It’s safe to say that Oregon optics maker Leupold took the world by storm last year with the launch of its Mark 5HD 2-10X 30 mm. Retaining the features that the Mark 5HD series of optics is known for, the company has refined the low power variable optic (LVPO) concept with the lightweight and robust Mark 5HD 2-10X 30 mm riflescope.
The new model’s configuration is at once familiar and new, but in a smaller package, measuring 11.2 inches long and weighing 24 ounces. Built on a 35 mm aluminum maintube, instead of the 30 mm one generally found on LVPOs, the Mark 5HD 2-10X’s larger tube provides a generous adjustment range of 30 MIL in elevation and 23 MIL in windage. Additionally, the Mark 5HD 2-10X’s compact 30 mm objective lens allows it to be mounted low on your rifle.
When it comes to tasks such as multi-gun competition, larger optics may be stymied by obstacles such as heavier weight and a lower field of view at lower magnifications. That’s where the Mark 5HD 2-10X comes in. At low magnification, the scope provides a large, flat image that’s crisp and distortion-free, as well as very forgiving from side to side and forward to back. Although there is no true zero-magnification as in a red-dot optic, the image at 2X magnification has an impressive 52.9-foot field of view at 100 yards and 5.29 feet at 10 yards and, in my opinion, with the Mark 5HD 2-10X mounted on your rifle, there is no need for an offset red-dot optic often found in tactical setups.
Diopter adjustment is on the ocular lens eyepiece. In front of the eyepiece is the magnification power selector ring equipped with a threaded throw lever. Adjusting the magnification ring requires a bit of force, and the throw lever is useful for long-range shooting. In the box, Leupold includes a thread protector plug to use if you choose to remove the throw lever.
The 5:1 zoom ratio means there is five times more magnification at high power than at low power. At 10X magnification, the first-focal-plane TMR reticle grows at the same rate as the target when magnification is increased. I found the reticle stays sharp, even at long range with mirage. Something else to note—even at 10X magnification, the Mark 5HD 2-10X has a huge eyebox.
The M5C3 MIL-based turrets have large, easy-to-see numbers and provide three rotations’ worth of adjustment. The ZeroStop system creates a backstop when returning the dial back to zero, so you won’t accidently turn the dial a full revolution in the wrong direction. To make an adjustment, push the elevation lock release button inward and turn the dial. Once the dial has been turned one or more clicks past the zero position, you don’t have to press the button, which will remain extended during the first revolution and flush with the dial on the second revolution. At the third revolution, the button will go inside the dial, and the silver revolution indicator pin on top of the dial rises. Leupold’s ZeroLock system eliminates accidental dial movement by locking it in place. What’s more, the audible and tactile 0.1-MIL clicks are quite useful for long-range shooters.
Parallax adjustment is via a side knob mounted on the left side of the optic with an adjustment range from 75 yards to infinity. That said, I found the Mark 5HD 2-10X provided precise focus at distances less than 50 yards.
For testing, I mounted the Mark 5HD 2-10X to a Stag Arms Stag 15 3-Gun .223 Wylde rifle with Leupold’s Mark AR 35 mm IMS one-piece mount. Zeroing the Mark 5HD 2-10X was a breeze. By loosening two set screws on top of the elevation dial until it turns freely, you can then turn the dial by hand to align the zero with the witness mark at the base of the dial. The lock release button will pop out to lock the dial. Next, simply tighten the set screws until the dial is secure. The process for windage is similar—loosen the three set screws, rotate to align the zero and retighten the screws.
After zeroing at 50 yards at the NRA Publications Test Range, I tested the optic at an outdoor range to tackle steel plates at 25 yards, 50 yards, 100 yards, 200 yards and 600 yards. The first-focal-plane TMR reticle has hash marks that are spaced 0.5 MIL apart that change to 0.2-MIL spacing on the outer edges. Using hash marks instead of dots make for better aiming points for both wind and bullet drop compensation. But, where the Mark 5HD 2-10X really shines is at low magnification. The wide field of view at 2X is perfect for tactical applications, and I was ringing steel shooting offhand at 25- and 50-yard plates spaced about 10 yards apart with ease. At 600 yards I switched to shooting off a barricade with an Armageddon Gear Game Changer bag, and the Mark 5HD 2-10X at full magnification was right at home. Leupold’s professional-grade glass performs well, with little glare and a clear image, even in bright sunlight.
Regarding durability, like all Leupold optics, the Mark 5HD 2-10X is built like a tank and feels solid. Incorporating Leupold’s waterproof and fogproof technology that uses advanced internal gasses and sealing methods, there is no need to worry about moisture entering the internals of this scope.
Whether you plan to mount it to a bolt-action hunting rifle or a special-purpose AR-15, the Mark 5HD 2-10X 30 mm is a solid choice that won’t disappoint. Priced within the limits for Precision Rifle Series Production division and with 30 MIL of elevation adjustment, it’s also a compelling option for long-range competition.
Three Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10X 30 mm models are available. There is the TMR reticle tested here with MIL adjustments, along with an illuminated TMR reticle version, while a third model sports a PR1-MOA reticle with MOA adjustments.
Specifications
MSRP for the Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10X 30 mm optic is $1,999. All Leupold Mark 5HD riflescopes are designed, machined and assembled in the U.S. and are covered by the company’s full lifetime guarantee. Learn more at leupold.com.
Gear List
Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10X 30 mm M5C3 FFP TMR. $1,999, leupold.com
Leupold Mark AR 35 mm IMS one-piece mount. $139.99, leupold.com
Stag Arms Stag 15 3-Gun .223 Wylde rifle. $1,499, stagarms.com
Armageddon Gear Game Changer Shooting Bag. $119.95, armageddongear.com
Hornady Superformance Match .223 Rem. 75-grain BTHP. $29.99, hornady.com
Hornady Match .223 Rem. 73-grain ELD. $21.99, hornady.com
Fiocchi Range Dynamics .223 Rem. 62-grain FMJBT. $29.95, fiocchiusa.com
Federal American Eagle .223 Rem. 62-grain FMJBT. $21.99, federalpremium.com
