Difference between Leupold M1 turrets and "normal" target ones?

[Ruben Nasser]

I would like to buy a Leupold LR 6.5-20x50 scope, 30mm tube, side adjustable parallax, mil-dot reticle. It seems that this scope comes with the "normal" target turrets, with caps on them. I would like to get one with the M1 style turrets, larger and without caps, is there any other difference or advantage in performance/endurance between this two styles? Do I have to send the scope to Premier (or somewhere else) to get the M1 turrets installed or can I buy the scope just the way I like it somewhere? What about installing a illuminated reticle in this scope? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[fed168]

The M1 Mk IV turrets, which is what I assume you are inquiring about, are larger and already sealed so a cap is not necessary. They are heavy duty. The M1 and standard turrets are 1/4 min adjustable, save for the M3 which comes in 1/2 min adjustments, also with the option for different calibres (.308, .30-06(?), .300 and .223). I do not see any major advantage in one or the other, both scopes are heavy duty, and the internal parts of the two scopes may be different enough that Leupold would have to retool in order to use M1 Mk IV turrets. Although, Leupold has M1 style turrets on the 3.5x10 30mm, similiar to the MK IV. A call to Leupold or Premier should be beneficial to your query. BTW, Leupold has started to offer an illuminated reticle scope, I saw one and now forget what power it was, but it was a varible power scope. A more economical option is to get a "peanut", a small light stick, and tape it to the bottoom of the front objective. That works pretty good and it uses no batteries.

 

[Rob01]

I have the exact same scope you are talking about. I bought it from SWFA and sent it to Premier Reticles and had them install the M1 Mark 4 knobs for $75.50 which includes shipping. They are pretty fast too. I had it back in about a week and a half. I like the M1 knobs much better because I don't have to mess with scope covers to make adjustments and they are easier to see while making the adjustments. I believe Premier offers the scope with the knobs on them already. Give them a call because they can answer any of your questions. Also check out thier web site at www.premierreticles.com.

 

[El Rojo]

Don't waste your money. The only difference I can see is that the M1 style have that bulkier knob at the ends. Other than that, no difference. I have the regular knobs on my 6.5x20 LRT, I just leave the caps off when I am hunting or shooting. I just painted my whole gun and left the caps on, so they have camo paint, but I still plan on at least leaving the elevation cap off when hunting. I really don't see the difference in the two enough to warrant spending more money for knobs that already work great. Get the scope and use the installed knobs for a while, you will find it is not even a big deal. They make the audible click, they are well marked and you can use a small allen wrench to adjust the zero. If you don't like the caps, leave them off! I know it sounds like a foreign concept, but it really is easy!