Rifle Scopes Talk me out of it or give me some options MK4

[Anchor Zero Six]

Been here too long to post another "What scope should I get" thread but I need some suggestions or maybe I have overlooked another option.

I have a 700PSS 300wm which was given to me by my father and is currently undergoing a facelift. The budget for this little project is tight and I just dont have the means to get a USO SN-3, NF,SB, PR etc.

Normaly I would not consider a Loopy and I feel they are generaly overpriced but I'm active duty and enrolled in their discount program via Promotive. Not going to post what the cost is but a MK4 ER/T 6.5-20x50mm FFP TMR with M5(mil knobs) is several hundred dollars less than a NF 3-15 SFP.

I have considered several other options and have found detracters for all but the MK4. Here is the list and the reasons opposed, I think its covered all bases but I may be missing another option. This is where I need assistance, please chime in if you have any worthwile suggestions of alternative optics.

Criteria is 20x or greater FFP Mil/Mil for under 1350.00.

Bushnell; great price at Liberty Optics but the amount of internal elevation is a real turn off and I'm a bit leary of Bushnell in general although it appears they are making a solid effort these days.

Vortex PST; Meets all criteria but the 4-16's are just filtering out so who knows when the 6-24's will be readily available. I would like to enjoy some shooting before winter when I will only have access to a 600yd HP range.

Short list right lol.

Other options considered were/are;

USO ST-10; have one already on a 308 and love it but I just think a 300WM should have more power than 10X. I have used the fixed 10x out to 800 on steel with no issues but I normaly shoot paper at the range 5min away vice 2 hours to shoot steel. Considered this to possibly be a better choice optice for dual use as the 700 is being put in an HTG for Elk hunting.

NF; Considered looking for a used one but in my price range I would only be able to get a 3-15 SFP.

Weaver FFP; Similar to Bushnell but only available in Mil/Moa.

IOR; I wont entertain a 35mm optic so in the IOR line that leaves the SFP Mil/Moa 4-14x50.

So given my criteria the MK4 makes the most sense as much as it pains me to say it.

My question for the Hide is would you make the same decision factoring all of the above into the mix?

I have read so much negative about MK4's I'm a bit leery, but nothing that I know will meet al of my requirements.

If the general opinion is against the MK4 I have pretty much decided on another ST-10 based on construction and optical quality...but its a frigging 10X!

R/
A06

 

[cav has been]

Re: Talk me out of it or give me some options MK4

Why no 35mm may I ask?

 

[jrob300]

Re: Talk me out of it or give me some options MK4

AZ6,

I've had a Viper PST 6-24 on order for months. I've been working through the same machinations in my head an am coming to the same conclusion.

I'm watching your thread with interest as you've saved me the trouble of posting the same question.

Awful lot of hate for Leupold in the "bashing" thread. Tends to scare a guy off.

BTW, have you been able to confirm that the M5 FFP's actually do have 100 moa of elev.? On Leupolds Tactical site the M1's list 60 and 70 moa, whereas the M5's are 100. Hmmm.


John

 

[brand692]

Re: Talk me out of it or give me some options MK4

If you like your 10x fixed USO, why not get a ST-17 or ST-22?

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Talk me out of it or give me some options MK4

Why no 35mm, already have many 30mm rings of various brands and heights. Very partial to Badger and they dont make 35mm rings.

jrob300, I have not had any hands on time with the M5 Loopy at all so no conformation of the elevation.

I have a MK4 curently on my LMT but its an older one mfg in the late 90's when they still had made in the USA on the bottom. It has never given me any problems but side by side comparision to USO,PR and NF its a bit darker and not as crisp as the aforementioned. Sadly I could have gone my entire life not
knowing any better untill I found this site in 05 lol.

Bashing I dont think is without reason. LL and the RO crew see more optics in a year than we will see in a lifetime and they run the hell out the knobs. I see the points they make as being very valid in consideration of what the scopes are designed for. Given that how many Vortex or Bushnell's etc do guys bring through an RO class? IMO Loopy is at the bottom of the top tier pile but they are still top teir.

Again if it werent for the discount I would agree they are overpriced and not worth the premium they (Leupold) beleives the name is worth.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Talk me out of it or give me some options MK4

brand692,

IMO fixed power scopes over 10x are very limiting is usefulness other than in very specific applications such as FTR or when you know that you will not have a need to shoot at closer ranges. Also the ST-17's are not as readily available as the ST-10, trying to avoid a long build time.

 

[jhedg]

Re: Talk me out of it or give me some options MK4

I got a Mk4 8.5-25 TMR in CM.(SFP) same thing a .01mil and it tracks as good as any NF or USO that I have ever owned. I seen all the bashing about the Lupys here, but I got a really good deal, and it was right when I started to get all Mil optics for my precision rifles. I would buy another in a second! And for the price you are saying. I wish I could get a deal like that I would jump on it. I never really had alot of the issues with them like a lot of people have had.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Talk me out of it or give me some options MK4

The IOR comes with a set of rings. Your choice in height and alloy or steel.
With your discount, it would be VERY hard to beat the deal on a Loopy 40% is a big chunk of change.

 

[PLeighton]

Re: Talk me out of it or give me some options MK4

For the money, I have yet to be able to justify paying twice as much for the same features under a different brand name.
(With the FED/MIL discount that is.)
The other hook for me is the TMR reticule.

I was on a waiting list for nearly a year for the 8.5 - 25 X 50mm ER/T Mark 4 waiting for them to be released.
It served me well for a year and a half then wouldn't hold a group.
Sent it back to Leupold and they replaced an erector spring.
They even sent it back to me UPS RED so I would have it in time for an upcoming match.

My point being, anything made by man can and will break.
How that company handles you is importaint.
Since then, it has seen some pretty terrible condidtions and has come through for me just fine.