Training and Tech

Leupold Mark 4HD 2.5-10×42

By Mike Dickerson

A top-tier optic with a mid-tier price

Leupold’s Mark 5HD line of riflescopes has been a big hit, especially with long-range shooters, but the scopes command a price that’s out of reach for some. That’s why Leupold set out to design a more affordable line of scopes with the same high level of optical quality and performance. The result is the new Mark 4HD, a top-tier optic with a mid-tier price.

Mark 4HD scopes are available with either MOA or mil turrets and reticles, our test scope being the latter. Both turrets have a 24.7 mil, or approximately 85 MOA of adjustment range. A zero-stop function on the elevation dial makes it quick and easy to spin back to your zero after dialing in compensation.

Leupold accomplished this by narrowing the zoom ratio to 4:1, which generally requires one less lens element versus the 5:1 ratio Mark 5HD, and by using tubes smaller than the Mark 5HD 35mm tubes. That makes the new scopes lighter, trimmer, and less costly to produce, and a great crossover choice for use with both hunting rifles and tactical/competition rifles.

Leupold has long been known for producing some of the clearest glass ever fitted to a riflescope, and the Mark 4HD line carries this torch well. Outstanding light transmission, paired with a level of clarity and contrast normally reserved for optics that fetch double the price tag, is part of what makes the new Mark 4HD line a standout in its segment.

Mark 4HD scopes are offered in a wide variety of configurations, ranging from a 1-4.5×24 LPVO to a 8-32×56 model. The model we tested, the Mark 4HD 2.5-10×42, is a first focal plane design. It weighs three ounces less than the Mark 5HD 2-10×35, has a larger objective lens, and uses a 30mm tube.

Currently, the Mark 4HD line is available in 8-32x, 6-24x, 4.5-18x, 2.5-10x (tested), and 1-4.5x magnification ranges. All variations come with a removable throw lever attached to the magnification dial. In an effort to help keep costs in check, the Mark 4HD uses a 30mm maintube instead of the Mark 5HD’s 35mm tube, which — comparing the two side-by-side — is a worthy tradeoff.

Some Mark 4HD models have parallax adjustment, push-button illumination, and electronic reticle leveling. Our test scope had none of these extras, as it was clearly designed to be a simple, rugged, and lightweight scope. It also has an MSRP of just 999.99, which is $1,000 less than a comparable Mark 5HD and about $600 less than the most expensive Mark 4HD models.

The Mark 4HD was tested using Leupold’s own Mark AR aluminum one-piece optic mount. Lightweight and affordable, the Mark AR uses a total of five sizeable clamping screws at its base to guarantee a solid hold.

Unlike the older Mark 4 line, which used mil-dot reticles, our Mark 4HD test scope TMR reticle has hash marks for more precise aiming. The stadia provide plenty of aim points for holdover and holdoff shooting if you have to make a shot quickly or don’t want to dial corrections. The hash marks are spaced 0.5 mils apart and transition to 0.2 mils on the outer edges. Mark 4HD scopes are available with either MOA or mil turrets and reticles.

Available in both illuminated (shown) and non-illuminated (tested) versions and providing aiming points for wind and bullet drop compensation, On Target’s test scope featured the MIL-based TMR reticle mounted in the first focal plane.

Mil elevation and windage turrets are calibrated in 1/10 mil increments (0.36 inches) per click. Clicks are crisp, with no mushiness, and provide tactile and audible feedback. The power selector ring turns smoothly, and has a removable throw lever. A zero-stop function makes it easy to spin back to zero after dialing in compensation. Both turrets have a 24.7 mil adjustment range (approximately 85 MOA).

“HD” means high definition, and it’s an apt description of Leupold’s glass and lens coatings that reduce glare and maximize light transmission. To my eye, light transmission, color rendition, and edge-to-edge clarity were excellent, and on par with an excellent Leupold VX-5HD scope I compared it to side by side. The scope has ample eye relief of 3.6 inches at low magnification and 3.9 inches at high magnification.

A precise rifle is only half of the mechanical equation — a precise riflescope with repeatable adjustments is also necessary for downrange precision. Tested on a custom Aero Precision chambered in 223 Wylde, the Mark 4HD held up its end, helping the rifle produce consistent sub-half-MOA groups at 100 yards, including this 0.35” group printed with Federal’s Premium Gold Medal 69-grain load.

For range testing, the scope was mounted on a proven and custom Aero Precision AR build with a .223 Wylde chamber. After zeroing with a Federal Premium Gold Medal 69-grain load, I did a standard box tracking test. Impacts were well within that load’s margin of variation, which was quite small, and the scope returned nicely to zero. Notably, that Federal load produced half-inch average groups and a best group of just 0.35 inches at 100 yards. Average groups for three other tested loads were all sub-MOA.

Crystal clear glass, generous eye relief, easy-to-use adjustments, repeatable precision, and reliable durability summarize Leupold’s new Mark 4HD line. Pair all of this with a that-didn’t-hurt-too-much price tag, and the Mark 4HD is a win-win in all categories.

It takes more than an accurate rifle to achieve those results. It takes a good optic, with precise and repeatable adjustments, that produces a clear and sharp view. The Mark 4HD delivers on all counts. Like all Leupold scopes, it is waterproof, fogproof, and backed by a lifetime guarantee. For more information, contact Leupold; Tel.: (800) 538-7653; Web: www.leupold.com.