Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Designed to push the boundaries of modern carbines, the Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm stands out as a rugged and reliable choice. With a reputation for durability, the Mark 5HD 2-10 continues this trend with robust housing completing an optic that is designed, machined, and assembled right here in the USA. Being water and fogproof, this scope is ready for any environment. Geared towards hard use, Leupold also features a patented ZeroLock which keeps the adjustable elevation turret from being dialed even when bumped. Utilizing a 2-10 magnification range, this scope will allow for engaging targets quickly from near to mid-range distances.
Table of contents
Specifications for the Mark 5HD 2-10:
Magnification Range: 2-10
Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
Tube Diameter: 35mm
Length: 11.2″
Weight: 24oz
Reticle Type: First Focal Plane
Illuminated: Depends on model
Eye Relief: 3.6-3.7″
Locking Dial: Yes
Adjustable Objective: No
Windage Adjustment Type: Capped
Elevation/Windage Adjustment Value per Click: 0.1Mil
Elevation Adjustment Range: 165 MOA/48 MIL
Windage Adjustment Range: 80 MOA/23 MIL
Angular FOV Low Mag/High Mag: 10-2 degrees
Out of the Box
Leupold currently offers this scope in three different reticle configurations. These include the PR1-MOA, TMR with an illuminated reticle, and the same non-illuminated TMR reticle that I had for this review. From the factory, Leupold includes a threaded sunshade, durable scope caps, an Allen wrench, an owner’s manual, a sticker, and an installed throw lever.
Mount
Every scope requires a reliable mount to squeeze out every ounce of performance possible. While Leupold manufactures many mounts that meet this description, I chose to use their IMS Mark AR 35mm mount. This paired with their DeltaPoint Pro 35mm Ring Top Mount Kit allows for mounting a top or side-mounted DPP.
While it is quick and easy to use the Mark 5HD 2-10 at close engagement distances, nothing beats red dots in very close-quarters situations. This also allows for shooting with night vision if that is your sort of thing. If the red dot is mounted on top the turret blocks most of the window, but if mounted at 45 most of the window remains visible. All in all, this setup worked great throughout my time with it.
Turrets
The Mark 5HD 2-10 utilizes wide turrets which allow for 10.5 mils of adjustment per revolution. Adjustments are positive, and clicks are easy to feel. Each click moves the reticle by 0.1 mils. My favorite feature of the turret is Leupold’s ZeroLock® system. This eliminates accidental dial movement by locking the turret in place wherever the zero is set. Simply push the button and twist it to dial in elevation, or quickly dial back down to zero where the spring-loaded button will push back out locking it back in place. I find this system neat, intuitive, and effective. The windage adjustment is capped as well to avoid unwanted adjustments in the field.
This scope also features a ZeroStop system which creates a backstop when returning the dial to zero, so you don’t accidently turn the dial a full revolution in the wrong direction.
While we are still talking about the turrets, I need to mention that the windage zero etching makes zero sense to me. While the elevation turret etchings are easy to use, the windage adjustments utilize a line that is not perpendicular to the turret. This makes it hard to see what it is pointing at and to determine if the scope is dialed properly. My only other complaint is that Leupold used 10.5mils of adjustment per revolution on the elevation turret. I can tell they offset this on purpose, but I would have preferred a perfect 10mils so only 0-10 would have needed to be engraved instead of 0-30.
Tracking
When using scopes between 2-10 power I usually just use the reticle to hold over for shots instead of trying to dial them. However, dialing can help with precision, and making quicker follow-up shots at a distance. For these reasons, consumers need these elevation and windage turrets to track properly. To test how well these work, I mounted and zeroed a laser to the center of the reticle, then dialed up 10 mils. As seen in the picture below, the laser moved exactly 10 mils down. I also did this for windage without an issue. I proceeded to prove this again by shooting groups on paper at 50 yards, then dialing up, shooting again, and the group aligned perfectly on the reticle with what I dialed for. Altogether, this proves the machined steps for turret adjustments align with the etched reticle which is essential for making precise shots at a distance.
Parallax
The parallax adjustment for the Mark 5HD 2-10 is fairly standard. It features etchings from 75 – infinity and beyond. The adjustment is slightly firm yet smooth, and the cap has grooves to offer an easy surface to grab onto. Leupold offers an illuminated reticle, however, this model does not have this feature. If it did, this turret would feature brightness adjustments and a battery cap as well.
Mark 5HD Magnification and Clarity
Utilizing a magnification range from 2-10x, the Mark 5HD 2-10 is very versatile. At the low end, it is easy to pick up and shoot quickly since the eye box is forgiving, while the high end allowed me to shoot out to 500 yards with ease. The scope comes with a low-profile throw lever which works perfectly. It stays out of the way when not needed, yet provides more than enough protruding surface to grab and adjust quickly when needed.
Built around Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, the Mark 5HD offers great light transmission. While using this scope, I saw no noticeable distortion, with true edge-to-edge clarity. This remained true at any magnification. Leupold also features a glare reduction coating which helps provide a clear image even in direct light.
Reticle
When it comes to reticles, they can make or break a whole optic for me. The Mark 5HD 2-10 that I had for this review featured the Front Focal Plane TMR or Tactical Milling Reticle. I am a fan of MIL reticles over MOA ones, but this is just a personal preference and either works great with training. I am also a huge supporter of front focal plane or FFP reticles. This means that as you zoom in with the scope, the reticle looks like it is getting larger. While the reticle changes with magnifications, your holds do not. This allows for accurate shooting using the reticle at any magnification.
READ MORE: Leupold Mark 5HD Review with Tracking Test
The reticle uses hash marks spaced 0.5 MIL apart, transitioning to 0.2 MIL spacing on the outer edges. The center of the crosshairs is also open which allows the user to see the fine point they are aiming at. 10 MILs from the center, the lines get thicker which helps when trying to see the reticle on low power when shooting quickly. The illuminated reticle would be the ideal choice for close-quarters situations, and it runs about $500 more than the non-illuminated version I had for this review.
Field Testing
Throughout my testing, I never ran into any issues with the performance of the Mark 5HD 2-10. I have shot hundreds of rounds with it, with a good spread between burning it down with close targets and stretching it out to 500 yards. It always held zero, and the clarity made it easy to see everything I was glassing.
The housing is tough, and the turrets worked great. The reticle is fine, but in my opinion, it could use some work. I wish it had more labels to quickly reference for elevation holds as they are only numbered in increments of 10. This took me some time to count the marks when shooting at a distance. Also, I can’t get over the windage zero mark. Not sure why that isn’t perpendicular to the turret as it is hard to line up. For this reason, I would not recommend dialing for windage anytime except for zeroing.
Summary of the Mark 5HD 2-10
Utilizing a turret lock, low profile throw lever, durable housing, and great glass, the Leupold meets its mark with the Mark 5HD 2-10 by “extending the limits of tactical carbines.” This scope never gave me any issues throughout my testing, and I was able to easily engage steel targets out to 500 yards. While the reticle may not be a personal favorite, the overall quality, made-in-USA craftsmanship, and a price point starting at $1,999 for both MIL and MOA options (with an illuminated reticle option priced at $2,499) make the Mark 5HD 2-10×30 a solid contender for your carbine setup.
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Red dot mounted at the 12 and 3 o’clock??? You mean 12 and 1 o’clock. That isn’t even close to three o’clock.