I think I found THE scope, Leupold - VX-3i, 2-8x36mm

It's the same length or shorter than any 2-7
It's lighter than all the other 2-7's

and it's 36mm not 32 or 33 or 35mm

The Leupold 2.5-8X is perhaps one of the most versatile hunting scopes available. It has ample magnification for the longest shots you would take at game, and has ample field of view for the closest, fastest shots. It is also very compact compared to most of its competitors, and can sometimes be mounted lower than a scope with a 40mm objective.

However, I'd say that any advantage in the field it offers over the same company's 2-7X is only marginal, if at all.

I agree with Stonecreek. The Leupold VX3i 2.5-8x36 Scope is the ultimate scope for all hunting situations. I have one on my Browning Abolt for many years.

Agree about the difference of the scopes in this range. I have a 2-7 vortex on hand as well

I have a few Leupold III 2.5-8 and they are a very good scope, but they aren't as light or short as Leupold's Vx-2 2-7. The vx-3i is 11.4 oz vs the 9.9 oz of the vx-2. The vx-3i is 11.4" long vs 11.3" long for the vx-2.

2-7x33mm vs 2.5-8x36mm.

quote:

Originally posted by duckboat:
I have a few Leupold III 2.5-8 and they are a very good scope, but they aren't as light or short as Leupold's Vx-2 2-7. The vx-3i is 11.4 oz vs the 9.9 oz of the vx-2. The vx-3i is 11.4" long vs 11.3" long for the vx-2.

Exactly. I was pointing out that the 2.5x8 is not lighter or shorter than all the other 2-7 scopes.

I prefer lower power ranges for big-game hunting but note the Leupold 2-7s often really start at 2.5x, anyway. The bigger your objective the more chance it will be knocked - or affected by wind gusts as you shoot.

looking to go smaller on the mini mauser than the nikon 3-9.

I missed the vx-2.

Here's a picture of my CZ 427 in .222. I put on a Leupold 3x9x33 Ultralight.

I have both so basically the difference between them is the 2x7 is a little shorter, lighter and has a bit more field of view at its lowest power. The 2.5x8 is slightly heavier & longer but has noticibly brighter optics. The best thing to do is compare them side by side then choose for yourself.

I have found the Leupold 3x9x33 Ultralite to be the most versatile scope I've owned. I believe it weighs only 8.8oz. I have it on my Sako .222 and my JP Sauer Drilling. Makes for an ultralight set-up.

The 2.5x8-36 is Lane Simpson's favorite scope.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
The 2.5x8-36 is Lane Simpson's favorite scope.

And mine. Biebs, feel free to quote me

quote:

Originally posted by duckboat:
Here's a picture of my CZ 427 in .222. I put on a Leupold 3x9x33 Ultralight.

What are your scope rings?

Optics and dimensions:

VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm
Actual Magnification = 2.6x-7.8x
Field of view @100 yards = 37.5 ft lowest power - 13.7 ft highest power
Eye relief = 4.5 in lowest power - 3.6 in highest power
Weight = 11.4 oz
Length = 11.4 in
Exit pupil = 4.6 mm at highest power
Relative brightness = 21 at 7.8x

VX-R 2-7x33mm
Actual Magnification = 2.5x-6.6x
Field of view @100 yards = 43.7 ft lowest power - 17.8 ft highest power
Eye relief = 4.2 in lowest power - 3.7 in highest power
Weight = 12.7 oz
Length = 11.3 in
Exit pupil = 5 mm at highest power
Relative brightness = 25 at 6.6x

VX-2 2-7x33mm
Actual Magnification = 2.4x-6.7x
Field of view @100 yards = 44.6 ft lowest power - 17.8 ft highest power
Eye relief = 4.2 in lowest power - 3.7 in highest power
Weight = 9.9 oz
Length = 11.3 in
Exit pupil = 4.9 mm at highest power
Relative brightness = 24 at 6.7x

FX-II 6x36mm (this would be my choice but I like bright fixed power scopes)
Actual Magnification = 5.9x
Field of view @100 yards = 17.7 ft
Eye relief = 4.3 in
Weight = 10 oz
Length = 11.4 in
Exit pupil = 6.1 mm
Relative brightness = 37


FX-3 6x42 (big for a mini-mauser but just for comparison)
Actual Magnification = 6x
Field of view @100 yards = 17.3 ft
Eye relief = 4.4 in
Weight = 13.6 oz
Length = 13.2 in
Exit pupil = 7mm
Relative brightness = 49

My favorite scope is the 2x7x28, discontinued now I think. I have a few of them.. I have a 2x7x33 and the 2.5x8 in my desk draw..Good scopes but not my favorite..I like small scopes on any hunting rifle..

Howard, those rings are Warne fixed medium height.