Last November, I watched a bull elk step into a clearing 450 yards across the Bitterroot Valley just as the morning light was starting to fade behind thick clouds. My client had been waiting three days for this shot, and with my Leupold Mark 4HD 6-24×52 mounted on his .300 Win Mag, I knew we had the glass to make it happen. The scope’s crystal-clear optics cut through that dim light like it was high noon, and that bull never knew what hit him.
After eighteen months of putting this scope through everything Montana’s wilderness can throw at it—from below-zero elk hunts to summer precision shooting sessions—I can tell you the Mark 4HD earns its place among the most reliable optics I’ve ever used. And trust me, in my 25 years guiding hunters and teaching survival skills, I’ve seen plenty of expensive glass fail when it matters most.
The Mark 4HD represents what I call the “sweet spot” in hunting optics—professional-grade performance without the heart-stopping price tag that makes your spouse question your priorities. Let me walk you through why this scope has become my go-to recommendation for serious hunters who need precision they can depend on.
- Model #183970 – Mark 4HD 8-32×56 (34mm) M5C3 Side Focus FFP PR2-Mil and Matte Finish
Why You Should Trust This Review
I’m Flint Marshall, and I’ve been guiding hunters and teaching wilderness survival in northern Montana for over two decades. As a former Army Ranger and full-time outdoor instructor, I’ve had my hands on more scopes than most folks see in a lifetime. I don’t get paid by manufacturers, I don’t accept free gear, and I sure don’t sugar-coat performance when lives and once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunities are on the line.
Every scope I review gets purchased with my own money and subjected to real-world conditions that would make a manufacturer’s engineer nervous. For this Mark 4HD evaluation, I mounted it on my personal Savage 110 in .270 Winchester—a rifle I’ve used to take clients on successful hunts from Alaska to Arizona.
How I Put the Mark 4HD Through Its Paces
Testing optics in Montana means dealing with temperature swings that’ll humble any piece of equipment. I started my evaluation during a particularly brutal February when temperatures dropped to -23°F during a predator hunting expedition. The scope lived on my rifle for six straight months, enduring everything from that arctic cold to 95-degree prairie dog shoots in July.
My testing protocol isn’t complicated, but it’s thorough. I start with basic functionality—does the scope track true, return to zero reliably, and maintain clarity across the entire magnification range? Then comes the real test: actual hunting conditions where a scope failure means going home empty-handed.
I ran this Mark 4HD through my standard “box test” at our local 600-yard range, adjusting the turrets to create a precise square pattern. The scope’s M5C3 ZeroLock turrets delivered exactly what they promised—crisp, repeatable adjustments that tracked perfectly through multiple rotations. More importantly, when I dialed everything back to zero, my point of impact returned exactly where it started.
But the real proof came during those early morning and late evening hunting scenarios when game animals are most active. The Mark 4HD’s Professional-Grade Optical System proved its worth repeatedly, delivering the kind of light transmission and clarity that turns marginal shooting conditions into confident shot opportunities.
Leupold Mark 4HD Technical Specifications
Here’s what you’re getting with the Mark 4HD 6-24×52:
| Feature | Specification |
| Magnification Range | 6-24x |
| Objective Lens | 52mm |
| Tube Diameter | 34mm |
| Focal Plane | First Focal Plane |
| Turret System | M5C3 ZeroLock |
| Weight | 27.5 ounces |
| Eye Relief | 3.7-4.0 inches |
| Parallax Range | 25 yards to infinity |
| Price Range | $1,499-$1,599 |
Field Performance Breakdown
Optical Clarity: Where This Scope Shines
The first thing you notice about the Mark 4HD is the glass quality. Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System delivers the kind of clarity that makes you wonder how they’re selling this scope for under $1,600. I’ve looked through $3,000 European glass that doesn’t significantly outperform what you get here.
During those critical first and last light periods when big game animals move, this scope gathers light like a magnet. The 52mm objective lens provides excellent light transmission, and the multi-coating technology eliminates the chromatic aberration that plagues lesser optics. When that bull elk stepped out in marginal light, the Mark 4HD turned a questionable shooting scenario into a confident opportunity.
The PR2-MIL reticle deserves special mention. Unlike some cluttered reticle designs that look like engineering drawings, this one provides clean holdover references without obscuring your target. The first focal plane design means your reticle subtensions remain accurate at any magnification—crucial for precise range estimation and holdover calculations.
Tracking and Adjustments: Built for Precision
In my Army days, we had a saying: “Your rifle is only as good as your last zero.” The same applies to scope tracking, and this is where the Mark 4HD really proves its worth. The M5C3 ZeroLock turrets deliver positive, audible clicks that you can feel even with gloves on during those December elk hunts.
I’ve put this scope through hundreds of elevation and windage adjustments over the past year and a half, and it has never failed to track true. The oversized numbers on the turrets are easy to read in any lighting condition, and the ZeroLock feature on the windage turret prevents those heart-stopping moments when you discover your zero has been knocked off during a horseback hunt.
The elevation turret provides 15 MIL of total adjustment—more than enough for any reasonable hunting scenario. I regularly dial out to 600 yards with my .270, and I’ve never run out of elevation travel.
Durability: Montana-Tested Tough
Let me tell you what real durability testing looks like. This scope has been bucked off a horse (don’t ask), dropped in a creek during a river crossing, and subjected to temperature swings that would crack lesser glass. It’s been rained on, snowed on, and covered in enough dust to plant crops.
The waterproof and fogproof construction isn’t just marketing speak—it’s field-proven reality. During a particularly memorable elk hunt last October, we got caught in a three-day storm that left everything soaked. While other hunters were dealing with fogged optics, the Mark 4HD never missed a beat.
The 34mm tube provides the robust platform needed for consistent performance under field conditions. Unlike smaller tube scopes that can flex under mounting stress, this design maintains zero even when subjected to the kind of abuse that comes with serious hunting.
Eye Relief and Eye Box: Forgiving and Fast
The Mark 4HD provides a generous 3.7 to 4.0 inches of eye relief that remains consistent throughout the magnification range. This might sound like technical minutiae until you’re trying to make a shot from an awkward position with a heavy rifle and thick winter clothing.
I’ve made successful shots from prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing positions with this scope, and the eye box is forgiving enough that target acquisition becomes instinctive. Whether you’re dealing with the recoil of a hard-hitting magnum or trying to stay on target during an adrenaline-fueled encounter with a charging bear, proper eye relief keeps you safe and accurate.
Magnification Range: Versatile Performance
The 6-24x magnification range hits the sweet spot for serious hunting applications. The 6x low end provides enough field of view for close-range encounters in thick timber, while the 24x top end delivers the magnification needed for precision shots at extended range.
I keep mine set at 8x for most hunting scenarios, cranking it up only when long-range opportunities present themselves. The magnification ring turns smoothly with just the right amount of resistance—you can adjust it quickly but it won’t shift accidentally in your pack or during transport.
The side focus parallax adjustment ranges from 25 yards to infinity, making this scope suitable for everything from prairie dog hunting to long-range elk work. The adjustment is smooth and precise, with clear markings that make setting correct parallax quick and intuitive.
Real-World Applications: Where This Scope Excels
Long-Range Hunting
This is where the Mark 4HD truly shines. The combination of precise tracking, excellent glass, and first focal plane reticle makes it ideal for hunters who need to reach out beyond traditional ranges. I’ve used it successfully on antelope hunts where 400-yard shots are routine, and the scope has never been the limiting factor in accuracy.
Competitive Shooting
While primarily designed for hunting, the Mark 4HD performs admirably in precision rifle competitions. The reliable tracking and clear glass have earned it respect among competitive shooters who demand consistent performance across varying conditions.
Tactical Applications
The rugged construction and precise adjustments make this scope suitable for tactical use, though hunters will be the primary beneficiaries of its capabilities. The illuminated reticle options and low-light performance provide advantages in challenging scenarios.
Comparison with Competitors
Having tested numerous scopes in this price range, I can confidently say the Mark 4HD offers exceptional value. Here’s how it stacks up against the competition:
Versus Burris XTR III: The Burris offers slightly better magnification range but weighs more and costs significantly more. For most hunting applications, the Mark 4HD provides 95% of the performance at a better price point.
Versus Nightforce NX8: The Nightforce represents the premium end of the market with superior glass quality and more refined features. However, it costs nearly twice as much as the Mark 4HD while providing only marginal improvements in practical field performance.
Versus Vortex Razor HD Gen II: The Vortex offers competitive performance but falls short of the Mark 4HD’s glass quality and tracking precision. The Leupold also carries the confidence that comes with American manufacturing and Leupold’s legendary warranty support.
Mounting and Accessories: Getting the Most from Your Investment
Proper mounting is crucial for any precision scope, and the Mark 4HD’s 34mm tube requires quality rings and bases. I recommend:
Leupold Mark 4 34mm Rings: Purpose-built for this scope, these rings provide the precise fit and torque specifications needed for optimal performance.
Leupold Dual Dovetail Base: Provides the rock-solid foundation necessary for precision shooting applications.
Butler Creek Flip-Up Caps: Essential protection for your investment, especially during horseback hunts or extended backcountry expeditions.
The removable throw lever is a nice touch for quick magnification changes, though I often remove it for hunting to maintain a sleeker profile that won’t catch on vegetation or pack straps.
Performance Ratings: By the Numbers
Glass Clarity: 4.5/5 – Exceptional performance that rivals scopes costing twice as much
Tracking Precision: 4.5/5 – Consistently reliable adjustments that return to zero every time
Durability: 5/5 – Montana-tested tough with no failures after extensive field use
Eye Relief/Eye Box: 4/5 – Forgiving and consistent throughout magnification range
Value: 5/5 – Outstanding performance-to-price ratio in the precision optics market
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
The Bottom Line: Buy Once, Cry Once Philosophy
In my world, equipment failure isn’t just frustrating—it can be dangerous. The Leupold Mark 4HD has earned its place in my gear collection through consistent, reliable performance when it matters most. The combination of professional-grade optics, precise mechanical systems, and American manufacturing creates a scope that punches well above its price class.
Is it perfect? No scope is. The minimum 6x magnification might be too high for some close-range applications, and the illumination system, while functional, isn’t as sophisticated as what you’ll find on premium European glass. But these are minor quibbles with a scope that delivers where it counts.
For hunters who demand precision they can stake their hunt on, the Mark 4HD represents outstanding value. It’s the kind of scope that makes you a better shooter by giving you confidence in your equipment. And in my experience, confidence is the difference between success and going home with nothing but stories.
Whether you’re hunting elk in the Bitterroot Mountains or prairie dogs in eastern Montana, the Mark 4HD will deliver the performance you need when it matters most. It’s earned my complete recommendation and a permanent place on my personal hunting rifles.
Remember, your best survival tool is the six inches between your ears—but having reliable equipment that performs when you need it sure doesn’t hurt. The Mark 4HD is that kind of reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Mark 4HD available in both first and second focal plane configurations?
A: Yes, Leupold offers the Mark 4HD line in both FFP and SFP versions depending on the magnification range. The higher magnification models like the 6-24x are available in both configurations, while the lower power 1-4.5x models are exclusively second focal plane.
Q: What’s included with Leupold’s warranty?
A: Leupold backs every Mark 4HD with their legendary lifetime guarantee. If your scope ever fails, they’ll repair or replace it free of charge, no questions asked. Having dealt with their customer service personally, I can tell you they stand behind this commitment completely.
Q: Which reticle should I choose for hunting?
A: For most hunting applications, I recommend the PR2-MIL reticle. It provides clean holdover references without cluttering your sight picture, and the MIL system makes range estimation and holdover calculations straightforward once you learn the system.
Q: How does the Mark 4HD perform in extreme weather?
A: Exceptionally well. I’ve used this scope in temperatures ranging from -23°F to 95°F with no failures. The waterproof and fogproof construction has proven reliable in everything from driving rain to heavy snow conditions.
Want to learn more about selecting the right optics for your hunting needs? Check out our comprehensive guide to choosing hunting scopes or read about precision shooting techniques that will help you make the most of your investment.