Leupold 5HD 7 X 35 X 56

[Ernest T]

I have owned few scopes over the years, but until last year, none with large magnification. Early on they were low power fixed Redfields or Bushnells, then in 1988 I splurged on a Leupold 2.5 X 8 for my 338 Win Mag. What a revelation that scope was compared to what came before. That scope moved from gun to gun until I quit hunting in the early 2000's and sold it on a whim at a garage sale. Last year I bought my present Arken SH-4 and have been very pleased with it, but had a nagging feeling that I was missing something that a high end scope might provide. Then I found out that Leupold had a discount program for veterans, law enforcement, first responders and a few other categories. It's called the VIP program, and it offers pretty decent discounts on their gear. That tipped me over the edge and I ordered a 5HD 7 X 35 X 56 for almost $500 off of list price. The discount was over $100 more than I paid for the Arken! It should be here next Tuesday and I can't wait to put it on the 6.5 Creedmoor and try it out at 1000 yards.

[Stumpkiller]

My whitetail deer rifle is a .260 Rem with a Leupold VX 5HD 3-15x44. No regrets. It's a hell of an optic. Love the FireDot in low light. I had the CDS turret made for a factory Swift 130 gr Sirocco II that I chronographed at 2,860 fps and tailored reloads to that load.

[Blue Avenger]

Being satisfied with economy scopes is great for finances! But once you get a great piece of glass your dollar per value curve just jumped to a higher limit!

[want2ride]

I have a buddy with an Arken SH4, and it is worth every penny that they go for... But, you are absolutely right. compared to a higher end optic they do leave you wanting. That Leupold should do just wonderful out to 1000. I am sure the Arken could also, but it sure is nice having a bit better optic.

[Ernest T]

I have a buddy with an Arken SH4, and it is worth every penny that they go for... But, you are absolutely right. compared to a higher end optic they do leave you wanting. That Leupold should do just wonderful out to 1000. I am sure the Arken could also, but it sure is nice having a bit better optic.

I've shot out to about 950 yards with the Arken, but 1600 meters is my goal and I question if its up to that, at least in my hands anyway. I'm looking forward to the experience with the Leupold.

This is one of the places I go to shoot. On the left, I was told the ranges were 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 yards. These are distances measured with a range finder. They're off considerably from what I was told! On the right side I was told its 700, 800, 900 and 1200 is way back just over the 717 YDS in yellow. Those were off too! I can hit first time just about every time out to 717 yards. Once I can do it out to 950 yards I'll move over to another range about 50 miles farther from where I live where I can shoot out to 1600 meters.

[Ernest T]

I got the scope mounted and bore-sighted and was headed to the gun club on Monday to zero it, but I got an email this evening that the rifle range is closed next week while they pour concrete. Dang, that's bad timing.

[Ernest T]

Being satisfied with economy scopes is great for finances! But once you get a great piece of glass your dollar per value curve just jumped to a higher limit!

No doubt. I think I could get by with a lower quality scope 30 years ago, but I appreciate every advantage I can get today.