Ever since the Leupold Mark8 1.1-8x24mm CQBSS hit the battlefield, shooters have lusted after the versatility presented in that optic. Running one platform that can take you from room clearing to headshots at 600m+ is the siren call of the carbine. But CQBSS’s $4,000 price tag left plenty of us outside the store with our noses to the glass.

Then we saw the Leupold Mark 6 1-6 x 20 at SHOT Show this year. It’s slightly smaller and lighter than the CQBSS but provides 70 percent of its cousin’s capability at half the price. Its 1-6 magnification is optimal for close and intermediate distance engagements. This makes it ideal for combat carbines, both light and heavy. The zoom range, size and weight of the Mark 6 is going to have the growing number of 3-gun competition shooters salivating.

Leupold lent us the first unit off the production line for a review, a month ahead of anyone else. So, while other outlets are getting the first chance to put Round One downrange this week, we’re giving you a full-on field evaluation after weeks of testing. 

SETUP:
GearScout contributor, heavy carbine SME and SOCOM veteran, John McPhee and I had the Mark 6 for three weeks and ran 2,750 rounds with it during several range sessions on the east and west coasts. The 2,590 rounds of 55gr and 77gr 5.56mm and 160 rounds of M118lr .308 gave us a good chance to see how the optic could run switching between my 16” Mega Arms/Daniel Defense 5.56mm carbine and John’s 16” .308 KAC SASS Carbine.