backpack hunting scope

[Mersingert]

looking for a decent scope in the less than 600 dollar range for my lightweight mountain rifle. (most likely a 6.5 cm t3x lite)

I know that my budget has me at a disadvantage.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

What do you expect to be the nearest/longest shot? What type of reticle do you prefer?

 

[Mersingert]

looking for a decent scope in the less than 600 dollar range for my lightweight mountain rifle. (most likely a 6.5 cm t3x lite)

I know that my budget has me at a disadvantage.

wanted to add I would prefer an exposed elevation turret.

I was looking at a vx3 hd 4.5x14x40 but was told to stay away as it may have tracking issues.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Meopta Optika5 4-20x44 - Z-Plex #1032575
The Optika5 4-20x44 provides extra magnification in a lower profile scope, enabling the hunter or shooter to mount the scope lower to the bore for a sleeker appearance. Featuring 1” aluminum tube construction, MeoBright and MeoDrop lens coatings, ¼ MOA per click adjustments.

Dimensions	13.5"
Weight	21.5 oz

 

[Mersingert]

What do you expect to be the nearest/longest shot? What type of reticle do you prefer?

50-600 yards (600 being target shooting with friends)

I like .mil reticles typically on my target guns I have had in the past.(just came from a pst gen 2 3x15 .mil)

I do realize most options in my price range are sfp.

also would like to stay under 20 oz. otherwise I should have stayed with the pst.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

If 22.6 ounces works look at Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 2-12x42 AHMR2 FFP IR MIL #214105

• First Focal Plane Reticle: First focal plane design allows you to fully utilize specially designed reticles that shrink or grow along with your target as you zoom in or out. These reticles offer quick target engagement at low power while offering precise holdover positions with finer details.
• Locking Turrets: Locking feature on both elevation and windage turrets allows you to simply pull up the turrets to dial and push down the turrets to lock them in place. This feature gives you a peaceful mind whether you are moving from one station to next during your competition or putting them away for your next hunting trip.
• Illuminated Reticle: The illuminated reticle provides greater visibility during dusk and dawn and other low ambient light environment.
• Etched Glass Reticle: Reticle etched on the glass that provides excellent backing support for complex reticle design and offers great durability and much higher shock resistance to recoil
• Advanced Fully Multicoated: Fully Multicoated optics effectively reduces reflected light and increases the transmission of light giving you a brighter image than normal single coated lenses
• 6061 T6 Aluminum: The 6061T6 aircraft grade aluminum tube that has exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity will protect these world class optics no matter what punishment you throw at it.
• Heat Treated One Piece Tube Construction: Heat treated one piece tube gives the scope extra strength over multi-piece tubes. A one piece tube also is better at keeping moisture out thus keeping your scope fog proof for the life of the product
• Waterproof: Waterproof to protect the scope in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater
• Fog proof: Fog proof to allow you to immediately engage your target when you take your rifle to cold ambient temperature from warm inside
• Shockproof: Robust mechanical system with special designs on both control and erector system that give you the ultimate recoil resistance to withstand 1000G recoil for 1000 times.
• Argon Purged: Argon Purging uses the inertia gas with bigger size molecules to purge any moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability .

 

[ljalberta]

looking for a decent scope in the less than 600 dollar range for my lightweight mountain rifle. (most likely a 6.5 cm t3x lite)

I know that my budget has me at a disadvantage.

I used a fixed 10x42 SWFA on a sheep hunt this year. I would certainly prefer the 6x42 or the 3-9x42, but for a budget option that is available in stock, it sure did a heck of a job.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

SWFA if you can find one new (in stock) or used (for sale).

 

[Mersingert]

SWFA if you can find one new (in stock) or used (for sale).

although I have read many good things about swfa I would prefer to have variable zoom. Since the 3x9 is never available I doubt I will go that route.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

although I have read many good things about swfa I would prefer to have variable zoom. Since the 3x9 is never available I doubt I will go that route.

Another potential option is the Trijicon Credo line; look at threads discussing them.

On a related note, the 6.5 CM in T3X flat out rocks.

 

[miller3483]

I was in the same boat a few years ago, and also thought I wanted something with variable zoom. I ended up with a 6x SWFA, and I've got to say I've never really felt like I've been at a disadvantage with the fixed power. If you can find one I think it would be worth trying out.

 

[Mersingert]

So is the consensus on a 6x swfa for most 1-600yd shooting?

 

[huntsman22]

I'd do the Athlon that Doug linked, way before the SS....

 

[Mersingert]

I'd do the Athlon that Doug linked, way before the SS....

any reason why?

 

[jdinville3]

If 22.6 ounces works look at Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 2-12x42 AHMR2 FFP IR MIL #214105

• First Focal Plane Reticle: First focal plane design allows you to fully utilize specially designed reticles that shrink or grow along with your target as you zoom in or out. These reticles offer quick target engagement at low power while offering precise holdover positions with finer details.
• Locking Turrets: Locking feature on both elevation and windage turrets allows you to simply pull up the turrets to dial and push down the turrets to lock them in place. This feature gives you a peaceful mind whether you are moving from one station to next during your competition or putting them away for your next hunting trip.
• Illuminated Reticle: The illuminated reticle provides greater visibility during dusk and dawn and other low ambient light environment.
• Etched Glass Reticle: Reticle etched on the glass that provides excellent backing support for complex reticle design and offers great durability and much higher shock resistance to recoil
• Advanced Fully Multicoated: Fully Multicoated optics effectively reduces reflected light and increases the transmission of light giving you a brighter image than normal single coated lenses
• 6061 T6 Aluminum: The 6061T6 aircraft grade aluminum tube that has exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity will protect these world class optics no matter what punishment you throw at it.
• Heat Treated One Piece Tube Construction: Heat treated one piece tube gives the scope extra strength over multi-piece tubes. A one piece tube also is better at keeping moisture out thus keeping your scope fog proof for the life of the product
• Waterproof: Waterproof to protect the scope in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater
• Fog proof: Fog proof to allow you to immediately engage your target when you take your rifle to cold ambient temperature from warm inside
• Shockproof: Robust mechanical system with special designs on both control and erector system that give you the ultimate recoil resistance to withstand 1000G recoil for 1000 times.
• Argon Purged: Argon Purging uses the inertia gas with bigger size molecules to purge any moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability .

Great customer service and a company trying to help a guy out right there! Yes he is trying to sell you something, but not many places put that much effort into anything to help a customer out.

 

[ljalberta]

So is the consensus on a 6x swfa for most 1-600yd shooting?

Fantastic option. It’s actually in stock at the moment. Easy to take beyond that range as well.

 

[BLJ]

I've had good luck with an Athlon Argos 2-12 and 4-20. Both around 20 ounces. Both do have capped turrets though.

 

[huntsman22]

any reason why?

Better reticle, 10 mil turrets, AND illumination. AND a zero stop....

 

[Mersingert]

Better reticle, 10 mil turrets, AND illumination. AND a zero stop....

athlons website calls out at 25.4 oz's

so there is either a discrepancy on their or the retailer sites.

 

[scattergun]

Meopta Optika5 4-20x44 - Z-Plex #1032575
The Optika5 4-20x44 provides extra magnification in a lower profile scope, enabling the hunter or shooter to mount the scope lower to the bore for a sleeker appearance. Featuring 1” aluminum tube construction, MeoBright and MeoDrop lens coatings, ¼ MOA per click adjustments.

Dimensions	13.5"
Weight	21.5 oz

The Optika5 range are absolutely awesome scopes for the money in my experience; for me, the only downside for a backpacking rifle would be that it’s slightly on the heavy side.

The features (especially adjustable parallax) and build quality make up for the negligible weight penalty, though.