Lightweight rifle scope

[tjett118]

I am looking to get a new scope for a lightweight rifle build. Will probably be around 6 lbs before the scope. Does anybody have any recommendations? I would prefer 30+ mm tube and sub $1500. Just trying to make sure I explore all of my options and hear about good and bad experiences anyone may have had.

 

[Kyguy]

All the standard options people here will say but are not (a couple exceptions) actually light weight scopes............... SWFA, Trijicon, Maven, Nightforce. Lol

 

[tjett118]

Lightweight is relative I suppose. I don’t want it to weigh a ton but don’t mind to sacrifice a few ounces for better glass and clarity in low light.

 

[Kyguy]

Start with Maven and Trijicon and look at those options. The drop tests, while informative, are pretty much a test bed of one. That doesn't mean that every other scope fails or passes. I watched a couple of guys on youtube beat the hell out of a Sightmark scope and it didn't miss a beat. Another post on here, a guy had a Nightforce rattle apart on his quad the other day.

 

[tracker12]

Leupold scopes are a good LW option. VX5 HD is very nice.

 

[Griffmax36]

nightforce nxs 2.5-10x42 is a nice, small and light ish scope. Shv is a cheaper option with less features but still solid.

I don’t have experience with Trijicon or maven but they are recommended a lot and seem to be proving themselves.

 

[Samson7x]

I went NF 2-10 at 20oz and am happy with that choice.

 

[WannaBeRambo]

No idea what conditions you intend to use this scope in, but leupold 2.5-8x36 vx3 definitely checks the lightweight box.

 

[left hunter]

I know it’s really tough to find but I really like my SWFA 3-9x42’s

 

[kcm2]

2.5 x 8 Leupold. More magnification, 3.5x10.

 

[robby denning]

No idea what conditions you intend to use this scope in, but leupold 2.5-8x36 vx3 definitely checks the lightweight box.

Gotta agree, I ran one of these for years and it was a good scope for the period in time, economical, and I don't remember it seriously losing zero, although I did resight every year and sometimes had to +/- a few clicks.
not the best low light scope but if OP is looking for lightweight...

 

[Jebel]

It would help if you fleshed out more preferences than “light.” Like:
- Top and bottom magnification
- Parallax correction or not
- Exposed dialing turret or not
- FFP or SFP
- And is “light” under 16, 20, or 24 ozs?

Edit: Actually you did also include 30mm+ tube and under $1500.

 

[madcalfe]

Nightforce NXS 2-10 would be the only "light weight" scope id recommend.
my 5lb sheep gun wears a nightforce atacr 4-16, i was also using a kahles 3-18 on it before it went tits up and that's even heavier than that atacr.
Dont skimp out on the scope because its "lighter"

 

[Athens]

I have a couple NF NXS 2.5-10, really liking them. I’d go Trijicon over Leupold. The vx3 are notorious for wandering zero’s

 

[03mossy]

I went with a Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 on my Montana, and it seems about perfect for a lightweight setup.

 

[tjett118]

It would help if you fleshed out more preferences than “light.” Like:
- Top and bottom magnification
- Parallax correction or not
- Exposed dialing turret or not
- FFP or SFP
- And is “light” under 16, 20, or 24 ozs?

Edit: Actually you did also include 30mm+ tube and under $1500.

You make a good point but I am not sure exactly what I am looking for yet. I was hoping to get a little feedback and start my research. I will say probably looking for no less than 12x on the upper end. I would consider light anything under 24 ounces. Holdovers or elevation turret are something I would need.

 

[Jake Larsen]

Another +1 for the NSX 2.5-10s. I’ve got two, so far so good


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[270quest]

3-12x42 S&B Klassic, with 4.8 elevation turret. 22 oz

 

[Browninglover1]

2.5-10x NXS definitely has been on my short list.

The new Swaro X5 is AWFUL tempting to try but it's a few hundred dollars over your budget.

 

[dkim]

Another + for NSX 2.5-10x42. I was also able to buy a no longer made 2.5-10x36, which is an ounce or two lighter. It however does not have parallax adjustment.

Mounting the 2.5-10x42 scope on some long actions like my Win M70 can be troublesome, but should be fine on short actions.