Leica 3-12x50 ERi initial impressions

[ccoker]

UPS dropped off a new scope to review yesterday evening and I had a little bit of time to play with it as light faded in the field behind my house.

Leica 3-12x50 ERi with AVS turret and IBS reticle.
My first time with a Leica

Impressions
Very nice glass (as expected)
The illuminated reticle has a 1 MOA dot that can be set VERY low, they did this right with zero flare.
Eye relief is constant and seems like it has a generous eyebox (not mounted yet)
The adjustments are in 1 CM, 9 CM of adjustment up.
Has a zero stop
Has a lock/unlock ring at the bottom of the turret that is activated by a 1/4 rotation
This can be locked in any stage of elevation adjustment.
Will get back with more as time permits..

 

[DrMike]

I do like my Leicas, that's for certain. I have two, and I'm certain there are more in my future.

 

[SJB358]

Good initial review. I really like the looks of the Leica's. They seem like bulletproof optics with awesome glass.

 

[sask boy]

I have one as a result of a certain Doctor :mrgreen:. I hate to admit it but I believe it maybe as good or better than my Leuy's :shock:.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[DrMike]

Now, that didn't hurt at all, did it Dan? :grin:

 

[Woodycreek]

I have one as a result of a certain Doctor :mrgreen:. I hate to admit it but I believe it maybe as good or better than my Leuy's :shock:.

Blessings,
Dan

Same here! The good Doc talked me into one also. Glass is super clear.

 

[IdahoCTD]

For anyone who has looked through both....how would the new Zeiss HD5's and the Leica or the Swarovski compare? I read on 24hrcampfire that the Zeiss is very near to a Z5. I should get my 5x25 HD5 on Tuesday. I just hope the turrets are repeatable. I have to send one of my Conquest back because it way off on the dials and hasn't held zero. This is the first scope I've ever had to send back but I've mostly used Leupolds and Nightforce until the last year or two.

 

[Woodycreek]

I think the Leica has a noticeable difference in clarity over my HD5. Also think the HD5 has a better turret than the Leica IMO.

 

[IdahoCTD]

I think the Leica has a noticeable difference in clarity over my HD5. Also think the HD5 has a better turret than the Leica IMO.

I figured as much since Leica probably makes the best set of binoculars out there and Swarovski is right there with them. Usually that means the best glass in a scope too. I just hope the turrets are repeatable like Leupold and Nightforce. Do you have the 5x25 or the 3x15?

 

[Woodycreek]

My Zeiss HD5 is 3-15 with locking turrets and the Leica is the 3.5-14 IBS/target turrets.

 

[ccoker]

I tested the HD5 3-15 with locking turrets.
I would have no problem hunting with that scope..

Woodycreek, I have heard some people say the turrets are a tad mushy in the Leicas, but track right
I don't feel that way on this scope.
Does yours have the locking ring on the base of the turret?

It is not quite as positive as a good tactical scope but seems like it has positive detents that can be felt while dialing. I would like to compare against the previous versions.