Both models look good, and I quickly mounted them onto ARs. Big scopes are currently the rage, but these compact models were designed for a specific application. Their small size makes them relatively easy to mount onto an AR without adding excess bulk or weight. These scopes were developed with a military application in mind, and in this regard, a large objective lens is not necessarily a desirable item. Sunlight glinting off an objective lens is one way a sniper can accidentally reveal his position. This is one reason why the Russian/Romanian/Yugoslavian/Chinese sniper scopes deployed against our boys have relatively small 24mm objective lenses with retractable sunshades.

New from Leupold is the Mark 4 1.5-5X 20mm MR/T. It is small, lightweight, and provides rapid target engagement from close to medium ranges.

Both Leupold models worked well shooting at distances out to 330 yards. I particularly liked the M3 model I mounted onto a PRI 6.8mm SPR. This handsome rifle performed extremely well with the small quantity of 6.8mm ammo I had on hand.

One complaint I have always had with Leupold’s Tactical scopes, however, still holds true. Their adjustments, both with M1 and M3 turrets, are very mushy feeling and kind of roll along. Choosing turret type comes down to the type of shooting you’ll be doing. For target-type shooting choose the M1 turrets; for field shooting choose the M3 turrets. While the magnification ring adjusted smoothly on both models, I found the rheostat large and bulky with no distinct clicks in-between positions.

Optically the scopes performed quite well. Color rendition was extremely good, and I experienced no troubles regarding internal flare. Resolution in the center of the image was good, but it did degrade towards the edges. Set at 6X this scope generates a 6mm exit pupil, so low-light performance is also quite acceptable. Run head to head against a Russian PSO-1 issued on the SVD sniper rifle, the Leupold 3-9X 36mm MR/T is both more advanced and a more flexible design. Put to the test in weather down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit no problems of any kind were experienced.

My thoughts? For an SPR-type rifle in 5.56mm, 6.5 Grendel, or 6.8x43mm SPC, Leupold’s MR/T would be a fine choice. Magnification is more than adequate for use out to 700 yards or so. I’m currently putting together an SPR project rifle, and it will wear an illuminated reticle Leupold MR/T with M3 turrets.

First Look At A New Leupold
Leupold gave me an opportunity to take a first look at a new model it’s introducing for 2005. A new addition to the MR/T line, it’s a Mark 4 1.5-5X 20mm. Designed to bridge the gap between red-dot sights and conventional higher magnification riflescopes, it’s intended to provide both speed and precision.

Built on a 30mm tube, this model is just 9.4 inches long and weighs only 15 ounces. Actual magnification runs from 1.5X to 4.5X. FOV varies from 65.7 feet at 1.5X to 23.7 feet at 5X at 100 yards. It is a very small and compact unit, but what sets this Leupold apart visually are the new M2 turrets. Lower profile than even the M3 turrets, they feature 1/2-MOA adjustments on both windage and elevation. While 80 MOA of adjustment are available when zeroing, the elevation turret offers 30 MOA in one full revolution. With only one revolution available there is no chance of accidentally getting one rotation off. Happily the M2 turret adjustments on my review sample were much more distinct than those found on M1 or M3 turrets.

As this is a tactical scope intended for use from point blank to 500 meters,

Leupold developed an entirely new reticle for it. Called the Special Purpose reticle it consists of three heavier posts connected by fine stadia. The bottom vertical stadia are delineated in 2.5 Mil increments out to 15 Mil. This allows it to be used as a BDC for use at extended ranges. The horizontal stadia are also delineated in 2.5 Mil increments out to 15 Mil for hasty lead or windage compensation. In the center of the reticle is a large circle 10 Mils in diameter.

Keep in mind the model I had to test was a prototype, so Leupold may well change the reticle. I hope it does because the rest of the scope performed quite well. I really liked the M2 turrets and the optical performance was quite good. With a better reticle this scope will be a real winner.