Re: Leupold Mark 4 vs Nightforce
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGGHEAD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All I can say is that the Mark IV scope is over priced. The new Mark IV is basically the same exact scope as the new VX3. There are only three differences between the VX3 and Mark IV scope. #1: The name. #2: The actual turrets. And you can send a VX3 back and have the turrets installed for a bargain price. and #3: The price. The Mark IV is exactly the same price-same internal adjustments, same glass, same everything.
Now I am not making this up. I have researched this. I have talked to reps. at Leupold. And talked to a few different owners of optics retailers that sell these scopes. And they all verified what I have said.
The other minor difference is availabilty of the illuminated reticle. Some VX3's are available with the IR, and some are not.</div></div>
Perhaps what you say is true regarding the glass but isn't the VX-3 a scope with a 1 inch tube rather than the Mark 4's 30 mm tube? I know the two VX-3 handgun scopes I bought had the 1 inch tube. When you say the turrets can be replaced with Mark 4 type turrets for a "bargain price;" well I've had turrets replaced on a couple of VX-II scopes. The turrets available weren't like Mark 4 turrets (maybe it's different with the VX-3s) and the "bargain price," as I recall, was about $120.
Now the Nightforce vs Mark 4 question. I have 3 Mark 4s and 3 Nightforces. If my use was to be situations where the scope was likely to be banged around and weight didn't matter much, I would go with the Nightforce. If I wanted a scope that was a little smaller and lighter, I would go with the Mark 4. I would agree with the above poster who said to get the Leupolds used if possible; I see no downside to that since Leupold honors their warranty whether or not you buy their scope used while in times past, though it could have changed, Nightforce's warranty was only good for the original purchaser.