i called leupold the other day to get an answer strait from the horses mouth. i wanted to know what the diference was betueen the vx3 and the mark4 because all i could get at the local sportinggoods stores was the mark 4 is the "tactical" model. i talked to a person at leupy and they sad that the mark 4 is a vx3 with turrets, painted black and tested to a bit hgher standard.
order a leupy vx3 with a 30mm tube and 50 mm obj. through there custom shop and have M1 turrets and a milling reticle put on it and you have a "mark4" for about $500 less.
i dont know whay the added durability above and beyond a top of the line scope is necesary when the company has some of the best customer service in the buisness. unless ofcourse your life depends on that scope... then id spend the extra 1000 and go with a schmit&bender
-tyler-