Best Long Range Lightweight Scope

[hunterbloxham]

I am looking for a scope that is more than capable of long range shots, clear and precise adjustable turret (preferably audible clicks), with clear glass even in low light conditions.

I only use FFP.

I don’t want something super heavy but I’m willing to pack a little heavier scope if it means better glass quality.

Budget is $1000-$1500 preferably.

Don’t tell me Vortex…

 

[huntnful]

MOA or MIL?

 

[Deadwood]

I am looking for a scope that is more than capable of long range shots, clear and precise adjustable turret (preferably audible clicks), with clear glass even in low light conditions.

I only use FFP.

I don’t want something super heavy but I’m willing to pack a little heavier scope if it means better glass quality.

Budget is $1000-$1500 preferably.

Don’t tell me Vortex…

Tract is a good option on that budget range. They offer some LR hunting scopes that are LOW made and track really nice. Maven is also a good option to consider.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I am looking for a scope that is more than capable of long range shots, clear and precise adjustable turret (preferably audible clicks), with clear glass even in low light conditions.

I only use FFP.

I don’t want something super heavy but I’m willing to pack a little heavier scope if it means better glass quality.

Budget is $1000-$1500 preferably.

Don’t tell me Vortex…

What weight do you consider “light weight?” What range do you consider “long range?”

The best long range scope I own is an SWFA gen2 10x. It weighs 20.8 ounces. I don’t think you will find a better scope weighing less than that. I just bought my third one last night…

SS 10x42 30mm MQ GEN 2 - Zero Stop

In sub-zero temperatures or searing desert heat (-50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, and altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in salt water) the waterproof, shockproof, fogproof SS performs. Whatever the weapon, from .223 to .50 BMG, the SS handles the recoil. Whatever the target...

swfa.com

 

[hunterbloxham]

MOA or MIL?

MOA

 

[hunterbloxham]

Tract is a good option on that budget range. They offer some LR hunting scopes that are LOW made and track really nice. Maven is also a good option to consider.

I own a Maven RS 3.2. It’s a great scope.

 

[huntnful]

MOA

I’ve been really liking the Tenmile HX 5-25X50 FFP MOA. Similar form factor and weight to an NX8 4-32 but with a little better reticle for hunting. You really don’t need 25X for long range, I just like the rest of the scope. Maven RS 1.2 is also good and has a good FFP MOA reticle.

 

[Wildcard12]

I am looking for a scope that is more than capable of long range shots, clear and precise adjustable turret (preferably audible clicks), with clear glass even in low light conditions.

I only use FFP.

I don’t want something super heavy but I’m willing to pack a little heavier scope if it means better glass quality.

Budget is $1000-$1500 preferably.

Don’t tell me Vortex…

Leupold Mk 5 HD 3.5-18 is one of the best high-quality, lightweight options out there. Good glass, good low-light performance, and substantially lighter than anything in that magnification range, and tough as nails. I used one on a work gun for a while. Love that scope. You can find a used one in your price range.

I currently have a vortex LHT 3-15x42 on my hunting rifle. Its a good option as well, and the new x50 version is available in FFP. And it's even lighter than the MK 5. That being said, my next hunting rig is gonna have a mk 5 on it.

 

[Raghorn54]

What weight do you consider “light weight?” What range do you consider “long range?”

The best long range scope I own is an SWFA gen2 10x. It weighs 20.8 ounces. I don’t think you will find a better scope weighing less than that. I just bought my third one last night…

SS 10x42 30mm MQ GEN 2 - Zero Stop

In sub-zero temperatures or searing desert heat (-50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, and altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in salt water) the waterproof, shockproof, fogproof SS performs. Whatever the weapon, from .223 to .50 BMG, the SS handles the recoil. Whatever the target...

swfa.com

Agreed. Have the SWFA 10x42 on my 223 trainer. Simple, durable, lightweight. Set it and forget it. Have appreciated it more with every trip to the range.

…And now I have two of them. For the weight (and price), I’m not convinced it gets any better.

 

[hairloom56]

You want to look into the Swfa 3-9 hd.

 

[hunterbloxham]

Leupold Mk 5 HD 3.5-18 is one of the best high-quality, lightweight options out there. Good glass, good low-light performance, and substantially lighter than anything in that magnification range, and tough as nails. I used one on a work gun for a while. Love that scope. You can find a used one in your price range.

I currently have a vortex LHT 3-15x42 on my hunting rifle. Its a good option as well, and the new x50 version is available in FFP. And it's even lighter than the MK 5. That being said, my next hunting rig is gonna have a mk 5 on it.

Leaning towards the Mark 5 as well! I think it’s exactly what I’m looking for.

 

[Mike D Texas]

I suggest you take some time looking at the scope evals here before you plop down that kind of cash on a scope with questionable durability and tracking.

 

[hunterbloxham]

I suggest you take some time looking at the scope evals here before you plop down that kind of cash on a scope with questionable durability and tracking.

Have you had a bad experience with Mark 5’s? I’ve heard of lower end Leupolds having tracking issues but I was told they’ve been fixed in all of the Mark Series.

 

[xrangerx]

Have you had a bad experience with Mark 5’s? I’ve heard of lower end Leupolds having tracking issues but I was told they’ve been fixed in all of the Mark Series.

Thread '2x Leupold Mark 5 Field Evaluations'

Sep 8, 2022

This is a field evaluation of the Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18x44mm and the Leupold Mark 5 5-25x56mm. These scopes were brought to me from Ryan Avery for evaluation. The ammunition used for the 3.6-18x was Federal 168gr GMM, and for the 5-25x was Hornady ELD-M Match 168gr that was purchased by Ryan. The 20 round proof group was just over 1.1 MOA.


The reason that two scopes are being done together, is because after the results of the first, we knew that we needed a second. I was indisposed for a bit between evals. The 3.6-18x being done in February and the 5-25x today. Unfortunately my phone...

• Formidilosus
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

 

[Axlrod]

Have you had a bad experience with Mark 5’s? I’ve heard of lower end Leupolds having tracking issues but I was told they’ve been fixed in all of the Mark Series.

Who told you that? I have friends that own/used to own Mark 5's- one guy has 3 of them. None of them hold zero. These scopes haven't been abused or dropped, just shot a little and traveling to the range and back.I would hunt with iron sights, before buying a MK5.
Do yourself a favor and look at the scope evals on here. They are legit.

 

[omicron1792]

Steiner h6xi 3-18

 

[06 SB]

Steiner h6xi 3-18

This would be my suggestion.