Best scope for lightweight rifle?

[mnhunter2]

Building a lightweight mountain rifle and need to pick a scope, weight vs quality of glass?

 

[brentc]

It's hard not to recommend something that works extremely well. I recently picked up a used Leupold VX3 LR 4.5-14x50 for the same reason. I then sent it to Leupold for a functions check and to have their new MOA reticle installed. What I got back was a fantastic combination of lightweight functionality for a long range mountain rifle. I've been really impressed with Leupold's extended twilight lens coatings to enhance optical color and clarity. It's definitely a step up in optical performance for Leupold. Is it the best? Not sure, but it works very well for my needs.

 

[azsugarbear]

I mostly own Nightforce and Sightron scopes........but my lightweight mountain rifle wears a 4.5-14x40mm Leupold.

 

[acourvil]

The Leupold VX3 LR 4.5-14 is good, but the Swaro Z5 3.5x18 is lighter and has much bettert glass (but it costs more than the Leupold, too).

 

[Timber338]

Obviously budget is going to play a role... but for a reasonable amount of money I would agree that a VX3 with the new MOA reticle would be a pretty solid choice. The newer VX6 in either 3-18 or 4-24 is a bit more expensive but gets more magnification without too much more added weight. I really like my nightforce, but they are very heavy and are really not an option for somebody targeting a very light-weight setup.

 

[ntg]

I don't have tons of experience in the lightweight scope department, but the Burris FFII I own is good at 13oz, good optics and the ballistic plex is great for hunting. It sits on my 270 and is very capable for any shot I'd want to take with it. The Burris Timberline 4.5-14x32 looks interesting and still light if you want higher magnification. I have not been able to look through one yet.

 

[ShootnMathews]

I am not a Nikon fan but my lightweight gun wears a
6-18x40 buckmasters that I picked up somewhere for $300. The clicks are
Very possitive And repeatable. So far I have had great success with it and am pleased. My only beef with it is that its a 1/8" click scope. It does let me dial a little more precise but I run out of dial before 1000 yards. It would be better on a 15 or 20 Moa rail. Mine sits on a 0 Moa rail.

 

[graywolf]

Leupold makes some of the lightest scopes, and the ultralight vx2 3-9x33 is great quality glass, way better than I expected for the price. It's 9.5 oz. You can get it with CDS turrets, change the parallax zero to 300 or 400 yds, and it is a fantastic mountain rifle scope.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Lightest scope I've ever owned is my Kahles Helia KX 3.5-10x50. I think it weighs around 16 ounces, so right at 1 lb.

The glass is also right up there with Swarovski, too.

 

[4bycamper]

Leupold makes some of the lightest scopes, and the ultralight vx2 3-9x33 is great quality glass, way better than I expected for the price. It's 9.5 oz. You can get it with CDS turrets, change the parallax zero to 300 or 400 yds, and it is a fantastic mountain rifle scope.

+1 for Leupold for the light weight scope on your carry rifle.
I have used the 3x9x40 on my carry rifles for years. Something like 12 oz.
The 40 objective has better low light performance.
I generally hunt on 3 power anyway.

 

[Danehunter]

I would give Cabela's "Instinct" scopes serious consideration.

As nice as Leupold scopes are the Meopta "Instinct" scopes are better, much better for the same money. Their optics are unsurpassed in their price range, as Meopta optics are even at the price highest levels. Think of getting $800. riflescope optics at only $400. and your get the idea.

Yep, I'd take top of the line Meopta binoculars over Swarovski binos any day. You have to see them in side-by-side comparisons to understand. Both are European optics but Meopta is Swarovski's equal at much lower prices.

The Cabela's"Instinct" 3-9 scopes with 1" tubes come in 40mm, 42 mm, and 50 mm objectives from $400. to $750.

 

[stel67]

For my light weight set up Elk rifle I went with a Swarovski Z5 3.5x18 44 with the BRH reticle with my hand loads the reticle is good out to 800 yards. It is a nice light scope coming in at 15.9 oz

 

[LRH ELKAHOLIC]

ill put my vote in with the zeiss conquest hd5 3-15x42 weighs 18 ounces, is any where from 900-1200 bucks and the glass is far superior to leupold and they have very easy to use ballistic reticles for hunting. the new hd5s have the same glass coatings as the zeiss victory lineup which are worth 3000 dollars


and P.S they have a 5 year no fault warranty

but with a zeiss you shouldn't be needing that