Leupold Mark 4 LR/T M3 10x40mm Questions

[SGTKane]

For the last couple of years I ran a Nikon Monarch on my Remington 700. Never really happy with it. I found a good deal via Optics planet for a Leupold Mark 4 M3-10x40mm LR/T with mildot and figured since I'd used that in Afghanistan and Iraq on my M-14 and was happy with it, I'd sell the Monarch and pick it up.

It arrived the other day. And I'm thinking I may have been taken for a ride.

The outside of the scope is scuffed up in places. It has a custom bullet drop compensator (on the scope is 175 grain 308, in the box are two others, 168 grain 308, and 300 win mag) and the windage adjustment is in MIN and not MIL like the ones I used in the past (or MOA like my Monarch was).

I contacted the seller with my questions and was told "all sales are final" (apparently this was a close out item) and what they sold me was new in box (not used as I suspect) and they consider the matter closed unless there is something optically wrong with scope (which I won't be able to test until this weekend).

I reached out to Leupold and found out they haven't made/sold a fixed scope like the Mk4 line in years and that I really should have contacted them because they have a .mil/leo purchase program and I could have landed a Mark 6 3-18x44mm for about the same price as what I paid for the Mk4. Their custom shop might be able to help answer my questions, but I haven't heard back from them.

So I figured I'd try and get your take.

Did I get a used/custom optic? And what is up with the MIN v MIL markings? Or is it just that my vision has gotten so bad even with my reading glasses I'm reading it wrong...

[Mute]

Show us a pic. A NIB scope shouldn't have scuffs. As far as the windage and elevation, the Mark 4 M3 had turrets in MOA, 1 MOA/click on the elevation and 1/2 MOA/click on the windage. These were made when mixed mil/moa reticle and turrets were still somewhat common.

[SGTKane]

Here are the scuff marks. Optics Planet specific response was that with the way the optics are packed there might be some rubbing while in transit. These marks are no where near the foam mounts that were holding the scope when I unpacked it. Makes me wish I'd done an unboxing video or something.





If those don't show, the link to the imgur page is: https://imgur.com/a/pOxol

If I'm understanding you correctly MIN = MOA (which makes sense).

[Mute]

Those scuff marks are bad. I no that scopes can shift in the boxes but that's as bad as I've seen. I have never received a brand new scope in that kind of condition. What I'd do is do a tall target test and make sure the turrets tracks accurately and consistently. If so, then you're probably ok.

[thorium]

If you purchased with a credit card your credit card company will protect you. Remind optics planet of that and tell them that you are returning what is clearly not a new product as advertised and the question is whether your credit card company will need to do a chargeback to get you a refund or whether they want to handle it themselves.

Then go get that mark 6.

[SGTKane]

Thanks Mute and thorium. I am heading out this weekend (weather here in NH permitting) and I'll get it zeroed and see how well it tracks and holds the zero.

I think what is bothering me most is, even for a pretty good deal this scope was almost three times what I paid for my first car. I feel that for that price, it should look new when it comes out of the box. I'm also really puzzled by the custom bdc's that came with it. The 175 grain and the 300 win mag I get. They are pretty common, but 168? The M80 ball ammo was 146 last time I checked, so I'm just really confused on that one.

[OpticsPlanet]

SGT Kane - PM Sent

-Matt S.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

The 175 grain and the 300 win mag I get. They are pretty common, but 168? The M80 ball ammo was 146 last time I checked, so I'm just really confused on that one.

Read this article on The History of M118 Ammunition and realize that while 175 gr. is now favored, particularly for 1,000 yards, many still shoot the 168 gr. for the shorter range matches, arguing there is no, significant difference between the two loads at those distances.

[SGTKane]

Matt S. I responded with the order number.

TrappedinCalifornia (start digging behind the Rita Hayworth poster...you'll get out eventually...) Thanks for the link. I've been shooting M80 (because its what the army gave me) and Federal M118 (LR apparently) because that's what a friend recommends. Never saw the history of it outlined like that. Good stuff.