Rifle Scopes What to do, what to do...great buy on a leupold

[WyoWindCall]

Well Im currently stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have the chance to acquire a used Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40 mil-dot scope for $700 (#51850). Its in good condition and Im buying this optic to go on my scar 17 for Coyotes. I currently have my Mark 6 3-18 on it now and the gun is very accurate but the Mark 6 needs to go back on my OBR. My issue is that since I had an 18x scope in the gun previously I am not sure if it will be enough power. I usually shoot between 300 and 800 yards with most shots being at the greater distant.
Should I wait and go with something with more power (14x or more) or go ahead and get this and possibly use it as trading stock if it’s not enough magnification.
Thoughts?

 

[Cobracutter]

That is not a very good price for what is considered an obsolete scope with poor glass, non FFP and Non mil/mil

In that price range, Look at the 3-15 SS, the 4-16 FFP Vortex PST and maybe a used Bushy Tactical FFP.

 

[K_4c]

I'll go against the above statement.... The price seems legit if the optic is in good condition. While in the service, our M3A performed as advertised, but as you already stated, you've been spoiled by better glass. I feel the 3.5-10 is better suited as a SPR (.223/5.56) role. I'd hold out or switch that weapons role to a battle rifle role with a nice 1-6 or 1-8 optic...

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Going along with what you said about the mag range that youre used to, I bet you will notice it it and want it back when you need it. $700 is a good deal on that scope, no question. However, you can spend the same price on a PST matched turret to reticle in a 4-16x or 6-24x. You could get a FFP PST for a little more than that leupold too. I love Leupold, but for what your needs are and what youre used to on that stick, you might want to get something with teh similar features youre used to (mag wise) and maybe a few upgrades...

Trevor B.

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

I really can't see using a 10x to hit coyotes at 800 yards on any regular basis. I don't think you will find the 3.5-10x40 good enough. And I owned one, and sold it for about $700... that is a reasonable price if it's what you want, which it probably isn't. If you were set on that magnification range I'd get the Sightron SIII 3.5-10x44 instead. But I think you will be wanting at least 15x on the high end for your 800 yard coyotes, I certainly would.

 

[BCP]

I have a leupold M3 on my M1A and am getting another for my 223 semi.

IMHO, it's a good choice for a semi auto if you want to zero it @ 100 and then plink on steel to 500-600 and occasionally coyotes. 700 is the most I'd spend for one though.

You won't notice the lack of magnification until you start focusing on smaller targets, IE trying to shoot paper at 200-300, or varminting. Then it will become apparent.

Have you seen the vortex 2.5-10x32 model? It's a very nice, lightweight, low profile scope with a ton of features for the money.

 

[BCP]

If you were set on that magnification range I'd get the Sightron SIII 3.5-10x44 instead.

I have one of those, I posted it for sale but will probably end up keeping it for a backup if nobody bites on it. They're a real diamond in the rough.

 

[Cobracutter]

I'll go against the above statement.... The price seems legit if the optic is in good condition. While in the service, our M3A performed as advertised, but as you already stated, you've been spoiled by better glass. I feel the 3.5-10 is better suited as a SPR (.223/5.56) role. I'd hold out or switch that weapons role to a battle rifle role with a nice 1-6 or 1-8 optic...

Its value is more like a $400-500 scope. Vortex has better glass, better warranty, Better turrets, better reticle and FFP al with a better magnification range. The SWFA 3-9 and 5-15 are both much better as well. The Bushy FFP tacticals around $850-950 also blow it out of the water. The New sightron FFP will blow it out of the water, with fantastic glass. Hell, Older FFP 2.5-10 IOR's will blow it out of the water.

That scope is 10 year old technolgy. The USMC used 10X unerti's untill about 5 years ago, does not mean its the most optimal optic for the role. I used a TA01 while deployed, and while serviceable, was not optimal.

There is no reason to buy a old style luepy unless its a SCREAMING deal (IE less than $500) or you are building a clone. Other options on the market blow it out of the water.

 

[K_4c]

Its value is more like a $400-500 scope. Vortex has better glass, better warranty, Better turrets, better reticle and FFP al with a better magnification range. The SWFA 3-9 and 5-15 are both much better as well. The Bushy FFP tacticals around $850-950 also blow it out of the water. The New sightron FFP will blow it out of the water, with fantastic glass. Hell, Older FFP 2.5-10 IOR's will blow it out of the water.

That scope is 10 year old technolgy. The USMC used 10X unerti's untill about 5 years ago, does not mean its the most optimal optic for the role. I used a TA01 while deployed, and while serviceable, was not optimal.

There is no reason to buy a old style luepy unless its a SCREAMING deal (IE less than $500) or you are building a clone. Other options on the market blow it out of the water.

To each his own.... I disagree. The mk4 is combat proven, simple and fairly robust. I served as a battalion scout sniper and none of our Mk4's went down in 2 deployments. As I stated before, the 3.5-10 is a great SPR type optic but is not a wise choice for the precision game.

side note: The army still use 10x fixed glass (M3A). They dumb it down b/c stress will induce other unforeseen errors. Is it ideal? no. Does it put rounds down range accurately? yes. And a combat hit is good enough as not to many haji's can walk off a 175 smk.

 

[colt933]

Its value is more like a $400-500 scope. Vortex has better glass, better warranty, Better turrets, better reticle and FFP al with a better magnification range. The SWFA 3-9 and 5-15 are both much better as well. The Bushy FFP tacticals around $850-950 also blow it out of the water. The New sightron FFP will blow it out of the water, with fantastic glass. Hell, Older FFP 2.5-10 IOR's will blow it out of the water.

That scope is 10 year old technolgy. The USMC used 10X unerti's untill about 5 years ago, does not mean its the most optimal optic for the role. I used a TA01 while deployed, and while serviceable, was not optimal.

There is no reason to buy a old style luepy unless its a SCREAMING deal (IE less than $500) or you are building a clone. Other options on the market blow it out of the water.

WTB: Used Mark 4 3.5-10 $4-500 only

Seriously, where can I buy one at that price? I doubt anyone who bought one of these scopes commercially (not in the military) would sell for less than $700. I see them sometimes at the gun show pretty cheap but they are all beat up, krylon-ed, and are probably stolen govt property.

Just sayin'...

 

[Cobracutter]

WTB: Used Mark 4 3.5-10 $4-500 only

Seriously, where can I buy one at that price? I doubt anyone who bought one of these scopes commercially (not in the military) would sell for less than $700. I see them sometimes at the gun show pretty cheap but they are all beat up, krylon-ed, and are probably stolen govt property.

Just sayin'...

Ive seen a couple with MD goes in that range. Like I said, they are only WORTH around that range based on features and quality.

 

[GONIF]

Call Chris at Sportoptic and get the Vortex

 

[nfoley]

I have that same leupold on a 308 and I really like it. The M3 knobs work really well for my loads shooting steel out to 600 yds (haven't had a chance to go further yet). The glass is very good. It's light (19oz I believe) - which would be nice on your Scar17. I think for that price it would be a great choice. If you don't like it I doubt you'll have too much trouble selling it and not losing any money.

 

[WyoWindCall]

Wow, all really good inputs. The other scope that I had in the back of my mind was a Vortex Viper PST 6-24 and I have been seeing alot of vortex references above. My problem is I have never looked through a vortex riflescope in my life so not sure what to think of them. The warranty does appeal to me because I hear the scar 17 beats the crap out of optics but I am also a bit of a glass snob as I do own a mk 6 and a S&B so I want some pretty decent glass.

 

[samnev]

I'd go with a higher power scope at the price point you are at 10X wouldn't cut it for me @ 800 yards. I'll echo what some others have said, Get the Vortex Viper PST FFP either the 4-16X50 or the 6-25x50. If it were me and most of my shooting was @ 800 yards I would get the 6-24X50. As others have said I call Chris @ Sport Optics. Great prices, fast free shipping and great advice if you need it.

 

[BCP]

Wow, all really good inputs. The other scope that I had in the back of my mind was a Vortex Viper PST 6-24 and I have been seeing alot of vortex references above. My problem is I have never looked through a vortex riflescope in my life so not sure what to think of them. The warranty does appeal to me because I hear the scar 17 beats the crap out of optics but I am also a bit of a glass snob as I do own a mk 6 and a S&B so I want some pretty decent glass.

Save up the money until you can get top tier glass if that is what you really want.

Maybe keep the Mk6 on the SCAR and get a used Razor HD or Steiner for your OBR.

I've had IORs, Zeiss Diavari as well as a smattering of all sorts of sub 1k dollar scopes and while there are scopes for cheap that stand out none of them are 'as good as' the IOR and Diavari optically speaking.

 

[roggom]

If you are just looking for a place marker scope, then the Leupy should suffice. Objectively the lens coatings of today are superior to those 10 years ago, that is just the way it is. The addition of extended twilight and diamondcoat2 add to light transmission and durability of the current Leupold lines. Does the introduction of a "better" scope make all previous models "obsolete", I would not go that far, but if you are used to that VX6, you will notice the difference. Can that 3.5-10 be effective; sure.

Now many folks want to jump on the Vortex train, and I rode that train myself. Vortex, undeniably makes a good scope and has one of the best customer service teams out there. I just dont see the image quality as compared to similarly priced scopes. For a newby scoping his first rifle, or someone on a budget, the PST/HS will do wonders. For those with higher grade scopes (yourself), you may have a different opinion.

My suggestion, is wait until you have enough for another VX6. If you want or need a place mark scope get the Leupold(knowing its a step back in image quality), as you will prob pay $700 and flip it for the same price. Any of the other scopes, you may pay more or less, but you will take a hit on resale.

 

[K_4c]

^^^^^ bingo! ^^^^^

 

[WyoWindCall]

Well when I told my buddy about thinking about getting something with more power he dropped the price to $600 and included a set of Badger rings. So being it was such a good deal I jumped on it with the idea to trade if off and upgrade later.
Drove up to good ol Wyoming and spent the weekend testing that scope out and all I can say is wow! Most of the shots were between the 2 power poles from 500 to 900 yards at prairie dogs. This scope was much preferred over my 6-20x50 Zeiss Conquest. Shots out past 1000 yards were way easier than I thought and finding those little targets were not difficult at all.
I still have not given up the idea of a vortex, I just want to find one and look through it first.
Thought I would include a picture from the outing.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

You made the right choice. MK4's are pretty damn reliable all things considered, the military still uses them and it's not just because they're the lowest bidder, they have to hold up to the testing too. Yes it may be old technology and may not have the latest and greatest features but it is a solid optic and in a different class than the Vortex. The only new scope I'd consider for the same price would be the SWFA 3-15 but for $600 with a $150 set of rings I'd take the leupold all day long.