Need Ideas for Mountain Rifle Scope

[azsugarbear]

I have found a lightweight rig that I am making into a mountain rifle. Looking for a low profile, lightweight scope to complete the set-up. In terms of priority, I want a scope that:

1) Has reasonable quality glass w/consistent dial up/down capability
2) Has side focus for parallax
3) Has 40mm to 44mm objective (might step up to 50mm)
4) Has MOA reticle
5) Has 1 inch tube

This rifle is to be a legitimate mountain rifle so small & lightweight become big factors. Any idea who produces a scope with this list of "must haves"?

 

[kiwi3006]

Swarovski Z5. Not many with a one inch tube and side parallax.

 

[overbo]

My research comes up w/ a 2.5x10x42mm IOR.

13.6 length
18 oz
FF plane reticles
Illuminated center dot
battery source on top of the A.O. turret(not on the ocular)
Schott glass
but it's a 30mm tube
around $1000+

Really like the NF 2.5x10x42mm but it's $800 more w/ Jap glass.

 

[Kiwi Greg]

I have found a lightweight rig that I am making into a mountain rifle. Looking for a low profile, lightweight scope to complete the set-up. In terms of priority, I want a scope that:

1) Has reasonable quality glass w/consistent dial up/down capability
2) Has side focus for parallax
3) Has 40mm to 44mm objective (might step up to 50mm)
4) Has MOA reticle
5) Has 1 inch tube

This rifle is to be a legitimate mountain rifle so small & lightweight become big factors. Any idea who produces a scope with this list of "must haves"?

I use the Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40 CDS, with Alumina caps.
No moa reticle
No side focus on 1" tube, has on 30mm.
Nice compact very light scope.
Very hard to go past for a 6-8lb rig.
The VX6 would be worth a look as well.

 

[marinetowgunner]

I would go Z5 with the bt and 4w reticle. It's based in moa.

 

[Tomarctus]

Leupold vx-3 6x42 + your choice of reticle/knobs.

 

[varmintH8R]

I would go Z5 with the bt and 4w reticle. It's based in moa.

+1. Great scope. Clear, light, and rugged. Have 2 and love them.

 

[azsugarbear]

Kiwi,

Currently have the Leupold 4.5-14x40 CDS on my .243. The problem that I have with the scope is the lack of adjustment for parallax. Sure, I can dial up for a 750 yd. shot, but the animal is a blur. I end of messing with the ocular eye piece trying to get things back in focus. Just doesn't work for me.


Tom,

Not sure a fixed 6x power scope would be enough for 800-900 yd. shots, which I think would be about max for this caliber in this configuration.


All,

The Z-5 fits the bill, but a bit pricey. I looked at Zeiss, but cannot abide the fact that their turrets dial up the opposite direction as most US Mfgs.

I appreciate the ideas and brainstorming. Anyone else with an idea is welcome to chime in.

 

[Kiwi Greg]

Kiwi,

Currently have the Leupold 4.5-14x40 CDS on my .243. The problem that I have with the scope is the lack of adjustment for parallax. Sure, I can dial up for a 750 yd. shot, but the animal is a blur. I end of messing with the ocular eye piece trying to get things back in focus. Just doesn't work for me.

Can't say I had that problem, I have 5 or 6 of them.

Also I found that I could only get about 4-5" of parallax induced POA shift at 1000 by moving top to btm of the eye box

 

[Varberger757]

There is one scope on the market that matches all your criteria:

The new Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-14x42 lightbulb

It's sleek and has extraordinary good optics, 1" tube, paralax 50 - inifinite, 90mm eye relief, MOA - clicks, 5 x zoom and all you can think of. Basically an easy choice to be taken, go and find out!

 

[azsugarbear]

If I am not mistaken, the Zeiss Conquest scope line all have elevation turrets that move or rotate in the opposite direction that most other scopes. With Nightforce, Leupold, Vortex, Sightron, etc. you dial up by turning the turret counterclockwise. With the Zeiss, you dial up by turning the turret clockwise. In the heat of the moment. this could become a real problem. I can't help but think it would be wise to try and keep the mechanical workings of my scopes the same.

 

[Varberger757]

If I am not mistaken, the Zeiss Conquest scope line all have elevation turrets that move or rotate in the opposite direction that most other scopes. With Nightforce, Leupold, Vortex, Sightron, etc. you dial up by turning the turret counterclockwise. With the Zeiss, you dial up by turning the turret clockwise. In the heat of the moment. this could become a real problem. I can't help but think it would be wise to try and keep the mechanical workings of my scopes the same.

I never did recognize that, even though I own both Zeiss, Leupold and Docter scopes. For me personally it's decisive to have the best lenses/glasses possible, because I like to have a decent and cristall clear image while observating game and a potential target. If you have got other preferences, so it's of course your personal thing!