When it comes to innovation in riflescopes, Leupold has long been a trusted name, delivering products that balance performance and reliability.
We’re thrilled to share that the Leupold Mark 4HD Riflescopes have been named Guns & Ammo’s 2024 Optic of the Year! This prestigious award highlights Leupold’s commitment to listening to its customers and creating optics that deliver exceptional performance at an accessible price point.
What Sets the Mark 4HD Apart?
The Mark 4HD riflescopes have been lauded for incorporating many features from Leupold’s acclaimed Mark 5HD series—last year’s Optic of the Year—into a more affordable package. Available in multiple configurations, including 1-4.5x24mm, 2.5-10x42mm, 4.5-18x52mm, 6-24x52mm, and 8-32x56mm, the Mark 4HD series is designed to meet the needs of both amateur and experienced shooters.
These scopes deliver high-end performance without the high-end price tag, with prices starting at $1,000 for the 1-4.5X and 2.5-10X models and peaking at $1,600 for the larger configurations. This price positioning offers a cost-effective solution compared to similarly configured optics from competitors.
Key Features of the Mark 4HD
What makes the Mark 4HD series stand out? Here are some of its defining features:
- First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticles: Ensures consistent accuracy across all magnifications.
- Side-Focus Adjustment: Enhances clarity for long-range precision.
- 34mm Maintube: Provides strength and durability, ensuring performance in rugged environments.
Leupold engineers crafted the Mark 4HD after receiving feedback from customers at trade shows and shooting matches, many of whom sought Mark 5HD-like performance at a more accessible price. By leveraging customer insights, Leupold developed a product line that delivers professional-grade features without compromising affordability.
Balancing Performance and Accessibility
The Mark 4HD line makes some strategic adjustments compared to the Mark 5HD series to achieve its price point. For example, the Mark 4HD features a 4X erector system instead of the 5X found in the Mark 5HD, slightly narrowing the magnification range. The scopes are also slightly longer than their Mark 5HD counterparts. These changes allow for significant cost savings without sacrificing the quality and performance Leupold users expect.
Why It Matters
Leupold’s willingness to innovate—even when it means competing with its own premium products—sets the company apart. Designed, made, and assembled in the United States, the Mark 4HD series embodies Leupold’s commitment to providing shooters with high-quality optics that deliver exceptional value. This focus on customer needs and industry-leading performance earned the Mark 4HD its Guns & Ammo Optic of the Year award.
A Legacy of Excellence
This recognition is not just a win for Leupold but also for the consumers who trust its products in the field and on the range. As Guns & Ammo noted, the Mark 4HD series is poised to capture a significant share of the market due to its blend of quality, performance, and affordability.
