Another announcement at SHOT Show this year was a new line of Leupold Mark 4HD scopes. Available in 1-4X 24 mm, 2.5-10X 42 mm, 4.5-18X 52 mm, 6-24X 52 mm and 8-32X 56 mm models, the optics feature a 4X magnification ratio and 30 mm bodies.
The 2.5-10X 42 mm used for testing in "Taurus Embarks On A New “Expedition”" employs Leupold’s PR-1 first-focal-plane (FFP) reticle in minute-of-angle format. As expected, the scope performed very well optically. I noticed no problems with fringing, resolution or other distracting issues. The optic weighs a light 21 ozs., which is great for a field rifle.
As a FFP reticle, the PR-1 grew and shrank with adjustment of the magnification ring. This offers the advantage of keeping the m.o.a. hash marks, which went out to 100 m.o.a. in each direction, accurate, no matter the magnification setting. Some FFP reticles can be too thin at the low end or too thick at the high end of the magnification range, but Leupold found a nice balance here. I found it to be ideal between 6-8X, but the reticle was still perfectly usable at 2.5X or 10X.
This particular model has no illumination and a fixed parallax adjustment set for 150 yards. Other models, however, do have these features. In all, the Mark 4HD 2.5-10X 42 mm seems like a fantastic option for use with a “do-all” practical rifle like the Expedition.
For more information, visit leupold.com.
