30mm scope choice

[WunderDog]

I am looking to upgrade the scope on my primary long range hunting rifle. It is a 300 Wby Mag lightweight. I was using a Leupold Vari-X III 4.5-14x50 Adj Obj. I want to upgrade to something with a 30mm tube and was thinking of doing another Leupold in similar magnification and 50mm. I really like the side focus, probably just want a duplex reticle since I will dial adjustments in anyways and REALLY don't like the new VX-III adjustment knobs being discussed in another thread. I suppose with these criteria, I am considering either the LPS 3.5-14 or the Mark 4 4.5-14. I am not sure what the windage and elevation knobs are like on the new LPS though. I was hoping to hear from some with experience with these scopes and maybe about some other options that I might not be considering. Thanks.

 

[bailey1474]

That decision is easy. Skip the LPS and get the M4.

 

[azsugarbear]

Ditto. Go take a look at www.kentonindustries.com and they will tell you the same: Vari-X & Mark 4 over the LPS.

 

[Meister]

you might look at the 6.5-20 vx3, it has the other turrets, side focus, and more elevation adjustment than a mk4 8.5-25. I used mine out to 1200 yards with my 338LM and didn't run out of adjustment. few hundred cheaper too!

 

[WunderDog]

I think I would prefer to stick with the 4.5-14. I don't think I need to go up to 20 for primarily big game. Additionally, I am set up so that with the mounts I am using, it is easy for me to swap my 8.5-25 off my varmint rifle to use if i get in a pinch. I am leaning toward the Mark 4 LRT in 4.5-14x50 as I have heard good things about these scopes and am feeling better about the turrets on these than on the new VX-III.

 

[älg]

The LPS does not come with target turrets; they are low profile, and need to unscrew their cap to access them.

 

[Jon A]

How important is weight? Are you set on getting a Leupold?

I just went through a similar upgrade and chose the IOR 4-14X50 Tactical. A whole lot less money than the equivalent Mark 4 and much better glass. About the only major drawbacks I can see it's bigger and heavier. Another one to keep in mind in that price range is the 4-16 Nikon Tactical. That would have been my second choice.

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

I have the MK4 4.5-14x50 30mm on my 300 RUM. I love the scope but wished I woulda got the 6.5-20 version now that I find myself wanting to shoot longer and longer distances. The glass is very clear. I like the exposed knobs and how there big. You can have big gloves on and still turn them. They track very very well. I have no problems with mine going from my 200 zero to 1150, to 525, back down to 200, up to 1150. Mine has the standard duplex. I dont like that reticle for LR shooting I have come to find that out, especially only with 14x. One more reason why I wished I woulda got the 20x. It just covers to much target area. I paid $830 for mine last year out of midwayusa. I just got the new catalog and there listed at like $960 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I'm glad I bought mine when I did.

 

[WunderDog]

I am a bit concerned about weight as this scope is destined for a lightweight rifle. I have no experience with, nor have I heard much feedback on the IOR scopes. I have had really good experience with a number of Leupolds and for this reason have not really considered switching. I would like to try a S&B at some point but am not looking to spend quite that much right now. My only two reservations about the Mark 4 are the increased weight over the VX-III (minor) and the duplex reticle being a bit thick. I really like the Leupold fine duplex and I suppose I could have the reticle swapped out if it came down to not liking it that much.

 

[Jon A]

That's why I asked about weight--the IOR 4-14 is a heavy mutha (heavier than the current specs list).