Leupolds web site reads like a book for the "Recently Deceased".

What the difference between the M4's M1's, etc and the standard scopes. Lens?

I recently purchased a Leupold 6.5-20x50mm LRT with varmint reticle (57180 I think?). I have it mounted on a Savage 12FLV (308win) with Choate stock and some extra's, it shoots groups that make me look very good and is a very nice varmint rig. It's a treat to use and I couldn't be happier, but I still don't understand the more exspensive M1's etc.

Can you explain them to me......

The MOA clicks are different.

Some of the M series have a full one inch elevation click for quick dialing on sniper shots. Some have 1/2" I believe.

Leupold's website probably defines it more, I know their catalog explains it.

Reloader

aren't there differences in "matched lens"? I know the verticle and horizontal adjustments are different, however, that doesn't account for $2,$3,$400 or more difference in cost??????

The only difference between the M1, M2, and M3 are the turret style and the different adjustments, such as M1 has 1/4 MOA click adjustments and the M3 have 1/2 MOA windage and 1 MOA elevation. The M3 and M2 hvae Bullet Drop Commpensation marks also.

Jon --- Do you mean to tell me that the only difference between my 6.5-20x50 LRT with varmint reticle and the M1,M3,M4 is the adjustments and reticles......

It seems to me that an aftermarket reticle from one of the specialty companies would be a smarter way to go, if that is the only difference. So there is no difference in lens, huh......

I think either I am confused or you are confused. You are asking about your 6.5-20x50 LRT, after reading your post I guess you have a VX-III 6.5-20x50 Long Range scope and it is not the Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50 Tactical scope? If you were asking between these two scopes, I was assuming that you were just asking the difference between a Mark 4 scope with M1, M2 and M3 knobs.

Jon, You are correct, The box (scope #57180) is marked VXIII 6.5-20x50mm LRT w/ varmint reticle. Not the tactial Mark 4.

One box is marked LRT (Long Range Target)
the other is marked LR/T (Long Range/Tactial)

I wanted to know the difference in these 2 scopes, Sorry I didn't make my self clear.

I also have an older VARI-X III 3.5-10AO that gets me confused, with the new VX, XR, ZtripleY mark 90.111 PH-1 squared and add 4+90.

Hell, someday people are going to make things simple when it comes to naming manufactured items. Like I said, I find the Leupold site confusing. It's as clear as mud, but it covers the ground.

Thanks, Mike