Leupold Mark 4s. Original fixed power vs newer variable power durability

[Michael Eichele]

Looking for opinions or experiences with the original fixed power mark4s versus the newer variable powers. Mainly durability.

Many here know that for sheep and goat hunting I am a huge fixed power mark4 fan. This is because they alot lighter than my nightforces and bomb proof.

I am looking to get a 4.5-14x mark4 but I am concerned that due to the fact that they are alot lighter than their original counterpart and much cheaper that they possibly are not as bomb proof.

So, what do you all think?

Thanks,

M

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Mike

I had a MK4 10x for 5 years it was bomb proof just like you said. Had to sell it to get new house. Just replaced it with a new MK4 M5 6.5x22x50 it seams to be just as bomb proof so far. Im not parting with this one.

 

[Bravo 4]

Our M3A's are the original MK4 and they are pretty durable, however they can fail just like any other optic. They used to be the standard to which all other tactical riflescopes were compaired to, but now they just seem generic. I would not be any more concerned about using a variable power MK4 instead of the fixed power originals. We use the 3.5-10 on our M110's and the 4.5-14 on the M107's with no problems...well, no more then the fixed version.