We are back with part two of this two-part story featuring the Leupold Mark 5 HD Riflescope! In part one, we covered unboxing, features, installation, and bedding the rings to the scope tube. The Mark 5HD has 32 variations, ours being the 7-35x56mm version with the Leupold proprietary CCH reticle. For this story, we’ll pick up where we left off and jump into lab and field testing.
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Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56 M5C3 FFP CCH Reticle 17456 Detailed Specs
In part 1 we covered high-level specs, so here we’ll expand on that with the fine details!
From the Leupold Mark 5 HD Product Page:
5:1 ZOOM RATIO
A versatile 5:1 zoom ratio gives you 5 times more magnification at high power than at low power (model magnification ranges may be available in powers of 5x: 1-5, 2-10, 3-15, 4-20, etc.), so you can adjust your magnification to find the perfect balance between magnification and field of view for any situation. The larger the zoom ratio, the more versatile one scope can be.
PROFESSIONAL-GRADE OPTICAL SYSTEM
Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System offers unmatched light transmission that’s designed to outperform in the most challenging lighting conditions, industry-leading glare reduction for a clear image in harsh, direct light, and the resolution and clarity that professional guides and shooters demand in the field.
1/10 MIL CLICK ADJUSTMENT
The available 1/10th MIL (M5C3) or click windage and elevation provide precise and repeatable dialing for any shooter.
35MM MAINTUBE
Large 35mm main tubes produce ample windage and elevation adjustment travel, which is ideal for long-range shooting.
WATERPROOF, FOGPROOF, & SHOCKPROOF
Leupold pioneered modern waterproof and fogproof technology using advanced internal gasses and sealing methods that withstand extreme temperatures, elevation changes, and shocks, so the internals of the optics stay moisture free and crystal clear for life.
M5C3 ZeroLock® ADJUSTMENTS
M5C3 ZeroLock® Adjustments: These low-profile dials are available on select models and provide up to 30-MILs of adjustment in 3 revolutions and 0.1 MIL clicks. Visual and tactile revolution indicators ensure you don’t get lost in the travel. The ZeroLock® feature prevents inadvertent adjustments and ensures accurate return to zero.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Finish | Matte |
| Adjustable Objective | No |
| Elevation Adjustment Type | M5C3 |
| Locking Dial | Yes |
| Revolution Indicator | Yes |
| Rezero Type | Set Screw |
| Windage Adjustment Type | Capped |
| Custom Dial System (CDS) | No |
| Custom Dial Compatible | Yes |
| BDC Dial Included | No |
| Reticle | FFP CCH |
| Illuminated | No |
| Nightvision Compatible Illumination | No |
| Daylight Bright Illumination | No |
| Motion Sensor Technology (MST) | No |
| Electronic Reticle Level | No |
| Guard-ion Lens Coating | No |
| Weight (oz) | 33 |
| Elevation Adjustment Value per Click | 0.1Mil |
| Elevation Adjustment Range (MOA) | 100 |
| Elevation Adjustment Range (MIL) | 29 |
| Elevation Adjustment Range (cm @ 100m) | 291 |
| Elevation Adjustment Per Revolution | 10.5 MIL |
| Elevation Dial Travel Limit | 30MIL |
| Windage Adjustment Value per Click | 0.1Mil |
| Windage Adjustment Range (MOA) | 50 |
| Windage Adjustment Range (MIL) | 15 |
| Windage Adjustment Range (cm @ 100m) | 145 |
| Windage Adjustment Per Revolution | 10 MIL |
| Magnification Max | 35 |
| Magnification Min | 7 |
| Objective Lens Diameter (mm) | 56 |
| Linear FOV Low Mag (ft@100yds) | 14.7 |
| Linear FOV High Mag (ft@100yds) | 3 |
| Angular FOV Low Mag (Degrees) | 2.8 |
| Angular FOV High Mag (Degrees) | .6 |
| Eye Relief Low Mag (in) | 3.6 |
| Eye Relief High Mag (in) | 3.8 |
| Minimum Parallax-Free Distance (yd) | 50 |
Reticle information from this scope from the Leopold website: (click/tap in image below to enlarge)
Test Results
We performed a variety of tests to evaluate the accuracy and quality of the Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56 FFP M5C3 CCH riflescope. These tests were conducted using our Optics Test Rig (OTR) at 50 and 100 yards. Here’s a summary of our results!
Tracking
Tracking was tested using our Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig (OTR) and companion 100 yard MIL scaled test target/chart.
(Above, tracking for elevation results Click/Tap to enlarge)
Elevation Tracking was excellent on the Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35×56 scope, with the following measured results:
Elevation tracking error = (0.01 + 0.01) / 6 MIL total) = 0.003 MIL / MIL
(Above, tracking for windage results Click/Tap to enlarge)
Windage tracking error = (0.1 + 0.03) / (6 MIL total) = 0.022 MIL / MIL
Reticle Hashmarks Accuracy, Reticle Alignment
(Above, reticle alignment and hash marks accuracy Click/Tap to enlarge)
This CCH (Combat Competition Hunter) reticle is a Leupold proprietary reticle. It was developed with shooter input and has a ton of usable features. Some of you may find this very “busy” and many will like it and learn to use the reticle for ranging, bracketing and quick shot correction.
After alignment of target and the scope all testing showed the accuracy and tracking of the reticle is excellent. Tracking of the reticle proved to be 100%. All clicks were to the exact mark and then perfectly back to zero or start mark.
Image Distortion
In the above image, you can see a rectangle overlay showing straight lines on the grid (no pin cushion distortion) when a red square is overlaid. This indicates no measurable distortion. A great result!
Magnification Accuracy
Once again we recorded various magnification settings during a zoom test, and then scaled them so they should all be the same size. And here’s the result: (click/tap to enlarge)
In the comparison above, each scaled square should be the same size. And they all are!
These images were generated by scaling up the lower power images based on the ratio of magnifications. Here’s my math for that in photoshop:
| Scope Power | Image width (scaled to same size) |
| 7 | 5000 |
| 9 | 3889 |
| 12 | 2917 |
| 15 | 2333 |
| 19 | 1842 |
| 23 | 1522 |
| 28 | 1250 |
| 35 | 1000 |
It’s nice when things work out according to the math.
Parallax Testing
To test parallax, we first dialed the scope to 100 yards, our test distance. We then used the updated Optics Test Rig (OTR) to move the camera (simulating the shooter’s eye) to the left and right by 0.040″. This shows how effective the scopes parallax is when dealing with head shift. Here’s what we observed: (click/tap to enlarge)
I was very happy to see that we had to go beyond 0.040 to have any loss of view and no change in P.O.A..
Shooting Impressions
Both Gavin and I have used this scope on various rifles. Gavin has even shot a PRS match with it. We both feel this is a solid “go to” scope. All turrets are low profile. The top locking turret has a return to zero while the windage knob is capped. The peace of mind this brings when moving around a barricade is not always needed but it sure is nice to have. The turret clicks have a very positive tactile click with every mark. The windage turret is just the same, excellent. One feature is the ability to adjust your parallax knob. Yes you can even “set/zero” your parallax just like the turrets. This is a scope that will track perfectly, focus easily, and show targets in low level light. The reticle will take some learning and once that is done it will provide valuable information to the shooter. Leupold has a winner with the Mark 5HD!
Get the Gear
You can find the Leupold Mark 5 HD for sale here:
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Thanks,
Travis Fox
