{"id":2606,"date":"2024-10-09T11:51:15","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T11:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=2606"},"modified":"2024-10-09T11:51:15","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T11:51:15","slug":"leupold-mark-4hd-1-4-5x24mm-review-new-lpvo-rifle-scope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=2606","title":{"rendered":"Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm Review \u2014 New LPVO Rifle Scope"},"content":{"rendered":"


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By Joe Kurtenbach<\/a><\/p>\n

In today\u2019s article, Joe Kurtenbach reviews the Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm scope. This LPVO rifle scope is the lowest magnification option in the refreshed Mark 4HD line. Kurtenbach gets this optic on the range for a full evaluation of its capabilities. The Mark 4HD scope was provided on loan to the author for this review.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leupold<\/a> earned its position atop the sporting optic industry. The company does it all. Among U.S.-based riflescope manufacturers, Leupold\u2019s catalog is impressive for its length and breadth. Seemingly offering a tailor-made optic for every ballistic pursuit, the company is renowned for the consistent quality, performance, and durability of its products.<\/p>\n

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This Leupold Mark 4HD is an exceptional low power variable optic (LPVO) that combines high quality with a very reasonable price point. Image:\u00a0Carson McDaniel\/Springfield Armory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the latest feathers in the company\u2019s cap is the Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm riflescope, the smallest member of the recently updated Mark 4 series. In Leupold\u2019s lexicon, the \u201cMark\u201d moniker denotes optics designed to meet the needs of military and law enforcement users. Durable aluminum construction, robust controls, and reliable precision have helped these tactical riflescopes earn an enviable reputation among armed professionals.<\/p>\n

As proof of Leupold\u2019s esteem, when the United States Special Operations Command had specific requirements for hard-use glass, they worked with Leupold to develop the Mark 6 and Mark 8 riflescopes. Since then, the company applied its expertise in battle-proven precision to launch the Mark 5HD series of scopes which introduced Leupold\u2019s Professional-Grade Optical System for improved light transmission and clarity.<\/p>\n

\"Leupold\n<\/picture>
Employing a 30mm tube and \u2014 as tested \u2014 an illuminated FireDot TMR reticle, the Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm is shown here on a SAINT Victor in Leupold\u2019s Mark AR 30mm one-piece mount. Image:\u00a0Carson McDaniel\/Springfield Armory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The products also featured a wide range of windage and elevation adjustment, improved controls, and a selection of purpose-driven first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) reticles.<\/p>\n

[For additional information on reticles, read our article First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane<\/a>.]<\/em><\/p>\n

New for 2024 is the Mark 4HD series, including the 1-4.5\u00d724. These scopes are distinct for their 4X magnification ratio, but still carry over the best features of the Mark 5HD line at a more accessible price point.<\/p>\n

[Editor\u2019s note: We\u2019ve previously reviewed the Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10x scope<\/a> and the Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x scope<\/a>.]<\/em><\/p>\n

The Leupold Mark 4HD Series<\/h2>\n

At writing, the Mark 4HD family includes five primary scope configurations and a total of 17 models differentiated by size, magnification and reticle design. The big boys in the family are built on 34mm main tubes and come in 8-32x56mm, 6-24x52mm, and 4.5-18x52mm configurations. At the smaller end of the spectrum, Leupold also included 2.5-10x42mm and 1-4.5x24mm options in the series, built on 30mm main tubes.<\/p>\n

\"Leupold\n<\/picture>
The Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5\u00d724 is a rugged scope that offers variable, low power magnification that is often sought by AR-style rifle shooters. Image:\u00a0Leupold<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not everyone reading this will be hip to sporting-optic vernacular, so let me break down these designations using the 1-4.5x24mm scope as the example. The first component, 1-4.5, is the magnification range. The lowest power setting on the riflescope is 1X magnification \u2014 or no optical zoom \u2014 and it can be dialed up to 4.5X.<\/p>\n

The next number, 24mm, is the size of the front or objective lens. For this scope, the objective lens is quite small, eschewing the typical bell shape of larger optics. Generally, the size of the objective increases along with high-end magnification ratings because a larger forward-facing lens is needed to effectively gather light and take in the view at longer ranges.<\/p>\n

\"Leupold\n<\/picture>
The Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5\u00d724 rifle scope mounts easily to the Springfield Armory SAINT rifle. Image:\u00a0Carson McDaniel\/Springfield Armory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finally, a 30mm main tube describes the diameter of the scope\u2019s body, and this number is important for selecting the correct mounts and rings.<\/p>\n

Within each of the scope configurations, Leupold also offers reticle options. These include first focal plane and second focal plane reticles, as well as a selection of both mil- and MOA-based reticles and adjustments. Both of those topics are subjects for standalone articles, but suffice it to say that Leupold is providing a thoughtful variety of options within the series.<\/p>\n

LPVO Scope for the Win<\/h2>\n

There are a lot of great options within the Mark 4HD line \u2014 it is a comprehensive new series. One of the most appealing to me is the 1-4.5x24mm because it is the perfect pairing for a defensive carbine chambered for the .223 Remington\/5.56x45mm NATO cartridges. The 1-4.5X Mark 4HD falls into a class of riflescopes often called low-power variable optics, or LPVOs for short.\u00a0[Be sure to read What Is a LPVO Scope?<\/a> for more information on these optics.]<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Leupold\n<\/picture>
The author appreciated that you can remove the zero stop cap to expose the \u201cnaked\u201d turret, allowing you to easily make any needed adjustments. Image:\u00a0Carson McDaniel\/Springfield Armory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best of these optics offer shooters dual utility as both a 1X reflex-style sight and a more powerful magnified optic capable of precision at greater distances. As well, the scopes in this category are generally light and trim, pairing well with the svelte dimensions of an AR-15-style rifle, and their magnification ranges are an ideal match to the ballistic capabilities of the 5.56 NATO cartridge. The 1-4.5X Mark 4HD exemplifies these characteristics and ups the ante by offering Leupold\u2019s renowned durability and function.<\/p>\n

In terms of size, the scope is 10.7\u201d long, and utilizes a 30mm main tube and 24mm objective lens. Overall, it\u2019s a sleek, low-profile design. Weight is fairly trim, too, at 18 oz., especially given the features Leupold packed into the little scope. The Mark 4HD is a true one-power optic, meaning no magnification at the lowest setting, so it can be used as a reflex sight when dialed down to 1X without any distortion that could disrupt both-eye-open shooting. Dialed up to 4.5X, the riflescope has plenty of magnification to match the performance of standard .223 Rem. and 5.56 NATO cartridges. Sure, these chamberings can be pushed to extended ranges, but most would agree they offer the greatest utility at 300 yards, and in.<\/p>\n

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The Mark 4HD\u2019s magnification range also offers some familiarity for vets like me. For most of my time in uniform, my issued M4 was topped by a 4X fixed-power optic. I had no issues during qualification hitting E-type silhouette targets from 25 to 300 meters with this set-up. It was ideal for close-in environments because of its illuminated reticle and low-power magnification which offered a greater degree of precision but could still be utilized with both eyes open. I\u2019m confident the Leupold would have performed with even greater alacrity given its enhanced and fully adjustable magnification.<\/p>\n

Unlike the rest of the line, the 1-4.5X Mark 4HD is only available in SFP configurations. First focal plane systems tend to command and premium, and provide the most benefit in precision shooting, at extended ranges, and when used as range estimation tools. These tasks are not the primary domain of the LPVO. Fast shooting at close- and moderate-range targets are where LVPOs excel, and SFP reticles work perfectly in that role, while also keeping the overall price down.<\/p>\n

\"Leupold\n<\/picture>
The author liked the FireDot TMR illuminated reticle because at 1X it made the optic function like a red-dot reflex sight for close-in targets. Image:\u00a0Leupold<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Three reticle options are offered for the 1-4.5x24mm scopes: FireDot TMR; FireDot BDC; and HPR-1. Both FireDot reticles use a CR2032 battery to power a red, illuminated central dot, and include a side-mounted push button to toggle between eight brightness settings. The Tactical Milling Reticle (TMR) is mil-based, and features hash marks on the horizontal and vertical stadia, both above and below the dot. A TMR-equipped scope also includes an exposed tactical\/target-style elevation turret with zero-stop for dialing .1-mil-per-click adjustments. On the other hand, the FireDot BDC is an MOA-based scope, features capped turrets with \u00bc-MOA-per-click adjustments, and a conservative holdover reticle. Lastly, the HPR-1 uses a reflex-style circle-dot reticle design. It is not illuminated, but the scope does include an exposed zero-stop elevation turret for dialing \u00bc MOA adjustments.<\/p>\n

Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5\u00d724 Scope Specifications<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Magnification<\/td>\n1-4.5x<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reticle<\/td>\nSFP Illuminated FireDot TMR<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tube Diameter<\/td>\n30mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adjustment Range<\/td>\n48 mil for both windage and elevation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>\n18 oz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Length<\/td>\n10.7\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MSRP<\/td>\n$999.99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Field Test at the Shooting Range<\/h2>\n

For my evaluation, I used a Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm FireDot TMR scope mounted on a Springfield Armory SAINT Victor AR-15 Rifle in 5.56 NATO. The integral Picatinny rail on top of the rifle\u2019s receiver provides the perfect attachment surface for Leupold\u2019s Mark AR 30mm one-piece mount. The mount uses five cross-slot tightening bolts to secure the scope to the rail; when torqued to spec, the set-up is nearly bombproof.<\/p>\n

\"author\n<\/picture>
The author ran the Mark 4HD on a SAINT Victor 5.56mm for the testing phase of the review. Image:\u00a0Author<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mounting the scope, I needed to remove the SAINT\u2019s flip-up rear sight. I\u2019m a belt and suspenders kind of guy when it comes to defensive firearms, so I like to have back-up irons if possible. In this situation, I ensured my iron sights were zeroed and marked the mounting locations before I removed them. I kept the dismounted sights with me in a small tool kit.<\/p>\n

Zeroing the scope and rifle at 100 yards was simple, but I have two important takeaways for setting up Leupold optics with zero-stop elevation turrets. First, if your groups are printing high, don\u2019t be surprised if the elevation turret bottoms out after just a few clicks. Don\u2019t worry, simply remove the zero-stop cap and make your adjustments using the \u201cnaked\u201d turret. The Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm offers 48 mils of both windage and elevation adjustment, so it\u2019s unlikely to run out of room.<\/p>\n

That brings me to the second takeaway: Use the zero-stop! Once the rifle and scope are zeroed, loosen and rotate (or re-install) the turret cap so that the number \u201c0\u201d is aligned with the zero-index line, and seat the cap downward until the zero-stop button engages. Done correctly, the system ensures easy return to zero by simply spinning the turret back until it stops. The zero-stop functionality also does a good job preventing inadvertent adjustments since the button needs to be depressed to leave zero.<\/p>\n

\"shooting\n<\/picture>
The scope and rifle easily passed the \u201cshooting the square\u201d test with Federal Premium Gold Metal Match ammo loaded with a 77-gr. Sierra MatchKing bullets. Image:\u00a0Author<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For testing, I wanted to validate the consistency and repeatability of the scope\u2019s windage and elevation adjustments. To do this, I conducted a test often described as \u201cshooting the square.\u201d I\u2019ve seen a few approaches, but my preferred method is to fire a total of 12 shots, adjusting between each shot. It looks like this: Fire \u2014 Dial Up \u2014 Fire \u2014 Dial Right \u2014 Fire \u2014 Dial Down \u2014 Fire \u2014 Dial Left; repeat the circuit three times. The key is to always keep the same point of aim and to use the same adjustment value between each shot. The end result should be four, three-shot groups spaced equally like the corners of a square.<\/p>\n

To shoot my square, I set the target at 50 yards and opted to make 2.5-mil (25 clicks) adjustments between each shot \u2014 enough adjustment for clear results without sending shots off paper. For reference, one mil of adjustment is equivalent 10 cm, or about 3.6\u201d at 100 yards, or 5 cm\/1.8\u201d at 50 yards. So, I was looking for about 12.5 cm\/4.9 inches of separation between the square\u2019s corners.<\/p>\n

To eliminate some of the variance inherent to range-grade ammunition, I shot this exercise with Federal Premium Gold Metal Match ammo loaded with a 77-gr. Sierra MatchKing bullet. I knew from previous tests that this ammunition was capable of sub-MOA groups in the Saint Victor rifle. After three circuits around the square, the average separation between my groups was 4.8\u201d, and my average group size was 0.67\u201d. Given the human operator, sandbag rest, and 300 total clicks of adjustment, those numbers are pretty impressive!<\/p>\n

\"Zero\n<\/picture>
This TMR-equipped scope includes a useful zero-stop button on the elevation turret. Note the removable, low-profile knurled throw lever on the zoom adjustment ring. Image:\u00a0Carson McDaniel\/Springfield Armory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having certified the performance of the scope, I wanted to test its utility as an LPVO by wringing it out on silhouette targets at various distances. I made up courses of fire on the fly to work transitions and provide opportunities to dial magnification up and back. I was impressed with how smoothly the zoom adjustment ring functioned. Speed was enhanced, even in gloved hands, by the ring\u2019s grasping grooves and quick-turn lug, as well as the removable, low-profile knurled throw lever.<\/p>\n

Finally, I highly recommend going with an illuminated reticle like the FireDot when possible. A 1X, the optic functions just like a red-dot reflex sight. At higher magnifications, the central illuminated dot provides a clear aiming point, even against dark-colored targets where a black crosshair alone may be hard to see.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts on the Mark 4HD Rifle Scope<\/h2>\n

The SAINT Victor in 5.56 paired with the Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5\u00d724 is a handy and capable defensive option. The scope offers Leupold\u2019s Professional Grade optical system, proven durability, precision adjustments, and duty-ready features and construction. And, with an MSRP of $999.99, the value is unmatched.<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in and discuss this article and much more!<\/em><\/p>\n

Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n

Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n

Featured in this article<\/span><\/h5>\n

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Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5×24 M5C3 SFP Illum. FireDot TMR<\/span><\/h3>\n


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SAINT\u00ae Victor<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Federal\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Federal Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing 223 Rem 77 gr.<\/span><\/h3>\n


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By Joe Kurtenbach In today\u2019s article, Joe Kurtenbach reviews the Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm scope. This LPVO rifle scope is the lowest magnification option in the refreshed Mark 4HD line. Kurtenbach gets this optic on the range for a full evaluation of its capabilities. The Mark 4HD scope was provided on loan to the author […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2607,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2606"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2606\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2607"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}