Introduction
At Shot Show, we stopped at March‘s booth to find out whether they’ve prepared anything new for 2020. Last year, they announced the release of the 4–40×52 Genesis, more about which can be inquired here. The official release date has finally been announced – late May 2020. The 4–40x Genesis, however, wasn’t the only device in the spotlight this year. We’ve also been shown the 5–42x FFP High Master riflescope. In this article, we are going to check out its features.
March’s booth at Shot Show 2020
March 5x–42×56 FFP High Master
The new riflescope is referred to as ‘5–42×56 FFP High Master Wide Angle scope’. March uses the ‘Wide Angle’ mark because of the amazing 26° angular field of view (their 5–40x model, for example, features a 20° angular FOV). This 8.4x zoom factor riflescope offers an outstanding elevation range of 40 MIL/MRAD. There are 10 MILs in one revolution, which is optimal – calculations are easier to perform because of the rounded number. It comes with the popular FML-1 reticle in the first focal plane (FFP). It is among the lightest and shortest in its category, weighing 950 grams and measuring 358 mm in length (S & B 5–45x PM II High Power, for example, weighs 150 grams more and is around 70 mm longer). We love the generous eye-box.
March 5-42×56 FFP High Master
All the turrets (elevation, windage, parallax) are lockable and of the tactical type (uncapped). There are two dots on each of the turrets, one red and one blue. When the lever is pointed at the red dot, the turret is locked. When it is pointed at the blue dot, adjustments can be made. There is a turn indicator at the foot of both turrets. The parallax can be set from 10 m to infinity, which is superior to most riflescopes that can be focused from 30 m onwards. The illumination compartment, positioned on the rim of the parallax turret, consists of 6 levels of illumination. A sunshade is included in the box.
March 5-42×56 FFP High Master
March 5-42×56 FFP High Master
March riflescopes’ optical parts are of indisputable quality – this new model is no exception. It features the new ‘High Master Lens System’ which consists of 2 new ‘Super ED’ lens elements. The characteristics of these elements are close to pure fluorite crystal, meaning that there is basically no dispersion – chromatic aberration is eliminated. On top of that, the image is sharp and high in contrast. Another specialty of this riflescope is the ‘Temperature Anti-Drift Lens System’. A new material used in lens manufacturing alters the refractive index of the lenses to accommodate changes in environmental temperature. A clear and well-focused image is thus maintained in a wide range of conditions.
March 5-42×56 FFP High Master
March 5-42×56 FFP High Master
Conclusion
March 5–42×56 FFP High Master is a superb high-end FFP riflescope made for the most demanding long-range shooters. It features excellent optics, advanced turrets and an incredible elevation range of 40 MIL. Quality comes at a price, though – these will retail for around 4200 €. At March’s booth, we learned that they will be available around the end of March 2020.
Picture Gallery
Source and author: Andraž Gradišnik, www.optics-trade.eu
