The Accurate Reloading Forums
What scope for a light weight mountain rifle?
10 January 2012, 12:55
AndersWhat scope for a light weight mountain rifle?
I think I'll buy a used Kimber Montana 8400 and get it rechambered for 7 mm Rem Mag.
If I do so I need to get a proper scope for it.
I plan on using this for "long range" hunting. Like sheep, goats and ibex. Up to 4-500 m I guess.
What scope would you choose?
I want it to be light, but with at least 10x magnification. Ballistic reticle and/or turrets. Illuminated reticle not important. Will probably not be used on low light conditions.
I've kind of narrowed it down to
two three options.
- Nightforce 2,5-10x32 (or 2,5-10x24)
- Leupold VX3 3,5-10x40 CDS
- Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 BTLeupold is the lightest by far.
Any other recommodations to look into?
10 January 2012, 22:47
GhubertThe swaro Z3 3-10x42 is lighter still according to this:
http://www.swarovskioptik.us/e...pe_z3/technical-data and with a ballistic reticule, the BRX, though not with turrets. The Z3 4-12x50, which is still 50grams lighter than the Leupold, is available with a ballistic turret for quick elevation dialling.
I have no experience of the Leupold but this is the lightest scope in that class in any event.
12 January 2012, 17:37
AndersThanks, Amir!
Wow, I really fell in love with the Z3 4-12x50 with turrets. After seeing the video on the website, it seems very easy to use it.
According to the specs it's a might heavier, but not much
Do you know if the reticle on the Z3 stays the same size regardless of magnification? I would prefer that on such a scope. So that the crosshairs are thin even on higher magnification.
12 January 2012, 21:47
waterratYour right that Leupold is the lightest,which is your ??
Leupold is the only scope I would absolutely trust to stay weatherproof!!
I tend to use more than enough gun
13 January 2012, 02:15
aliveinccLeupold 2.5 x 8 w/ the B & C reticle.
15 January 2012, 09:19
RUNASIf I was to go for a lightweight rifle I would use a March
http://www.kelbly.com/scopes.htmlI like and use Nightforce the weight dosnt bother me.
A mate has a 2.5-25 MARCH and I was very impressed.
RUNAS
War is inevitable, if idiots are in charge of countries
24 January 2012, 11:38
ARWLI have both the NF that you mention and the VX3.
The NF is not on a rifle yet.
THe VX3 really disappointed with regard to clarity. In fact a representative is looking into it for me after I showed it to him on the weekend.
The NF is far heavier as you say, but way better glass. You could also try an IOR, but also not a lightweight alternative.
A friend has Z3's and loves them and yes, fairly light.
How about fixed power scopes if there are some in a weight range that would work for you?
25 January 2012, 12:11
AndersToo bad the VX3 was a dissapointment. I had more or less put this on on the upper half of the list
Maybe the Z3 is the one to go for.
I've never been a fan of fixed scopes, even though they normally are very light weight. Would like the possibility of both 3x and 10 or 12 x on the same scope.
Thanks for the input!
26 January 2012, 21:22
ZekeShikarI use various Leupolds and Swarovski scopes and have been very pleased with the clarity, weather proofness and functionality of them all.
I'm warming up to the turret idea but I'd avoid it on a sheep rifle. I just don't like anything "extra" on top of the scope while on a horse, backpack or a climb for sheep.
The VX3 3.5x10 B&C would be my first choice for all of your reasons. I've used one very effectively to quite extended ranges.
Zeke
27 January 2012, 12:42
ARWLAs I said, my VX3 is being "looked into" (instead of looked through
) so I'd not take it as the norm, but do compare the specific scope you intend to buy if you can. I also liked the weight and the repeatability has been good.
I'm hoping mine will be repaired or replaced. Not trying to knock Leupold, just to be clear, simply repeating my personal experience.
I'd consider the brand again if this is resolved to my satisfaction.
07 February 2012, 05:48
mikem0553quote:
Originally posted by ZekeShikar:
I use various Leupolds and Swarovski scopes and have been very pleased with the clarity, weather proofness and functionality of them all.
I'm warming up to the turret idea but I'd avoid it on a sheep rifle. I just don't like anything "extra" on top of the scope while on a horse, backpack or a climb for sheep.
I totally agree with this opinion. When you pull a scoped rifle out of a saddle scabbard with target turrets, everything can get tweeked. You may or may not have time to readjust your turrets. I use a leu. lps with mil dot reticle. You can judge the distance to target with the mils., and adjust for drop and windage by using the mils. also. Out to 400-500 yds. with the 7 mag. should be very doable without ever messing with the turrets. It doe's take some practice though. If you go this route, look for a scope with the mils or moa. in the first focal plain so everything stays the same no matter what power you have it on.
The VX3 3.5x10 B&C would be my first choice for all of your reasons. I've used one very effectively to quite extended ranges.
Zeke
07 February 2012, 05:52
jeffeossowhat caliber is it in?
whatever the lightest is, but i would seriously consider the leupod m8 6x 42 with a range finder
07 February 2012, 18:30
Boss HossMight look at one of the new Leica scopes. I bought one last fall for a build and have been very impressed with it.
08 February 2012, 00:10
cgbachYou said light weight? I second the 6x42 Leupold. I have one on my .270 M70 fwt and have not found any reason to change it.
C.G.B.
16 February 2012, 14:08
Andersquote:
Originally posted by jeffeosso:
what caliber is it in?
whatever the lightest is, but i would seriously consider the leupod m8 6x 42 with a range finder
I thought of rechambering the rifle for 7 mm Rem Mag. So heavy recoil is not a problem. Durability is still very, very important. Will use it for mountains, all kinds of weather