But you don’t have to take my word for it. According to the Precision Rifle Blog, the Mark 5 was the most popular scope in the 2023 Precision Rifle Series. Those shooters have access to the best equipment money can buy, and most of them have chosen the Leupold Mark 5HD.
Mark 4HD
The Mark 4HD line takes everything that makes the Mark 5HD great but brings it at a more value-oriented price range, starting at only $999. The things that changed are barely noticeable and would only register with the most discerning scope snob.
The Mark 4HD builds on the reputation of the legendary Mark 4 scope from the late ’80s to early ’90s, but has completely redesigned it to take advantage of all the most modern features and manufacturing techniques.
The Mark 4 scopes come in MIL and MOA, and there are illuminated and non-illuminated units. There are five different models in the family:
- 1-4.5x24
- 2.5-10x42
- 4.5x18x52
- 6-24x52
-
8-32x56
Similarities
The Mark 4HD and Mark 5HD lines, like all Leupold’s high-end scopes, are designed, machined, and assembled in Oregon. “American made” is a rare thing in budget optics these days.
Secondly, the Mark 4HD comes with Leupold’s Professional Grade Optical System, which is the same glass as in the Mark 5HD and the best optics the company offers. The Mark 4 also has the same zero locking elevation turrets as the Mark 5. In addition, the outer finish is the same.
Finally, the Mark 4s offer the same lightweight construction, so each scope is one of the lightest scopes in its zoom range.
Differences
Now, let’s discuss the differences. To save cost, the overall construction is a little different, and the zoom ratio has changed. The Mark 4HD scopes have a 4:1 zoom ratio verses the 5:1 zoom ratio of the Mark 5HD. (Each family is actually named for its zoom ratio.)
The second difference is that the illumination on the Mark 4 is push-button controlled as opposed to a more advanced dial-controlled system on the Mark 5. In addition, Mark 5 scopes have 35mm tubes, whereas the two smallest Mark 4s have 30mm main tubes and the rest have 34mm tubes. Yet, Leupold was still able to keep the elevation adjustment range equal to the Mark 5. As for windage, some of the Mark 4s have locking windage turrets, and some have capped wind knobs.
Staying on the turret subject, even though the elevation knobs are still their zero lock design, the markings on them have changed. The Mark 4 turrets are back to 10 mils per revolution as opposed to 11 mils per rev. This changes the numbering scheme on the caps and, this time, the first revolution numbers have been enlarged for us aging shooters that don’t see as well anymore. Also, the windage mark is back to the normal spot on the Mark 4. Choosing the Mark 5 will also give you flip-cap scope covers versus bikini covers on the Mark 4, and the Mark 4s don’t come with sunshades.
Finally, one difference that is an improvement: the Mark 4HD scopes parallax to a lower yardage than the Mark 5HD. One complaint from rimfire shooters was that the Mark 5 only focused down to 50 yards. The Mark 4s can go down to 25 yards. Leupold clearly listened to customer feedback.
Unique Feature
One of the unique features that comes with the illuminated reticle models is the electronic reticle level. When the scope is not level, the illuminated reticle flashes to alert the shooter. Of course, the illumination has to be on for this feature to work, but I thought it was an interesting solution to the rifle cant issue.
Test Model
I received the Mark 4HD 4.5-18x52 unit as a test model. I was totally blown away by this scope. I don’t understand how Leupold, for all intents and purposes, recreated the Mark 5HD for $1,000 cheaper (give or take). Glass-wise, I really couldn’t tell the difference in picture quality between the two. The image is crisp, and the color is excellent. If I were to nit-pick, on max zoom, the eye box of the Mark 4 was slightly less forgiving than on the Mark 5.
In terms of feel, the Mark 5 does seem a little smoother. The parallax and zoom rings glide more easily, and the elevation clicks are a little tighter. But that’s not to say the Mark 4 feels cheap. The Mark 4 controls feel great and are on par with anything in this category. The Mark 5 is just a little bit better, which makes sense since it’s more expensive. But again, only a seasoned scope enthusiast would notice the difference.
Function-wise, the scope tracked perfectly, and I was able to produce some outstanding sub-half-MOA 100-yard groups. This scope works great, and it would be my first choice for almost any new build.
Related Review: Savage MSR 10 Hunter & Leupold Mark 4HD – Do-It-All Rifle Combo
Negatives
I only have two real gripes with the new Mark 4 line. First, these scopes are in such high demand that it has been difficult to get certain models. Even for this review, Leupold took many months to get one into my hands.
Secondly, I don’t like the fact that my favorite reticles are not offered with illumination. In my opinion, the PR2 and PR3 are the best Leupold reticles for fast and precise long-range shooting. They are offered in the Mark 4HD line, but they don’t come with illumination. Only the PR1 and TMR reticles have illumination.
While not used often, illumination can be very important in certain low light conditions. Whether it’s dusk or dawn, or when the sun casts a shadow on a black target, illumination can make or break your ability to see your reticle. It’s a low percentage that you will encounter this possibility, but when you need it, you need it.
Conclusion
I think the Mark 4HD scopes will be the new kings in mid-tier scope market. The top-tier performance combined with affordable pricing makes them unmatched in the arena. And with such a diverse line, there is a model for nearly any shooting activity.
