Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 PR2-MOA FFP Scope

The Leupold Mark 5HD PR2-MOA combines a 3.6-18x magnification range with a first focal plane MOA reticle and straightforward M1C3 adjustments.

Both the reticle and turrets use MOA measurements. Therefore, you can work within one measurement system instead of mixing MOA reticle references with MIL turret values.

Leupold also gives this model a 35mm maintube, 44mm objective lens and side-focus adjustment. In addition, the scope weighs about 26 ounces, which keeps the overall package fairly light for its magnification and adjustment range.

Leupold lists this exact configuration as Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 M1C3 FFP PR2-MOA, part #182944.

Leupold Mark 5HD PR2-MOA Magnification

The Leupold Mark 5HD PR2-MOA provides magnification from 3.6x to 18x.

At 3.6x, you get a wider view of the area around the target. Meanwhile, increasing the magnification brings smaller details closer.

The 5:1 zoom ratio gives you five times as much magnification at the upper end as at the lower end.

Field of view measures approximately 28.3 feet at 100 yards on 3.6x and 5.8 feet at 100 yards on 18x.

PR2-MOA First Focal Plane Reticle

The PR2-MOA reticle sits in the first focal plane.

Therefore, the reticle changes apparent size with the target image as you move through the magnification range.

Its MOA references remain proportional throughout the zoom range. As a result, you do not have to rely on one specific magnification setting for the reticle scale to remain consistent.

Leupold developed the PR2 line with input from competition and professional shooters while keeping the sight picture less crowded than many heavy grid designs.

MOA Reticle and Turret System

This version keeps both the reticle and adjustments in MOA.

Each adjustment click equals 1/4 MOA.

Therefore, four clicks equal one MOA of adjustment.

For somebody who already works with MOA measurements, this keeps the scope simple because there is no need to convert between different angular measurement systems.

M1C3 Elevation Turret

Leupold equips this scope with the M1C3 elevation system.

Each click adjusts the scope by 1/4 MOA, while one full turret revolution provides 25 MOA of adjustment.

The dial also uses multiple revolutions, giving the shooter a broad adjustment range without needing an unusually tall turret.

A visual and tactile revolution indicator helps show where the dial sits within its travel.

100 MOA Total Elevation Adjustment

The scope provides 100 MOA of total mechanical elevation adjustment.

This figure refers to the scope’s overall elevation adjustment range.

However, Leupold separately lists the elevation dial travel limit at 71.5 MOA.

Those two numbers describe different specifications, so they should not be treated as conflicting figures.

In simple terms:

• 100 MOA = total elevation adjustment range
• 71.5 MOA = elevation dial travel limit
• 25 MOA = elevation adjustment per revolution
• 1/4 MOA = value of each click

These are the official specifications for part #182944.

ZeroLock System

The ZeroLock system helps prevent unwanted elevation dial movement.

When you want the turret to remain at its current setting, the locking design helps keep it there during normal handling.

Therefore, the dial is less likely to move accidentally while equipment is being carried or stored.

The system gives the scope a useful mechanical lock without adding unnecessary electronic controls.

Return to Zero

The M1C3 system also provides a clear reference when returning the dial to its established zero.

Once set correctly, the system gives the shooter a firm stopping point.

As a result, it becomes easier to return to the starting position after making temporary elevation adjustments.

The revolution indicator also helps you keep track of the dial during larger changes.

Leupold Mark 5HD PR2-MOA Windage

Windage also adjusts in 1/4 MOA clicks.

The scope provides approximately 80 MOA of total windage adjustment.

Leupold lists 15 MOA of windage adjustment per revolution for this configuration.

Unlike the exposed elevation dial, the windage turret uses a cap. Therefore, the cap helps protect the setting against unwanted movement.

35mm Maintube

The Leupold Mark 5HD PR2-MOA uses a 35mm maintube.

Therefore, you need rings or a one-piece mount designed specifically for a 35mm scope tube.

Standard 30mm and 1-inch rings will not fit correctly.

Leupold lists about 5.9 inches of total mounting space, while the overall scope length measures approximately 12.1 inches.

44mm Objective Lens

A 44mm objective lens sits at the front of the Mark 5HD.

This size keeps the scope reasonably compact while working well with the 3.6-18x magnification range.

In addition, it avoids some of the extra bulk associated with larger 50mm and 56mm objective lenses.

The result is a balanced size for a scope that reaches 18x magnification.

Side Focus

The scope includes a side-focus control for parallax adjustment.

Leupold lists the minimum parallax-free distance at approximately 50 yards.

The side placement keeps the control within easy reach.

Therefore, you can adjust parallax for different target distances without turning the front objective.

Parallax Adjustment

Correct side-focus adjustment helps keep the reticle and target image visually stable when the shooter’s eye position changes slightly.

For that reason, adjusting the side focus for the actual target distance can improve the sight picture.

The important point is to use the control as needed rather than simply leaving it in one position.

The adjustment starts at approximately 50 yards on this model.

Eye Relief

Eye relief measures approximately 3.5 inches at low magnification and 3.8 inches at high magnification.

This gives you some flexibility when positioning the scope.

However, the final mounting position still depends on the rifle, stock, mount and your natural head position.

Check the full sight picture across several magnification settings before tightening the scope into its final position.

Non-Illuminated PR2-MOA Reticle

This model does not use reticle illumination.

Therefore, it does not require a battery.

There is also no illumination dial or brightness setting to manage.

For someone who wants a clean first focal plane MOA reticle without electronic controls, this keeps the setup simple.

No Battery Required

Because the PR2-MOA reticle is non-illuminated, the scope operates without a reticle battery.

That means you do not have to check battery condition before normal use.

The etched reticle remains visible through the optical system under suitable lighting conditions.

This also separates this model from illuminated Mark 5HD versions.

Field of View

At 3.6x, the scope provides approximately 28.3 feet of field of view at 100 yards.

At 18x, the field of view narrows to about 5.8 feet at 100 yards.

This change is normal because higher magnification shows a smaller part of the overall scene.

Therefore, lower magnification provides a wider view, while higher magnification gives a closer look at a smaller area.

Lightweight Mark 5HD Design

The scope weighs approximately 26 ounces.

Leupold says the Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 can weigh up to 20 ounces less than other scopes in its class.

That relatively low weight is useful considering the 35mm tube, 18x upper magnification and broad adjustment range.

The compact 12.1-inch body also helps keep the optic from feeling unnecessarily long.

Leupold Optical System

The Mark 5HD uses Leupold’s optical system to manage clarity, light transmission and glare.

In simple terms, the design aims to maintain a useful image when outdoor lighting becomes difficult.

Leupold also highlights glare reduction and edge-to-edge clarity as key parts of this optical system.

Rather than filling the description with broad claims, the practical points are the clear 3.6-18x range, side focus and well-defined PR2-MOA reticle.

Waterproof and Fogproof Construction

Leupold builds the Mark 5HD to resist water and internal fogging.

Therefore, ordinary changes in weather and temperature should not lead to moisture inside the optic when the scope remains in proper condition.

Leupold also describes the Mark 5HD as waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.

Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions when cleaning the lenses or scope body.