Leica has been in the optics game for quite some time and arguably has some of the best glass out there. Their pride in the quality of their binoculars has made them who they are today. Leica has also made a quality hunting scope offered in the second focal plane with the Fortis and ER LRS lines. With the growing popularity of long-range hunting and Precision Rifle competitions, Leica introduced the PRS 5-30x56i. They did not compromise anything regarding quality or function.
Leica PRS 5-30x56i
Leica built this scope around a 34mm tube, allowing 32 MRAD of elevation. Compared to other scopes in this category, the PRS 5-30 is compact at just over 14”. However, the scope falls in the middle of the pack regarding weight at 36oz. MSRP is on the higher end at 2849 USD. Leica also offers this scope in three reticles, a simple duplex, a simple ballistic reticle with hold marks in MIL, and a competition-style Christmas tree reticle. More info.
What I like about the Leica PRS
Clarity
I compared the PRS to three other scopes in the same category on a 1951 AF chart. With the PRS, I could resolve one box better than any other scope evaluated. I resolved 2.0 lines per mm near 25 yards in light found within the “golden hour” in the evening.
Zero Stop
Straight forward zero stop—you do not have to be a mechanical engineer to figure out how to adjust the zero stop. The toolless turret removal is straightforward; under it, you will find brass zero stop with Allen set screws. After setting zero with your turret, you loosen the set screws and rotate the zero stop to where the two surfaces meet. Easy peasy.
Built-in Allen Wrench
Under the windage cap, you will find an Allen wrench that stores neatly in the center of the scope, making it easy to have the correct tool with you at all times. This is a nifty little feature that I wish more manufacturers would adopt.
Reticle
I was sent the Ballistic reticle, and what I like about it is the sub-tension ranges between zero and one mil. It is easy to understand, and you do not have to put much thought into holdovers or wind.
Large Eye Relief
Compared to other scopes, the eye relief on this scope is at the higher end of its class at 90mm. I found myself within the eye box in every position I have shot in with ease.
What I dislike about the Leica PRS
Magnification Throw Lever Range
The magnification throw lever goes from 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock on the scope. Running the scope at maximum magnification makes it a problem for right-handed shooters. If you have a typical 90-degree bolt throw action, you will run your thumb into the throw lever while ejecting fired brass. I put the scope on a 60-degree bolt gun and found the problem not to be as severe, but it still leaves little room for clearance between the handle and the throw lever.
Weight
While 36 ounces isn’t on the high end of comparable scopes, it isn’t on the low end either. Manufacturers are pushing their limits to reduce weight while retaining quality. While Leica holds a standard for itself regarding optical quality, I would like to see more innovation in maintaining its standards while not including the weight that comes with it.
Only Offered In MILs
I try only to shoot MIL these days; however, many people still prefer MOA. This is especially true with hunters. Offering a scope in MOA would be beneficial to the American long-range hunter.
NRL Hunter Match
I put this scope to the test on an NRL Hunter match that happened to have some bad weather that came with it. I shot in sideways rain and snow, and by the end of the day, everything was covered in mud, including this scope. The PRS performed flawlessly in these conditions and while testing at home. I ran it through multiple scope tracking tests with both turrets and measured actual click values. I found no errors in either test.
Conclusion
Overall, the Leica PRS is a solid workhorse of scope that deserves more recognition. This is a do-all scope for the hunter who wants a solid optic that improves their skills with matches in an excellent compact package. You can find more information on this scope here.
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