Rifle Scopes Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40???

[Southwind]

My uncle started a Savage .308 win build about 8yrs ago and never got it done. He is getting back into shooting and wants to finish it. He has a Leupy Mark 4 3.5-10x40 scope that is still new in the box that he bought when he started the project. He is thinking about selling it to buy something newer with FFP and MIL/MIL with a bit more magnification. He doesn't buy junk, but not sure if he could afford a NF or S&B with the wife and kids now.

I have mentioned the SWFA 3-15, Weaver Tactical 3-15, Vortex PST 4-16 and the Bushnell 3-12. All of these are under $1,000 and have basically the same features with the exception that the Vortex has illuminated reticle.

Would any of these compare quality/glass clarity wise to a 8-10 year old Leupy?

What would you recommend?

thx, Steve

 

[Crosshair]

The Mk4 3.5-10x is tried and true. It is aging though, and there have been lots of coating improvements in the last 10 years. If you can get a decent price out of it, it would probably be worth it to at least get matching turrets/reticle. FFP isn't necessary in that power range, IMO. If you guys are looking for more mag range anyway, any of the scopes you listed would be great; that is a good list. I'd expect the Mk4 to roughly fit mid pack glass wise into the list you mentioned. They are good scopes, it's just that they are expensive relative to what you get. They are light weight though, and battle proven. If you like the mag range you could look into getting M5 mil turrets installed on it, don't know a whole lot about it but it's worth a search.

 

[jdr724]

The latest stuff is always nice to have but why don't you tell us more about what he intends to use it for since the benefits of matching reticle/turrets and FFP really don't shine for hunting, fixed range paper/target shooting etc...and the amount of magnification required will depend on the intended use not to mention preference. The Leupold he has is a nice scope. I've got one from when these new features weren't ubiquitous and because I've spent a lot of time with her she works magic when needed.

 

[OptedOut]

There is nothing wrong with that scope and I'd classify it better quality than the others you mention. The VARI-X III 3.5-10 x 40 LR M1 Military (which allot think is a bit better quality than the MK4) is the scope I went through school with and used for many years on various issued systems. Mil dots and MOA turrets were never a problem for me, once it's all in your head...it's there for good.

Let him get back into it then he can decide if he wants or needs a change.

 

[roggom]

I really would not start a project with a loss. That scope should be more than adequate to get his feet wet or more. Sure most modern Leupold scopes some standard with Multicoat 4, and have other coatings, but it does not make the Mk4 garbage. Not sure which arrangement of reticle an turrets it has, but I would just use what he has. If its duplex/moa, its as easy as changing the output on his ballistic software/ dropcard.

Work wind calls, prone and seated shooting, dot drills etc. If comps are in the future, then move up as budget allows. Don't dive in the middle though, if he is gonna move up, do it right.

I have a Vari-XIII 3.5-10x40 LR M3 on a 308 and a NF 2.5-10 on another 308. The Leupy may not be as bright but it still puts bullets where they need to go.