High-end scope for ultralight hunting rifle?

[Twentyguns]

This is what happens when social distancing brings on cabin fever! I've got money coming from sale of truck - no stimulus checks for me. Part of the truck cash will go for new scope for my 6 lb. 7mm. Need to be able to ping targets to beyond 1200-1400 yards and have enough elevation to get there with a 20 degree rail if needed.

While I thought the choice might be a Leopold HD5 3-18, I've got mixed feelings about the 35mm tube. I'm not a big fan of the illuminated reticle choice for their mil model either (TMR). That appears to be the best glass in a light package from Lup.

Second consideration was a NF NX8 but again, I've got one shot to do this right, pun intended, and want the highest quality glass I can buy. I've heard mixed reviews on the NX8 glass and light transmission capabilities.

I would probably get a ZComp if it wasn't such a tank... and may still do that but need to look through one. Clarity and low light performance found in the top tear glass are important to me though... so that factors into what i'll end up buying... I've considered Minox, Kahles, S&B, Zeiss, and Swaro in the same lineup... even a Valdada IOR, a new one they just came up with, the TX Raider Compact (but then 2 lbs too, and back to 35mm tube.)

The IOR MP8 is the only FFP reticle I've had any time behind and was usable at its lowest power...so that's another decision factor with this new scope, given most are FFP will it be usable for short range, dark timber or low light conditions. Some FFPs I've looked through would be near invisible without illumination - so unless you can see it like an MP8 at low magnification. I'll have to have that. I'm using a range finder so most of the time, FFP isn't a requirement but most of the top end glass seems to comes in FFP...

I'm sure there are plenty of varying opinions out there, but what would you do if faced with a single opportunity to buy one high end scope for your lightweight hunting rifle. I've got a budget that can do $3500 but I'm not apposed to applying some $ to deer/elk tags if I find the right scope. Ultimate resolution, repeat-ability, low light performance, elevation, in a mil scope that can reach out and get the job done with the above criteria. Thoughts? Other options?

 

[Sako284]

I'm 3.5 lbs heavier than your rig but I went with a vx6 hd 3-18x44 illuminated t moa. You have 38 MOA to play with. That gets my 7wsm to 1480 yards with its hunting load. And it has a 30mm tube

 

[Jud96]

6lbs and hitting targets at 1400 yards don't really go together

 

[sp6x6]

March 3-24x52 F1, on my 7-2oz.338NM.Go to hunting rifle,scope 24 oz.Low profile turrets,nice ZS.

 

[Capt RB]

4x16x56 Polar from S&B The Vortex AMG is a 30mm tube @ 28oz with 70ish moa of elevation depending on how you set it up should get you out there. The AMG reticle I haven't used I have pst's similar but different. I haven't used them for dark timber but I have pulled black plates out of shadows at 7 or 8x to make a shot in competition

 

[Mram10us]

6lbs and hitting targets at 1400 yards don't really go together

What do you mean? I don't have a rifle that weighs close to 6lbs without glass so I haven't tried

 

[CVCOBRA1]

oxymoron------------sub 7# rifle and 1400 yard scope.

 

[Jud96]

What do you mean? I don't have a rifle that weighs close to 6lbs without glass so I haven't tried

Consistently controlling a 6lb rifle chambered in a cartridge suitable for 1400 yards and maintaining accuracy and precision at those ranges would require perfect technique every shot and lots of experience doing it. Obviously nothing is impossible, but your average or above average long range shooter would struggle with a 6lb magnum and hitting MOA sized targets at those ranges. Any extra torque or load you apply to the rifle to help control recoil has to be exactly the same every time in order to have consistency. The lighter the rifle, the bigger the cartridge, and the further the range the more every little movement and change affects your down range precision and accuracy. Keeping a rifle that light steady on target and in the bags or on the bipod before you even shoot would be a challenge.

 

[Mram10us]

Consistently controlling a 6lb rifle chambered in a cartridge suitable for 1400 yards and maintaining accuracy and precision at those ranges would require perfect technique every shot and lots of experience doing it. Obviously nothing is impossible, but your average or above average long range shooter would struggle with a 6lb magnum and hitting MOA sized targets at those ranges. Any extra torque or load you apply to the rifle to help control recoil has to be exactly the same every time in order to have consistency. The lighter the rifle, the bigger the cartridge, and the further the range the more every little movement and change affects your down range precision and accuracy. Keeping a rifle that light steady on target and in the bags or on the bipod before you even shoot would be a challenge.

Sounds like a challenge Now I gotta try it out.

 

[CVCOBRA1]

If you have too, Kahles with the left windage turret. Can easily hit your $3500 if not your target.

 

[sp6x6]

Joel Russo 6 1/2#, 6.5 prc

 

[Matt Moser]

There are no real stars in this category if you want a light weight full featured Scope, this is a question that is researched and asked daily.

March is one of the better options for higher end and "lighter" weight, the new CDS VX3i 4.5-14 30mm scopes are light but I'd not call them "high end" but rather a good value scope. I have both and a few VX-5 cds 3-15-44mm That are also nice.

if your not worried about weight then you have all the best options Available and the sky's the limit for the big 5-25-56mm options but my personal favourite while trying to stay "lighter" for a hunting rig are the S&B 5-20-50mm ultra shorts. But these are not super light.

I'd think a FFP MIL/MIL 3-18 power, illuminated, double turn, side focus, 44mm Objective, 30mm tube weighing less than16 oz would sell well. Hell I'd buy a few.

my 2 cents

good luck with you decision.

 

[Bourney]

I have just joined, so excuse this being the first post, but a Tangent Theta 315H or 315M fits the bill except on price. I run the 315M on my mountain hunter I'm yet to find a better performing scope for hunting. Australian based, so closest to Elk is Sambar deer, Stags are about the size of a large Elk Hind. Have shot them at under 40m and at 640m with the 315M. I've also reached 1200m without issue here's the rifle in New Zealand with a bull Tahr taken in January.

the rifle is a 26" proof carbon barrelled tikka in 284 Shehane with Australian carbon stock

 

[Mram10us]

I have just joined, so excuse this being the first post, but a Tangent Theta 315H or 315M fits the bill except on price. I run the 315M on my mountain hunter I'm yet to find a better performing scope for hunting. Australian based, so closest to Elk is Sambar deer, Stags are about the size of a large Elk Hind. Have shot them at under 40m and at 640m with the 315M. I've also reached 1200m without issue here's the rifle in New Zealand with a bull Tahr taken in January.

the rifle is a 26" proof carbon barrelled tikka in 284 Shehane with Australian carbon stock

Just cause you joined today doesn't mean you dont have a lifetime of experience. Never heard of those. Thx