Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Am I crazy for thinking about swapping my Mark 5HD for an LRTS?

I have a 3.6-18x44 Mark 5HD on a Christensen MPR in 6.5PRC that I use solely for deer/antelope out to 500 yards. Always tweaking things, I'm wondering if I'd notice any difference in the intended use between the Leupold and a Bushy 4.5-18 LRTS from Doug outside of the extra $1k in my checking account after the swap? My one and only complaint with the Leupold is the finicky eye box above 12x. Wondering if maybe the 4x erector would be a tad more forgiving in that regard vs the 5x erector in the Loopy.

LRTS for me

If you are picky about the eye box, the LRTS will leave you wanting more. Awesome scope, but it’s one downfall is a picky eye box, at least compared to the Mark 5 I owned.

Durn. Truth be told, I'd probably opt for a 3-12 model if one could be found.

Ive heard the 3-12 is more flexible, but I’ve never looked through one.

I would trust a bushnell tactical scope that is made in japan, every day and including sunday more than any leupold.

The eyebox on the 4.5-18x is fairly user-friendly, but the 3-12x model has an eyebox that is significantly better yet. For the application you mention, I'd go LRTSi 3-12x over the Leup in a heartbeat, if you can find one. Alternatively, the LRHS2 (essentially an LRTS with the hunting reticle found in the LRHS) 4.5-18x is coming soon.

That's too bad, the LRHS I have has amazing eye relief. And my standard there is Leupold.

Took the rifle hunting this evening and I do really like the Mark 5, the glass is fantastic. Only saw a spike buck but I dry fired on him 6-7 times at 340 yards just for practice using the reticle to hold over, I’d normally dial. This was about 10 minutes after sunset, and the scope was just not easy enough to stay behind at 16x and up in that light at that distance. I played with it set at 12x and I really think I’d be just fine with a 3-12. Just not sure I want to give up the Mark 5 for one. May hunt the classifieds for a 3-12 to play with.

I just posted a 4.5-18x44 LRTSI NIB on the classifieds a couple of hours ago if you are looking for a black one with illumination.
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...5578739/re-wts-nib-bushnell-4-5-18-lrtsi

Thanks but I think I want a 3-12...not sure yet. Idk,

I think so, yes, if shooting competively. I've not owned a Mark 5, but have used my buddy's at the range and was very impressed. And I have multiple Elites.

But if you're just shooting critters @500 yards, the LRTS is more than sufficient. Actually, I've only seen Leupold Mark 5HDs on competition rifles where guys are shooting 1,000 or more yards.