TFB Review: Leupold MARK 4HD 6-24X52 M5C3
TFB Review – Leupold MARK 4HD 6-24X52 M5C3 “As good as a MARK 5HD?”
Back in December of 2023, Leupold reached out to me and asked if I wanted to get my hands on a scope that had not been announced yet. Obviously, I said yes, as I think most red-blooded males would! The mystery scope in question would turn out to be the MARK 4HD 6-24X52 M5C3 and boy I couldn’t have been more excited when I opened up the box!
Disclaimer: The Mark 4HD 6-24X52 M5C3 Scope was sent to me by Leupold for this review and while I am allowed to keep this optic indefinitely, this will not change my current or future opinion on any Leupold products. I have been using this optic on a few Rifles over the course of the past 9 months.
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Specs
Magnification: 6x to 24x
Objective Lens Diameter: 52mm
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Elevation Adjustment Range: 110 MOA
Windage Adjustment Range: 70 MOA
Adjustment Per Click: 0.1 MIL (M5C3 turrets)
Reticle Options: Front Focal Plane
Field of View (FOV) at 100 yards:
6x: 14.3 feet24x: 4.3 feet
Eye Relief: 3.7 to 4.2 inches
Weight: 27.3 ounces
Length: 14.6 inches
Parallax Adjustment: Side focus (adjustable from 50 yards to infinity)
Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof: Yes
Finish: Matte Black
Country of Origin: USA – Oregon
MSRP: $1,499.99
Reticle and Adjustments
The Leupold Mark 4HD 6-24X52 offers a reticle system tailored for long-range precision shooting. It features the PR3-MIL reticle which incorporates hash marks and holdover points for precise shot placement and windage corrections. The TMR reticle is designed with tactical shooters and hunters in mind, offering a clean, uncluttered layout while delivering maximum utility for estimating range, adjusting for bullet drop, and compensating for wind.
The 6-24x magnification range on the Mark 4HD offers versatility for medium to extreme long-range engagements. At the lower end of the zoom spectrum, the scope is ideal for scanning and target acquisition, while the higher magnification is perfect for precision shooting at distances exceeding 1,000 yards. The zoom adjustment ring is smooth and consistent, with just the right amount of resistance to prevent unintentional changes. This wide zoom range makes it a strong contender for competitive long-range shooters.
One of my favorite features on this scope is the zero-stop feature. Zero-stop on Leupold optics is a precision mechanism that allows shooters to quickly and accurately return the scope’s elevation turret to a predefined “zero” point after making adjustments for elevation. This is particularly useful in scenarios requiring rapid changes to compensate for varying distances. Once set, the zero stop acts as a physical limit, preventing the turret from turning below the initial zero, ensuring consistency and eliminating guesswork. This feature is especially beneficial for long-range shooting in competition shooting like PRS where many targets will be at various ranges throughout a course of fire or stage.
Optic Quality
Probably the overall best feature of the Mark 4HD is its optical quality. The high-definition lenses deliver exceptional clarity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and color fidelity. Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Max HD Light Management System enhances performance in low-light conditions, allowing for earlier shooting times at dawn and later shooting times at dusk.
The 52mm objective lens collects ample light, resulting in a bright and crisp image even in challenging lighting environments. There is minimal distortion, and chromatic aberration is almost nonexistent. The scope also provides a generous eye box and eye relief, which is crucial for maintaining a comfortable shooting position over long periods.
Weight
Weighing 27.3 ounces, the Mark 4HD is moderately lightweight for its class, especially when compared to competing scopes with similar specifications. The reduced weight is beneficial for hunters and military personnel who prioritize portability and ease of handling during extended field missions. Although lighter scopes like the Leupold VX-5HD exist for hunting-specific applications, they lack the robustness and precision features offered by the Mark 4HD. The scope strikes a solid balance between durability and field readiness without adding excessive burden to the rifle system.
Durability
Leupold is known for its rugged optics, and the Mark 4HD 6-24 is no exception. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is built to withstand extreme conditions. It is fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof, making it capable of performing reliably in a variety of environments, whether in torrential rain, freezing temperatures, or rugged terrain. I have already put a few dings onto the exterior of the scope but it has not effected any of the performance features. It’s important to note that all Leupold scopes are subjected to Leupold’s punishing durability test, which simulates heavy recoil and ensures resistance to wear and tear.
Likes
Lifetime WarrantyManufactured in AmericaBuilt like a TankOutstanding optical clarity
Dislike
Less expensive than the MARK 5 HD series but still not easy on the wallet
Final Thoughts
The Leupold Mark 4HD 6-24X52 is an exceptional rifle scope for long-range shooting. Its versatile reticle, broad magnification range, rugged construction, and superior optical quality make it a worthy investment for anyone looking to throw a bombproof optic on their rifle of choice.
While its price may be a deterrent for casual users, the scope justifies its cost with features and optical quality. But that begs the important question, is it better than the Mark 5HD? Well no, but just barely, and for that reason I think the Mark 4HD is definitely the better buy. Whether you’re a competitor looking to hit targets at extreme distances or a hunter in pursuit of trophy game, the Mark 4HD 6-24X52 delivers amazing performance and optical clarity at its price point.