FIRST SHOTS: Leupold Mark 4HD Riflescopes

At an event earlier this year, a group of writers and editors found themselves out in Madras, OR, at the Leupold Optics long-range shooting facility. We were being introduced to the new Mark 4HD line of riflescopes, Leupold's new-for-SHOT Show 2024 offering that blends the excellent glass of the Mark 5HD series with a more affordable, pared down option list. The Mark 4HD line is anything but entry-level, though; we used the 6- 24x50 mm version to reach out to targets more than 1,200 yards away with ease.

Mainly, the difference between the feature-rich Mark 5HD line and this new Mark 4HD line comes down to the finer points: As the name suggests, the Mark 5HD line uses a 5:1 zoom ratio while the Mark 4HD uses the 4:1 ratio; this gives the Mark 5HD family a greater magnification range. The Mark 5HD family also uses a 35 mm main tube, allowing for slightly more windage and elevation adjustment. What is not different, however, is the quality of the glass used in the lenses: the Mark 4HD and the Mark 5HD family of scopes use the same-quality glass for the utmost in light transmission and image quality.

Five different magnification ranges are available in the new Mark 4HD line: Both the 1-4.5x24 mm and 2.5-10x42 mm scopes use a 30 mm main tube, while the 4.5-18x52 mm, 6-24x52 mm and 8-32x56 mm scopes use a 34 mm main tube. Scopes can be had with MOA or mil adjustments, illuminated reticles, Leupold's patented ZeroLock adjustment dials, a removable throw lever and more. Scopes can be had with either first- or second-focal plane reticles, and all of the Mark 4HD models are water-, fog- and shock-resistant.

Pricing on the Mark 4HD line of scopes varies from $999.99 for the 1.4-25x scopes to $1,599.99 for the 8-32x56 mm variant. For more information on the new Mark 4HD family of riflescopes, visit Leupold.com.