U.S. Army Chooses Leupold Mark 5HD for Sniper Use

by
posted on March 12, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ar-mark5hd_psr-small.jpg
The U.S. Army Precision Sniper Rifle program has selected the Leupold & Stevens Mark 5HD riflescope for its day optic. The scope will be issued on the USSOCOM selected MK22 Mod 0 based on the Barret Multi-Role Adaptive Design bolt-action, multi-caliber system chambered in 7.62 NATO, .300 Norma Mag., and .338 Norma Mag.  

Unlike the black color scheme available to civilian enthusiasts, the U.S. Army Mark 5HD 5-25x56 mm will come in a proprietary flat-dark-earth coating. It will also feature the Mil-Grid Reticle patented by that military branch.  

“The Mark 5HD has been built from the ground up to deliver the unparalleled performance that the men and women serving our country overseas require," said Sam Horstman, director of military sales for Leupold. “And, like all of our optics, the Mark 5HD has been strenuously tested for durability, and fully meets the extremely high standards that the military demands. Our Soldiers need their optics to perform, and we’re glad to be able to offer a solution that’s built to deliver on those expectations.”

The 5HD 5-25x56 mm weighs only 30 ozs., significantly lighter than many other riflescopes in its class. Overall length is 15.67". It’s adjustable for 120 MOA (34.9 mils) in elevation and 60 MOA (17.5 mils) in windage. It’s waterproof, fogproof and features Leupold’s single-turn CDS-ZL dial.

Three models of the Mark 5HD are available in milliradian and MOA configurations for civilian enthusiasts—a 3.6-18x44 mm, 5-25x56 mm and 7-35x56 mm. American Rifleman Assistant Editor David Herman got behind the latter in August 2019. “Durable and consistent, this is a scope for those looking to push the bounds of their rifle with the confidence that, should they miss, it’s not the optic that is letting them down,” he wrote.”

Leupold proudly provides its optics to the United States military, law-enforcement and government agencies across the country, and to the armed forces of many of our nation’s closest allies. No American optics company has held more U.S. military contracts than Leupold.

Latest

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle

In the 1890s, U.S. military small arms were evolving rapidly. The recent discovery of smokeless powder, along with the development of new operating systems and cartridge designs, led the U.S. Navy to adopt a radically new platform: the Model 1895 Lee Navy rifle.

Carry Comped: Smith & Wesson Performance Center’s Compensated Bodyguard 2.0 & Shield X

Smith & Wesson introduced compensated models of two popular concealed-carry handguns in its lineup, the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X, both designed to help handgunners improve recoil control.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.