TimeOut

TimeOut forum POWW#8: Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot SPR and IMS 30mm mount

 

I was setting up another new defensive carbine and upon completion had to decide on an optic.  Recently I upgraded a red dot holosight Eotech EXPS2 ( timeout.watchprosite.com ) but wanted a scope.  Since this is more of a close to short range platform, I looked into low magnification options.  In addition to being reliable, of good quality, the other criteria was to have something lightweight.  I'm a huge fan of US Optics and considered their new SR4 or maybe a Nightforce but thought it was a bit overkill for this particular setup.  I've had overly positive experience with Leupold so I browsed their line of optics.  They make a popular AR Mod 1series but I was looking for a bit better level of glass.  A few weeks ago a fellow PuristS suggested one so I ended up picking this one up:

The Leupold VX-R Patrol

The Leupold VX-R series has quite a few variants.  I wanted something more appropriate to match up with the semi-auto so IMO the best choice was the Patrol with the Firedot SPR

The VX-R Patrol has a variable 1.25-4x magnification.  It also has a 30mm main tube vs. the 1" tube found in the Mod AR series.  Right out of the box I noticed the lettering on the top of scope's the eye piece.  This was a bit much and wish they kept it more low key with the markings.  Unlike the other V series scope, the VX-R Patrol does not have the Leupold Gold Ring on the objective end.  The + and - is for adjusting the the focus ring.

The windage, elevation, and batter/red dot knobs have a nice but not overly large design with gloved or slippery adjustments.  Detents were easily felt but I wish they were not as easily rotated.  Some prefer a capped turret as it may be possible to knock it out of zero when bumping into things or when it contacts up against your clothing and gear.  For what I needed it to do, this design was fine, if I wanted something more secure than I would definitely go with a higher end Leupold with the locking turrets, like the push button M5.

White Leupold logos on the turrets...

On the red dot battery cap is the Leupold crest:

The battery cap is not as agressively knurled like the turrets:

The CR-2032 battery is easily replaced without affecting zero:

The red dot is daylight capable and has 8 levels of intensity.  Another notable feature of the VX-R Patrol is MST.  MST is Motion Sensor Technology.  When you activate the red dot by pressing the left side turret, the recticle will be illuminated with a crisp red colored dot.  If no movement occurs, the scope will automatically go to standby mode and turn off the red dot to extend battery life.  However, the red dot will immediately illuminate once the weapon is moved.  This saves a lot of time and motion when you pick up your rifle and need it to be ready.

The nicer Leupolds are designed, machined, and built in the good 'ol USA!

Now that I have a scope, I need another important part of the system, a mount!  It's key to get a solid scope mount and rings.  Larue, Brobo, ADS, and many others are great but I matched the VX-R with another Leupold...

The Leupold Mark II IMS.  The IMS stands for Integrated Mounting System where the aluminum base and rings are one solid piece.  It has a forward design so you can have enough space for placement relative to eye relief when it is mounted on your firearm.  The Leupold branding is found on the side:

The finishing is bead blasted to the same texture as the VX-R and cosmetically matches the scope. 

Torx head screws are used to secure the rings.

Heading out to the range tomorrow, looking forward in running it and seeing how well it holds up.  Happy shooting everyone!

-MW