Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics M1 versus CDS

I have not purchased a new Leupold in 30 years (that's how long they last) but I would like to get a new VX-6. Rather than sidetrack a couple of other threads about the VX-6 right now I thought I would ask this question, so school me on this: What is the difference between M1 and CDS. I don't do much long range shooting; however the other day I saw a nice buck on a pipeline that was at least 500 yards away. I realized then that I had no clue how to shoot that far with my current Vari-x II setup.

What are the differences between M1 and CDS. I do not need a dedicated long range gun, just a better ability to practice for those occassions when I might have to reach out there.

Dan

I don't think you can get an M1 on VX-6, but the difference is one is flush and un capped versus 7/8" and capped. If you want M1's go VX-3.

Anxious to hear the answers. It seems the serious guys swear by the M1 for long range. I am not that serious, so I bought a CDS, and have practiced quite a bit with it out to 500 (don't plan on shooting farther than that...) and I can't imagine a system being simpler. Mine is in place for that shot that present itself above and beyond the 300 yards or less where most of my game is taken. Soooo with what little exposure Ive had, and the guys Ive asked on this forum whom I trust, it seems like the M1 for serious repetitive long range shooting, and the CDS for us simpler souls......

The CDS is a low profile turret and can be utilized as a regular turret (MOA) or you can have a turret made for your specific load. The CDS can also be had with or without a zero stop. It is not a capped turret. It remains exposed.

The M1 is a standard turret (also exposed) and is used as a standard MOA turret. It cannot be had with a zero stop. It is by far the most preferred turret offered by Leupold and for good reason. The clicks are positive, the numbers are easy to read, and it can be easily used with wet, cold, and gloved hands.

The CDS moves more easily. I have not had problems due to this, but they do move more easily.

IMO zero stops are fine if you don't need more than one revolution of the turret, but they are by no means necessary.

If I were going to recommend a turret to a person that wants to learn to use turrets, I would recommend the M1.



Travis

This pretty well sums it up for me.

I think those who shoot very long distances in wind, etc., hunting and target, need something more. That's not what I need or want, as I seldom shoot over 500 yds. and where I hunt, wind isn't a major issue.

Agreeing with Ingwe...

What's the world coming to...

DF

CDS offers easier or softer clicks, lower profile,and some what smaller numbers,and only 1 revolution if a zero stops used!

Target turrets come capped, M1's are not covered!

Factory M1's are not available with a zero stop but recently an aftermarket ZS is being offered, M1's are designed to use all the elevation in the scope, M1's are taller and offer very positive clicks!

I prefer my M1's to my cds but they both pretty much do the same thing out to 700 yds give or take!

Pat yourself on the back, the world is about to get better for you.


Only the most astute and intelligent can grasp my concepts....

So, my world is gonna brighten up...

DF

Yep! You're gonna need those shades!

I don't have, and have never used, the M1. I am very pleased with the CDS for my application though. I have my own limitations on range for hunting based on the limited amount of longer range field shooting I get to do throughout the year. The CDS is a very easy way to add a level of precision out to 500yds (my range). I also like the lower profile and the zero stop. I trust the opinions of those who prefer the M1 for their application, but the CDS is also very good for it's intended use.

I have had cds turrets move while attached to a pack. M1's never have for me. This is a big consideration for me. Nothing like a guess of zero on a large deer.

I used a CDS last year and played with another one over the summer. After spending some time with them I don't dislike them as much as I originally did. For my use...

1. Only with a 0-stop to counter the easy turn..which makes them a 1 rotation dial. Fine for most hunting.
2. Only with a generic dial. I don't have a use for load specific dial limitations. Would be nice if the numbers were all shown (somebody had one made), but I can live with the generic.


M1's have a lot of advantages over the CDS and the further the distance, the more those advantages stand out. That said, CDS with a 0-stop and generic dial is a low profile handy package at hunting ranges.

Did not know of a zero stop for a cds. I will call leupold when i can.

.

I have the Burris' C4 scope, like Leupold's CDS.

I have the scope marked how many revolutions from grounded the zero is. On mine, with my load, two and 1/2 revolutions bring me back to true zero.

I'm sure that's the same with the CDS.

I just print a label with the info and stick it on the objective bell.

You can do it yourself. There was a thread here a while back with details. I've done two. It takes about 5 minutes to do.

Scope getting dumped though. Thanks.

M1 muy bueno....

I have a cds and a M1. The cds has turned just by placing in and getting out of a soft gun case. The M1 is much tougher to move accidentally. The cds has trained me to check the turret.

I would be very happy with the moa cds dial if it had more resistance.

Positive stops with a cap like this and CDS wouldn't be near the POS that it is