Leupold Mark AR - Scopes for Near and Far

The AR-15 optics market just got a little more competitive with the updating of the Leupold Mark AR series which now feature uncapped finger adjustable reticles and illumination is now available on some models. These scopes come in a matte black finish and are available with either a duplex or mildot style crosshair (except for the 1.5-4x20 model which is available only with a duplex reticle). This line of AR rifle scopes does offer plenty of magnification options to fill just about any AR15 enthusiast’s needs, with offerings in the following configurations: 1.5-4 x 20mm, 3-9 x 40mm, 4-12 x 40mm, and 6-18 x 40mm. The Mark AR scope line uses Leupold’s respected Mulicoat 4 lens coating system, and feature a positive grip magnification adjustment ring for use with gloves or when in wet environments. Below is a chart of available options, estimated price, availability, main competitors, and a quick overview of each of these models.

Leupold Mark AR Comparison Chart

Leupold Mark AR 1.5-4x20 – This model is designed for close range shooting, providing a wide field of view for quickly acquiring targets. There is currently two choices of reticle, a standard duplex and Firedot-G SPR; and like the other rifles scopes in this line, it is available in any color you want as long as it is matte black.

Mark AR 1.5-4x20

   Duplex      Firedot-G SPR

Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40 – Takes the classic 3-9 x 40mm configuration that has become a favorite of many hunters, and makes it available especially for the AR-15 shooter. It is available with a duplex reticle with a special calibrated elevation dial for those shooters who like to dial-in the distance and hold the crosshairs on the target or in a mil-dot version for those that prefer the speed of using hold over marks corresponding to distance.

Mark AR 3-9x40

  Duplex       Mil-Dot     Firedot-G TMR

Leupold Mark AR 4-12x40 – Very similar to the 3-9 model, this is the next step up in magnification in this series. Again two different reticles options are available to suit different shooting styles, one is a fine duplex the other a mil-dot. However, since this model is capable of higher magnification it is equipped with an adjustable objective for parallax correction.

Mark AR 4-12x40

Fine Duplex     Mil-Dot  

Leupold Mark AR 6-18x40 – The highest power rifle scope in the lineup, this version also comes with an adjustable objective and is available with a fine duplex or mil-dot reticle. Unlike, the 3-9x or 4-12x models that feature 1/2moa elevation adjustments this model offers elevation adjustment in 1/4moa increments.

Mark AR 6-18x40

Fine Duplex     Mil-Dot  

Notes
The Mark AR series will be of interest to the majority of AR-15 shooters as the lineup has something for nearly everyone in this category, plus they carry the trusted Leupold name. While models with the BDC (bullet drop compensation) elevation dial are calibrated for a 223 Rem. with a 55gr bullet, additional dials for other loads can be ordered through the Leupold's Custom Shop. This could make these scopes appeal to a lot more shooters in general, but especially those who shoot an AR platform gun and not the standard 55 gr 223 load that most AR-15 scopes are calibrated for.

Related Articles

Nikon M223 AR-15 Scope Review

Affordable AR Optics - Nikon P-223 Scope Review