Rifle Scopes Magnification Recommendation

[dgc357]

Hello Everyone,

I need some guidance choosing a Leupold scope. My collection burnt up during the Tubbs Fire of 2017 and with it, a Laupold Mark 4 LR/T 3.5-10. Sent it back to the factory to see if they could do anything and to no surprise, can’t.

They did, however, offer me a generous discount on a replacement. Seeing as they no longer make the Mark 4, I need to choose something else in their lineup. I’v been delaying making my decision and now I only have until December 8th to make a decision. I’m thinking the Mark 5HD.

The question is, do I go with the 3.6-18x44mm, or the 5-25x56mm. I plan on building a custom 6.5 CM on a Curtis Axiom action to throw it on.

I’ve never been into competition shooting, but it’s definitely been on my mind, so I may try after this build is done. I’ve mainly been a recreational shooter.

There closest range to me has a 445 yard rifle range and a 1k yard range about two hours away. Which I’d like to try and get to the 1k range more often.

Pleas let me know what y’all think. Any and all suggestions appreciated.

 

[021411]

My opinion is always get more than you plan on needing if you can afford it.. kinda like a gun safe its size. The extra power can help spot if you need it and you won't handicap yourself later when you want to shoot ELR.

 

[colorado_native]

I have a Mark 6, 3-18 and really like it. I put together a competition rifle and went with a Leupold Mark 5 5-25 with the Tremor 3. After getting some time behind it, I prefer the 3.6-18 as I use the reticle a lot. With the Mark 5 I find myself making most of my shots in the 12-18 power range. With the 18 power scope and Tremor 3, the reticle appears larger and easier to see at 18 power than it does at 18 power with the 5-25 Mark 5.

The 5-25 is a good size bigger than the 3.6-18.

 

[dgc357]

While I understand the idea of going bigger, I want to make sure I don't get more than I need or will use for this particular set up. I end up shooting ELR, would probably end up building another rifle and scope. haha

The 5-25 seems like it huge dimensionally. Seems like the 3.6-18 would suite my needs while being lighter and more compact, but I want to make sure I don't regret it.

 

[021411]

I have a 6.5CM and Curtis Axiom. I went with a 5-25 Nightforce and I love the mag range on it. Yes you tend to stay in the mid-range area but it's nice to be able to crank it to 25 when I need to spot stuff on paper. It's not a hunting rifle so I don't need to hump it around so size/weight wasn't a concern to me. It was put together for rifle matches.
I put together a "recce" AR and went with a 2-10x. I didn't use my own advice and now I wish I had a little more power.

 

[Roo_man]

3-18 is plenty

 

[Kickin45]

X18 is plenty for shooting 1000yds. Worry more about your low end magnification.

 

[C_R_Slacker]

I see a lot of people say, maybe not in the thread, but in general, "get the 25x." Then in the next breath, "i almost always shoot between 12-18." It just depends what you want to use it for. 18x is plenty for shooting 1000 yards. 25x is good to have for spotting, but a lot of times mirage keeps you from being able to dial all the way up.

If the gun is going to be a dedicated long range/competition gun, I'd say go with 5-25. The narrower field of view on the bottom end won't hinder you. If you think the gun might pull double duty for hunting, or might be used on a gas gun or more general purpose gun in the future, I'd say get the 3.6-18.

 

[koshkin]

If it is primarily a bench/prone rifle, there is very little downside to the 5-25x56 Mark 5. If you intend this to be more of a crossover general purpose rifle, then the lighter and more compact 3.6-18x is the way to go.

Unless you need the railspace for something else, the length of the 5-25x does not matter too much.

If you do not envision ever needing magnification below 5x with this gun, you have your answer.

ILya

 

[LucasJ1990]

I have an ATACR 7-35. It is nice to have for spotting shots and ELR, but I rarely go above 15x when I am shooting. Just gives me a nice full image in the scope.

 

[dgc357]

It seems like the 3.6-18 is the way to go for now. I can always sell it and get something different if it doesn't work out.

Is the Mark 5 even the way to go with Leupold at that price rang (plus or minus $500).

 

[Yerman]

I have a 6.5CM I shoot from 1000-2000yds on a regular basis. I currently have a 7-35 on it but when my new rifle gets in, the 7-35 will be going on the new rifle and my Razor Gen II 4.5-27 will be going back on my 6.5CM.

I primarily shoot around 15-20x magnification and really like having more for spotting or shooting on paper. I recently sighted in the scope on paper at 35x and it was amazing how much better you can see at 100yds. The difference between 27x and 35x is fairly substantial...at least to me. 18x to 35x even more so.

In my opinion, always go with the higher power scopes even though you will stay at lower magnification most of the time. You will be glad you did and you will never have regrets.

One thing to consider too is the amount of internal travel you have in your choices. The 6.5CM is a very capable round and it’s no fun watching your buddies shoot at longer distances because you can’t get there with your scope even though the round is capable of doing it.

With a 6.5CM, you need about 22mils to make it to a mile and about 27mils to reach 2k. If you ever plan to make it out that far, make sure what ever you select, you get a scope base and scope combination that allows you to dial that much elevation.

FWIW, I have a 40MOA base and another 30MOA in my Era-tac Mount for 70MOA total on the ATACR 7-35. It gives me 36.5 mils of turret adjustment with a 100yd zero.

On my Razor, it’s sitting on the same 40MOA mount but with 0MOA rings and it has 26mils of travel with a 100yd zero.

 

[dgc357]

I appreciate all the feedback. I ended up going with the 3.6-18. If I need more magnification, I'll throw it on a semi-auto and get something more powerful.