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Leupold VX-III vs Mark 4 LR/T

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griz View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote griz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Leupold VX-III vs Mark 4 LR/T
    Posted: July/19/2004 at 10:03

Whats the difference between these two scopes?   I see the obvious reticle difference, the cosmetic difference of the gold band, and they have different style targets knobs.  Is that it?   What's special about the the M1 target knobs? Are they worth the almost $200 difference?

 

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/LEU54690/leupold_mark_4_lr_t_8.5-25x50.htm

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/LEU55186/leupold_vx-iii_8.5-25x50.htm

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Brady View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brady Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/19/2004 at 11:07

The knobs are considerably different. The M1 knobs are heavy duty and exposed. The standard target knobs are covered up and have different markings on them. Just involves different manufacturing to make the M1 knobs. Another difference is the reticles. The Mark 4 has the Mil Dot reticle which is a very popular reticle. It also involves more manufacturing that bumps up the price. Optically they will be identical as they both have the Index Matched Lens System. This may not justify the price difference but if you want these features you will have to pay the extra money

I took the cap off the standard target knob so you could see the difference.

 

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griz View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote griz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/19/2004 at 11:58
Wow, thanks for that comparison pic!    Are the M1 knobs easier to index once the scope is zeroed, or are both target knob systems zeroed using set screws?  Also, do the M1 knobs have any way to lock them in place since they are always exposed?   (Sorry for all the questions, but I've never seen a scope with M1 knobs in person)
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Brady View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brady Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/19/2004 at 13:22

No problem!!

The M1's will be easier since the numbers are larger, the lines are also bolder to see them easier. Other than that they will be the same as far as zeroing it in. You don't have to mess with the caps either with the M1's. 

 

They both use set screws.

 

There is no locking mechanism. They are fairly stiff to begin with so they can take a pounding and still stay in place.

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Brady View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brady Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/19/2004 at 14:13

Another point to make about the knobs...

 

The M1's also have a metal sleeve that protects them. Before the knobs were exposed and were often being broke off when hit. The military was having this problem often and needed a little more protection for their knobs. Leupold then put the extra reinforcement on the knob that fixed this problem. They are still exposed of course but the sleeve protects them now. Another feature the M1's offer is a bold white reference line.  This line runs across the reinforced sleeve to line up your marks on the knobs. The knobs also have groves notched in the top to allow gloved hands to easily turn them without slipping. As does the side focus. Also notice the "U" and "R" markings on the M1's, they are not on the actual knob like the standard ones.

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MaroManRS305 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MaroManRS305 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2008 at 22:08
Brady,
 
Do you know if the Mark 4 ER/T will be available with the illumination soon?  Thanks.
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8shots View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2008 at 03:22
I will never buy a Mk4, it does not feature the "Golden Ring".
 
Only joking, nice pics and a good explanation. Thanks Brady.
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Dale Clifford View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2008 at 09:01
it has a black ring much more better, (black knight, black horseman etc) I am no longer married to the gold ring, but have switched- married to the black ring. The mk4 also have euro type quick focus if you like that.
whether you want the standard hunter turrets, target, or mk depends alot on your use.
sometimes a hold over reticle needs to be fast, and target turrets are to slow then use something like a varmit matched to your load on a small light varmit gun
sometimes 1/8 in clicks and a fine cross hair are needed for that last bit of accuracy (target turrets) on a heavier varmint gun
and sometimes the dial is needed because of the number of targets at various distances, like on a machine gun.
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8shots View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2008 at 09:43
Nice pics Dale.
I hear you, but anything black in Africa does not work so well......
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/17/2008 at 11:06
I have an 8.5-25 Leupold Mk 4 illuminated mil dot so my thought is that 8.5 is a fairly high power and one might be better off considering the 6.5-20 version.  Also noteworthy is the fact that the exit eye pupil (brightness in low light at 6.5) is 7.69 where the exit eye pupil of the 8.5 is 5.8.  --- so if you are an older guy you probably wont see any difference but if you are say 20 with good eyes you will be able to see a better in low light with the 6.5  Also a 6x scope is considered livable for hunting stalking  and would have a wider field of view. It all depends on how you use the scope. Or if you want the best of both worlds here is something with better glass.
7341 Zeiss 6-24x72 Diavari VM/V 5216939943, Matte finish, Illuminated mil dot reticle, 34mm tube, fast focus eye piece, side focus, target knobs, 100% new in box, discontinued. $3,749.00 $2,999.95

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