it was a CR2032 or whatever but it wasn't was a goofy little C-battery looking guy that cost 20$. And yes both of them were genuine Leupold, the Chinese ones are easy to spot. On the plus side the mag range is good, they are lightweight and the glass quality is in 'good enough' territory.

I'm not sure if I'd buy another, maybe if it was a smoking deal (say 800 or less). At their retail prices I would prefer one of the bushnell 3-21 models. Heavier but same/better glass quality, more reticule selections, higher magnification and same or less money.

 

[sjb269]

TMR reticle is Clean. I like it... a lot. Tracks well. Glass is on par with all other scopes in the price range (better than the SWFA offerings, my opinion). Side by side, sure the S&B glass is clearer and crisper, but you'd be hard pressed to blame a "Miss" on the ERTs glass. 5 Mils per rev is a minor gripe as well as only 5 mil reticle hold over. The turret markings are a bit lacking if you ask me. ERTs seem to be a bit less "robust" than others in the price range. Bottom line, if you find a good deal, grab it. Full Retail = not worth it. IMO

 

[Burton]

Thanks for the input so far guys. Sounds like a decent optic from what I have read so far.

 

[sulcop96]

Very decent optic. Would I sell my March or ATACR for one? No, but as stated above for the price range it is a very capable and reliable optic.

Sully

 

[trilogymac]

i have a 4.5-14 and a 6.5-20, both M5's with TMR's for about a year. Not one issue. Track great. Bought both used as new. I like them so much that I just bought a MK6 to try out. I think you will be pleased.

Hope this helps.
Trilogymac

 

[Burton]

i have a 4.5-14 and a 6.5-20, both M5's with TMR's for about a year. Not one issue. Track great. Bought both used as new. I like them so much that I just bought a MK6 to try out. I think you will be pleased.

Hope this helps.
Trilogymac

What do you think of the MK6? How would you rate it compared to the MK4 that we are talking about?