Six years ago I tested the original Leica PRS 5-30x56i on a Ruger Precision Rifle, and I concluded that it had a clear, crisp image, a mechanical feel and turrets that were a pleasure to use. Nowhere in that review did I say, "it would be better in tan." Yet here we are, with the PRS 5-30x56 i FDE Edition, and I will be honest: I am weak; colors work on me. A scope is not more accurate because it matches the stock, and a brown-green RAL 8000 or a ghost gray rifle does not hit one centimeter closer at 100 meters. We buy it anyway. We even pair our rifles to the rifle scope. I once sent a Spuhr mount to be Cerakoted in silver and burnt bronze purely for the look, so I am in no position to judge any of our readers.
But what Leica has done is more thorough than a paint job. Along with the Flat Dark Earth finish, the Tenebraex flip caps, the sunshade and the throw lever are all color-matched, and the white engravings finish the effect. Leica sums it up as a premium, "tactically inspired" look, and it points to the new Leica Geovid Max 10x42 (yes, I want those too) as the partner for anyone who wants the whole kit in one shade.
Under the paint, the specs are the ones that made the PRS version interesting in the first place. It is a 6x zoom from 5 to 30x, with a PRB reticle in the first focal plane so holdover points stay consistent throughout the zoom range.
Leica quotes more than 90 percent light transmission and high edge-to-edge sharpness with strong contrast. The multi-turn elevation turret has tool-free zeroing, and the selectable zero stop can be switched on or off with the on-board tool. The body is aluminum, nitrogen-filled and waterproof to 4 meters.
The box includes the scope, FDE sunshade, tool, throw lever, FDE Tenebraex flip caps in matching color, a cleaning tissue, a battery and a Leica sticker.
Pricing and availability are not on the product page, not yet, at least.
Leica PRS 5-30x56 i FDE Edition key features:
- Flat Dark Earth finish with color-matched Tenebraex flip caps, sunshade and throw lever
- 5-30x56 with 6x zoom
- PRB reticle in the first focal plane
- More than 90 percent light transmission
- Multi-turn elevation turret with tool-free zeroing and selectable zero stop
- Aluminum construction, nitrogen-filled, waterproof to 4 meters
There should be quite a few FDE rifles out there looking to get married, so check out the Leica PRS 5-30x56 i FDE edition and see if there’s a match.
Would you pay extra for a scope in FDE like this, or do you only care about the glass?
If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.
