Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5 - uncapped turrets
I am purchasing a Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5 with the Illuminated SPR Reticle. I have been told these turrets don稚 have a locking system on them. This is the scope I want but I have never had a scope with uncapped turrets before. This scope will be on a rifle used for hunting in West Virginia. There is a lot of thick brush in my hunting area and this rifle will be on a 4 wheeler, in a truck, and on a tractor regularly. I am worried about the turrets moving on me while I am in the field. Does anyone have any experience with this scope, any other Mark 4 scopes, or uncapped turrets scopes in general that could shed some light on this matter? Do they move unwontedly on you when you池e in the field? If so can you just rotate them back to zero? Is it something that you constantly worry about? I just fear getting that big buck in my sights and missing because my turrets were unknowingly moved.
I know this is stupid, but I am also in the dark on how to use them correctly. Are there any guides out there on using uncapped turrets for beginners?
Thanks!
You could use a quick detach, padded scope cover. It will protect the entire scope.
Once you set your zero, you can use an allen wrench and set the scope caps to 0 as well. That way even if they do get bumped you can always get them back to where they should be.
Yes you should reset the caps once the scope is zeroed, however, I don't think you will have an issue.
The reason is that those turrets are built so that it takes more force to turn them then capped turrets. This is so that they cannot be inadvertently turned very easy. With lower quality scopes (NCStar or Barska for example) the turrets will move if they get bumped. However, on quality scopes this isn't something that you need to worry about. Despite the fact that Leupold scopes are not as nice as NXS or Razors or other high-end scopes, they are still quality equipment.
Originally Posted By njlohmann:
Yes you should reset the caps once the scope is zeroed, however, I don't think you will have an issue.
The reason is that those turrets are built so that it takes more force to turn them then capped turrets. This is so that they cannot be inadvertently turned very easy. With lower quality scopes (NCStar or Barska for example) the turrets will move if they get bumped. However, on quality scopes this isn't something that you need to worry about. Despite the fact that Leupold scopes are not as nice as NXS or Razors or other high-end scopes, they are still quality equipment.
I would put leupold ahead of Vortex in my expierience. Our .mil chose them fir a reason Just my .02.
They are not like the turrets on a capped scope or large precision turrets––it takes a deliberate action to turn them. I've never had mine accidentally turn. Even if they did turn, the markings and zero stop makes them super easy to return to the correct position.
Originally Posted By topgunpilot20:
They are not like the turrets on a capped scope or large precision turrets末it takes a deliberate action to turn them. I've never had mine accidentally turn. Even if they did turn, the markings and zero stop makes them super easy to return to the correct position.
Thank you! That was what I was wanting to know. I was worried it was going to be something I would have to think about before every shot, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
I struggled so much with my decision on what scope to order. Hopefully, I made the right decision becaues the order has been placed.
Originally Posted By tlwest1986:
Originally Posted By topgunpilot20:
They are not like the turrets on a capped scope or large precision turrets末it takes a deliberate action to turn them. I've never had mine accidentally turn. Even if they did turn, the markings and zero stop makes them super easy to return to the correct position.
Thank you! That was what I was wanting to know. I was worried it was going to be something I would have to think about before every shot, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
I struggled so much with my decision on what scope to order. Hopefully, I made the right decision becaues the order has been placed.
I picked mine up in a trade not knowing what to expect, and I was really impressed with it. I think you'll be happy with it.
Originally Posted By topgunpilot20:
Originally Posted By tlwest1986:
Originally Posted By topgunpilot20:
They are not like the turrets on a capped scope or large precision turrets末it takes a deliberate action to turn them. I've never had mine accidentally turn. Even if they did turn, the markings and zero stop makes them super easy to return to the correct position.
Thank you! That was what I was wanting to know. I was worried it was going to be something I would have to think about before every shot, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
I struggled so much with my decision on what scope to order. Hopefully, I made the right decision becaues the order has been placed.
I picked mine up in a trade not knowing what to expect, and I was really impressed with it. I think you'll be happy with it.
Thanks for the words of encourement, topgun. Buying optics is always the hardest decision I ever face when building a new rifle. I ended up ordering mine from Werner Arms. Brian Werner gave me a pretty damn good deal on it so it was hard to pass up. I was trying to find something with a little more magnification then 4x while having a 1.something x on the low end. There was a lot of great options on the market but I decided to go with the Mark 4 1.5-5 because the reticle isn't super busy like a lot of other ones. I wanted a FFP scope but couldn't find one I liked for the price. Hopefully I made the right decision over the Vortex Viper PST and not waiting on the new SS 1-6 scope to come out.

I have read a lot of reviews that the illumination isn't bright enough to use in the day time. What do you think about it, topgun?
Originally Posted By jtdam24:
Originally Posted By njlohmann:
Yes you should reset the caps once the scope is zeroed, however, I don't think you will have an issue.
The reason is that those turrets are built so that it takes more force to turn them then capped turrets. This is so that they cannot be inadvertently turned very easy. With lower quality scopes (NCStar or Barska for example) the turrets will move if they get bumped. However, on quality scopes this isn't something that you need to worry about. Despite the fact that Leupold scopes are not as nice as NXS or Razors or other high-end scopes, they are still quality equipment.
I would put leupold ahead of Vortex in my expierience. Our .mil chose them fir a reason Just my .02.
I would put them ahead of both, I have a couple NXS's, and yes their glass is good, and so are some freatures, Leupolds CS, is twice as good, imo, better reticles, and you can get turrets from Leupold for the round your using. OP, I have three 1.5x5's, I think their one if not the best scope in that class, the only one that was replaced was on my go to, and its now got a Mark 8.
Originally Posted By mstennes:
Originally Posted By jtdam24:
Originally Posted By njlohmann:
Yes you should reset the caps once the scope is zeroed, however, I don't think you will have an issue.
The reason is that those turrets are built so that it takes more force to turn them then capped turrets. This is so that they cannot be inadvertently turned very easy. With lower quality scopes (NCStar or Barska for example) the turrets will move if they get bumped. However, on quality scopes this isn't something that you need to worry about. Despite the fact that Leupold scopes are not as nice as NXS or Razors or other high-end scopes, they are still quality equipment.
I would put leupold ahead of Vortex in my expierience. Our .mil chose them fir a reason Just my .02.
I would put them ahead of both, I have a couple NXS's, and yes their glass is good, and so are some freatures, Leupolds CS, is twice as good, imo, better reticles, and you can get turrets from Leupold for the round your using. OP, I have three 1.5x5's, I think their one if not the best scope in that class, the only one that was replaced was on my go to, and its now got a Mark 8.
Hell yea, mstennes! That is what I wanted to hear! The fact that you replaced one but with the Mark 8 isn't too shabby either considering the price range between the two scopes. I am feeling a lot better about my purchase after I have seen some things on here and other sites. I can't wait til I get home from work to find a box from Werner Arms.
Originally Posted By tlwest1986:
Originally Posted By mstennes:
Originally Posted By jtdam24:
Originally Posted By njlohmann:
Yes you should reset the caps once the scope is zeroed, however, I don't think you will have an issue.
The reason is that those turrets are built so that it takes more force to turn them then capped turrets. This is so that they cannot be inadvertently turned very easy. With lower quality scopes (NCStar or Barska for example) the turrets will move if they get bumped. However, on quality scopes this isn't something that you need to worry about. Despite the fact that Leupold scopes are not as nice as NXS or Razors or other high-end scopes, they are still quality equipment.
I would put leupold ahead of Vortex in my expierience. Our .mil chose them fir a reason Just my .02.
I would put them ahead of both, I have a couple NXS's, and yes their glass is good, and so are some freatures, Leupolds CS, is twice as good, imo, better reticles, and you can get turrets from Leupold for the round your using. OP, I have three 1.5x5's, I think their one if not the best scope in that class, the only one that was replaced was on my go to, and its now got a Mark 8.
Hell yea, mstennes! That is what I wanted to hear! The fact that you replaced one but with the Mark 8 isn't too shabby either considering the price range between the two scopes. I am feeling a lot better about my purchase after I have seen some things on here and other sites. I can't wait til I get home from work to find a box from Werner Arms.
I know that feeling, I'm running all mine on LaRue mounts, like I said, you can call Leupold tell them what your shooting and they will get you a turret for you exact setup. I have two for M262, and one for the load I'm using on 6.8, I'm also going to get another one with a turret for 300 Blackout. The thing I like is their in stock non custom turrets are about 30.00 and customs are about 60.00!
As said above, not a worry.
I have one of the old (not the latest model with the new/improved rheostat design) Mk4 1.5-5/illuminated SPR on my 6.8 deer/hog rifle. 2+ seasons of ground hunting/stalking, and the knobs have never not been where I expected them to be. It worried me to the point of OCD for the first few weeks, it's now one of my favorite optics.
Originally Posted By tlwest1986:
I have read a lot of reviews that the illumination isn't bright enough to use in the day time. What do you think about it, topgun?
The illumination is (barely) visible in bright sunlight, but it's not very useful. It's intended for low light and works well for that purpose.
However, the SPR reticle is actually pretty good at closer ranges. While the fine cross hair is very precise at longer ranges, the circle can be used as the main reference at closer range kind of like an Eotech––just put the circle on the target and pull the trigger.
Originally Posted By topgunpilot20:
Originally Posted By tlwest1986:
I have read a lot of reviews that the illumination isn't bright enough to use in the day time. What do you think about it, topgun?
The illumination is (barely) visible in bright sunlight, but it's not very useful. It's intended for low light and works well for that purpose.
However, the SPR reticle is actually pretty good at closer ranges. While the fine cross hair is very precise at longer ranges, the circle can be used as the main reference at closer range kind of like an Eotech末just put the circle on the target and pull the trigger.
Same experience here, but my understanding is that the "new" version (67905) with the improved rheostat provides daytime illum vs the "old" version which I have (56994). Haven't handled one personally to be able to attest to that.
Originally Posted By HellBent:
Originally Posted By topgunpilot20:
Originally Posted By tlwest1986:
I have read a lot of reviews that the illumination isn't bright enough to use in the day time. What do you think about it, topgun?
The illumination is (barely) visible in bright sunlight, but it's not very useful. It's intended for low light and works well for that purpose.
However, the SPR reticle is actually pretty good at closer ranges. While the fine cross hair is very precise at longer ranges, the circle can be used as the main reference at closer range kind of like an Eotech末just put the circle on the target and pull the trigger.
Same experience here, but my understanding is that the "new" version (67905) with the improved rheostat provides daytime illum vs the "old" version which I have (56994). Haven't handled one personally to be able to attest to that.
Do you know when the "new" version came out? Also how would I be able to tell them apart? I am picking one up used right now and want to know what I am getting into.
Originally Posted By FireMedicKeith:
Originally Posted By HellBent:
Originally Posted By topgunpilot20:
Originally Posted By tlwest1986:
I have read a lot of reviews that the illumination isn't bright enough to use in the day time. What do you think about it, topgun?
The illumination is (barely) visible in bright sunlight, but it's not very useful. It's intended for low light and works well for that purpose.
However, the SPR reticle is actually pretty good at closer ranges. While the fine cross hair is very precise at longer ranges, the circle can be used as the main reference at closer range kind of like an Eotech末just put the circle on the target and pull the trigger.
Same experience here, but my understanding is that the "new" version (67905) with the improved rheostat provides daytime illum vs the "old" version which I have (56994). Haven't handled one personally to be able to attest to that.
Do you know when the "new" version came out? Also how would I be able to tell them apart? I am picking one up used right now and want to know what I am getting into.
They changed between the '09 and '10 catalogs. If you're handling the scope in person, the new models have an "off" position detent between each level of illumination. If not in person, have the seller check the box for the model number. 67905 is the updated version. I also believe the new version has eight illum settings while the old version has 11.
Originally Posted By HellBent:
Originally Posted By FireMedicKeith:
Originally Posted By HellBent:
Originally Posted By topgunpilot20:
Originally Posted By tlwest1986:
I have read a lot of reviews that the illumination isn't bright enough to use in the day time. What do you think about it, topgun?
The illumination is (barely) visible in bright sunlight, but it's not very useful. It's intended for low light and works well for that purpose.
However, the SPR reticle is actually pretty good at closer ranges. While the fine cross hair is very precise at longer ranges, the circle can be used as the main reference at closer range kind of like an Eotech末just put the circle on the target and pull the trigger.
Same experience here, but my understanding is that the "new" version (67905) with the improved rheostat provides daytime illum vs the "old" version which I have (56994). Haven't handled one personally to be able to attest to that.
Do you know when the "new" version came out? Also how would I be able to tell them apart? I am picking one up used right now and want to know what I am getting into.
They changed between the '09 and '10 catalogs. If you're handling the scope in person, the new models have an "off" position detent between each level of illumination. If not in person, have the seller check the box for the model number. 67905 is the updated version. I also believe the new version has eight illum settings while the old version has 11.
HellBent, thanks for all your help. I picked up a Mark 4 that has the new illum adjustments with 8 settings. Unfortunately, the highest setting is still too low to see outside in direct sunlight. I have been so busy but I finally got a chance to test it in the WV sun, which isn't too bad today. Kind of a bummer but it is still a great scope. I got a pretty damn good deal from Werner Arms so I can't complain.

i believe the newer models use a different battery as well that is more common.
the turrets should stay in place. it is not a cheapo scope turret. 1/2 moa clicks are nice
I don't really use illumination that much but i think the new design is a good upgrade than the older version that I have.
I recently purchase one of these and switched from an aimpoint H1. It's been odd dealing with the magnification and not having that nice bright dot for close shots, but I'm slowly getting better. At range it's awesome. Wanna hit that 8" plate at 300 yds? Turn the dial, hold dead center, commence shooting. *dink* *dink* *dink*
The more I practice to get better in close, the more I like the scope. Sure, a true 1x bottom end and daylight bright illum woulda been great, but picking this up for $700 off the EE with unmarked, M855 and m262 turrets is nothing to sneeze at.
I haven't had any trouble with either my mk 4 2.5-8 with exposed turrets or the vxr patrol 1.25-4 with exposed turrets getting moved.
Both of them have been run pretty hard now.
Originally Posted By acman145acp:
I haven't had any trouble with either my MKIV 2.5-8 with exposed turrets or the VXR patrol 1.25-4 with exposed turrets getting moved.
Both of them have been run pretty hard now.
+1
After reading this thread back in Feb. I kept my eyes open for a deal on 1 of these Leupold 1.5x5 scopes. I finally found a good quality used 1 last week, came with a Larue mount. I'm really liking it. I'll probably keep looking for another 1.
Originally Posted By MikeSH:
After reading this thread back in Feb. I kept my eyes open for a deal on 1 of these Leupold 1.5x5 scopes. I finally found a good quality used 1 last week, came with a Larue mount. I'm really liking it. I'll probably keep looking for another 1.
I'm looking for another deal too, I recently had found one with a LT mount for $500...
MIne has the zero stop on the elevation turret. Otherwise I would say it is next to impossible to accidently move the turrets with normal handling. My turrets are very stiff and click positively.
tagged as i need this info