The Leupold Mark 4HD 2.5-10×42 riflescope is a remarkable blend of premium performance and affordability, offering shooters a chance to experience Leupold’s renowned optics without the price tag of their flagship models. Designed for versatility, this scope bridges the gap between high-end competition optics and rugged hunting gear, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of users.
Optical Excellence at a Mid-Tier Price
Leupold has a long-standing reputation for delivering some of the clearest glass in the riflescope market, and the Mark 4HD carries that legacy forward. Featuring high-definition glass and advanced lens coatings, the scope delivers “outstanding light transmission” and exceptional edge-to-edge clarity, rivaling optics priced much higher. According to On Target Magazine, “light transmission, color rendition, and edge-to-edge clarity were excellent and on par with an excellent Leupold VX-5HD scope I compared it to side by side.”
With a 4:1 zoom ratio and a 42mm objective lens, the Mark 4HD balances compactness and brightness, making it equally suitable for low-light hunting conditions and tactical shooting.
Precise Adjustments for Any Shot
Precision is at the heart of the Mark 4HD’s design. The scope features MIL-based TMR (Tactical Milling Reticle) adjustments with tactile and audible 0.1-mil clicks. Both turrets offer an impressive 24.7 mils (~85 MOA) of adjustment range, with a zero-stop feature that ensures a quick return to your original setting. This combination of features allows shooters to confidently tackle varying ranges and wind conditions.
On Target’s review highlights the repeatability of the adjustments: “Impacts were well within that load’s margin of variation, which was quite small, and the scope returned nicely to zero.”
Built for Durability and Performance
Weighing three ounces less than its Mark 5HD counterpart, the Mark 4HD is both rugged and lightweight. Constructed with a 30mm maintube, it maintains structural integrity while reducing overall cost compared to 35mm-tube designs. The scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it reliable in diverse shooting environments.
For range testing, On Target mounted the scope on a custom Aero Precision AR chambered in .223 Wylde. It performed flawlessly, with tight sub-MOA groups — including a standout 0.35-inch group at 100 yards.
Versatility and Value
With an MSRP of $999.99, the Mark 4HD offers significant value, providing many of the features found in higher-end optics at a much lower price. As Mike Dickerson notes, “it’s $1,000 less than a comparable Mark 5HD and about $600 less than the most expensive Mark 4HD models.”
Available in multiple configurations, including illuminated and non-illuminated reticle options, the Mark 4HD is adaptable to a variety of shooting scenarios. Its removable throw lever adds convenience for quick magnification changes.
Final Verdict
For hunters, tactical enthusiasts, and competition shooters, the Leupold Mark 4HD 2.5-10×42 stands out as a high-quality, reliable, and versatile optic. Whether you’re tracking game at dawn or dialing in precise shots at the range, this scope delivers exceptional clarity, repeatability, and durability without breaking the bank.
As Dickerson aptly summarizes, “It takes more than an accurate rifle to achieve those results. It takes a good optic, with precise and repeatable adjustments, that produces a clear and sharp view. The Mark 4HD delivers on all counts.”
For more insights and details, check out the full review on On Target Magazine.
