Whether you are planning on mounting the Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 1.5-4x20mm on a precision bolt-action rifle, a modern sporting rifle, or an MSR/AR you’ll find this scope performs. Leupold has a long history of creating scopes with excellent optics. Now add features like FireDot illumination, multicoated lenses, 4 to 1.5-zoom ratio, and a battery-conserving motion sensor. Put this all together and the result is the must have Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 riflescope.
Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 Review
Leupold is part of Leupold & Stevens, Inc. A fifth-generation, family-owned American company, it has been producing quality optical instruments for over 100 years. Since 1907, the company commits itself to manufacturing the best optics, whether for the sportsman, wildlife observers, or law enforcement and military.
The turnaround for the company came during World War II. The United States Army and Navy approached Leupold & Stevens to help with their optics. The Army was looking for rugged scopes and the Navy wanted waterproof optics for use on board ships. The results are evident in the durable and waterproof scopes available from Leupold today.
Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 Pros
1. Customization
Many options are available from the Leupold Custom Shop. Want to change the look of your scope? No problem. The Custom Shop offers several types of finishes. Want to take advantage of customization to improve your accuracy. Also no problem. You can order a reticle matched to the ballistic information for your rifle and ammunition.
2. Illuminated Scope
Reticles on illuminated Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 models have the green Firedot. Just push a button and the small green dot appears in the crosshairs, putting them spot on to your target. With six options for intensity level, you don’t have to worry about the scope washing in low light situations.
3. Easy to Use
The circles and hash marks in the reticle make it fast and easy to estimate the target distance. The turrets are clearly marked in both yards and mils, and adjustments are a snap.
4. Lens Coating
Multicoat 4 propriety technology coats the lens of the Leupold Mark AR MOD 1. Image quality can suffer if light reflects off the lens surface. Multicoat 4 minimizes reflections while at the same time, maximizes the amount of light reaching your eye. While you have no control over the light at the time you are shooting, the Multicoat 4 technology will allow you to make the most of what is available.
5. Zoom Ratio
You’ll have edge-to-edge clear images with the Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 scope 4x to 1.5x zoom.
6. Motion Sensor Technology
The Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 Motion Sensor Technology conserves battery life in illuminated models by deactivating the light if the rifle is inactive for five minutes.
7. Fog Proof and Waterproof
Don’t wait for the sun to come up and clear the air. If you are the kind of shooter that likes to get out early while the dew is still hanging, then you’ll love the fog proof technology of the Leupold Mark AR MOD 1. Don’t care what the weather is like? Then you can depend on the Krypton and Argon waterproofing of the Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 to protect your scope.
8. Lightweight
At only 9.5 oz., you won’t even notice the addition of this scope to your rifle.
9. Full Lifetime Warranty
If you have a problem with this scope, just sent it back to Leupold for repair or replacement, no questions asked.
Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 Cons
- The 20mm objective lens is relatively small for shooting in low light conditions.
- The battery needs to be strong for the FireDot illumination to work properly.
- The reticle is duplex and to range it properly, the shooter has to know the size of the target and the subtension at different ranges. Plus, these ranges will change at different magnifications. For some shooters, this type of reticle is too busy and bothersome to use.
- The Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 does not come with flip-open lens caps and the cost of a cap for the objective lens can be pricey.
- Some shooters may feel that the clicks on the turret are soft and hard to feel. Plus, the turrets markings are in MILS. For anyone experienced in national matches that use Minute of Angle, this will take some adjusting on the part of the shooter.
- The bullet drop compensation is set for 55 grain bullets. Testing and experimentation are necessary if you’ll be shooting heavier ammo.
- Eye relief at full 4x magnification is only 3.80 inch, which is short for some shooters.
Who Is This Product Best For?
Shooters who like to hunt in low light, including dusk, dawn, and even at night, will love Leupold’s green Firedot. The little green dot on the circle of the reticle sets you quickly on your target at close and intermediate ranges with both eyes open.
If you are looking for a quality American made scope that is small, illuminated, and lightweight, the Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 is the one for you. The matte black finish will look great on your rifle or customize it and made yours stand out. It is easy to zero, easy to dial in, versatile, and easy to mount. Whether hunting hogs, deer, target shooting in your backyard, or shooting competition, this scope has just the right features to help you improve your accuracy at any distance.
