Scope for mountain rifle

[waitforit]

Looking for some input or alternatives. I bought a kimber hunter in 7mm-08, weighs about 5.5 lbs. I want to keep it light, this will be my elk/deer gun out to 400 yards or so.

Im pretty set on keeping scope < 16oz, which probably means a 1 inch tube. Ill be using talley mid mounts.

Looking at the leupold vx3i 4.5-14x40, i like to be able to dial up a bit. I also want a BDC type reticle for holdovers. I could also be bench shooting at longer distances so i wanted to get into the 12-16 range if possible. This scope looks ideal on paper. Are there any others in this weight class and price range i should be considering?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

For lightweight scopes Leupold and swarovski are the best go to's

 

[100percent]

I would suggest a SWARO 3x9 w/TDS or a kahles 2x7/3x9 w/TDS reticle. I see them new old stock or slightly used every now and then on eBay and gunbroker for reasonable prices. 12 or 13 oz if memory serves.
If you are sure you need that much mag, the SWARO z3 4X12 or one of the Z5's are options. Although, you will run out of elevation adjustment pretty quick with the 7mm 08.

 

[ChrisAU]

I recommend a 3-15x42 Vortex Razor HD LH, light, superb glass, good track record, great warranty. The G4 reticle is one of my all time favorites.

 

[OXN939]

Just had a thread very similar to this going. Went with a Vortex Razor HD Light Hunter, which fits this description perfectly and uses a BDC reticle that matches up nicely to 7mm-08 ballistics. They have been discontinued by Vortex in their 1.5-8 and 2-10 magnifications, which are still available on Amazon for some pretty competitive prices.

 

[Trr15]

Swaro z3 with brh reticle is a great option. Maven RS2 with SHR reticle is also worth a look. Can’t go wrong with the VX3 Leupold either.


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[Newtosavage]

Don't laugh, but my Tikka T3 7mm-08 now wears a (new) Weaver K6 (made in Japan). And frankly I love it. It's as clear and sharp as my VX-2 Leupold, brighter, just as light if not lighter, and IMO has a better, more useful reticle for shots out to 400 yards.

If your 7mm-08 loads are anything like mine, that 6 MOA drop from the crosshair to the top of the lower post will be very useful to you if you are zero'd at 175-180 yards.

I know most guys here won't even consider a scope you can buy for $140 as a serious hunting scope, but don't knock it until you try it.

 

[zeroforhire]

Don't laugh, but my Tikka T3 7mm-08 now wears a (new) Weaver K6 (made in Japan). And frankly I love it. It's as clear and sharp as my VX-2 Leupold, brighter, just as light if not lighter, and IMO has a better, more useful reticle for shots out to 400 yards.

If your 7mm-08 loads are anything like mine, that 6 MOA drop from the crosshair to the top of the lower post will be very useful to you if you are zero'd at 175-180 yards.

I know most guys here won't even consider a scope you can buy for $140 as a serious hunting scope, but don't knock it until you try it.

Nothing wrong with a fixed 6

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[waitforit]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I have a vortex diamondback 4-12x40 on there now temporarily for break in but the darned thing has only 3.1 inch eye relief. Even with being a 7mm-08 this gun has respectable recoil.

I hadnt come across the Maven line yet, but that looks good too. Lots of choices...

 

[Catahoula]

Put a Leupold VX 5 2-10x42 CDS-ZL2 on my spouse’s 7mm-08. Leupold Backcountry 30mm rings went on the the rifle as well. She couldn’t be happier. The scope weighs about 17.5oz, slightly heavier than your weight mentioned but worth it. Best to you in your search...

 

[brsnow]

I have a z3 3-9x36 on kimber 7mm-08 and a z3 3-10x42 BRH on a kimber .280 AI. I don’t think I will need any other mountain set ups.

 

[Newtosavage]

I have a z3 3-9x36 on kimber 7mm-08 and a z3 3-10x42 BRH on a kimber .280 AI. I don’t think I will need any other mountain set ups.

That's a sweet pair of rifles.

 

[mtnbiker208]

vx-3 does not have zero stop unless you send in to get custom turret.

 

[waitforit]

I ended up buying the Vortex light hunter 3-15 x 42mm scope

 

[ChrisAU]

I ended up buying the Vortex light hunter 3-15 x 42mm scope

One scope I regret getting rid of, you will love it.

 

[sodaksooner]

I recommend a 3-15x42 Vortex Razor HD LH, light, superb glass, good track record, great warranty. The G4 reticle is one of my all time favorites.

This is what I have. They have a smaller 2 to 10X or in that range as well. I got a great deal and bought the bigger one though. Clear glass. No need for a spotter on the range now for sure.

 

[waitforit]

Mine has the HSR reticle which is a little busy and detailed. Scope does a great job gathering light so i think it will be ok.

 

[ElkElkGoose]

I shoot a nightforce 2.5-10 out to 1000 with good groups. You dont need all that x for long range. Also, 2.5 will be much faster and handier for a shot out to 75 where most game is shot from anyways.

Another point, I wouldnt worry so much about weight when it comes to rings and your scope. Id be more worried about a setup that wont lose 0 if its dinged against a rock on a climb etc.

My old 70 year hunting mentor once told me theres 3 places you dont sacrifice weight or money. Your boots, your pack, or your optics. If any of those three things fail, your hunt is over. Additionally on the optics, if you cant see/find them, you cant shoot them.

 

[Gear-Reviewer]

Good choice. One of he better light weight scopes.

 

[mcseal2]

I would go with a Swaro Z3 or Leupold with a reticle that fits your load decent on max power for 400 and closer. Farther I want a heavier scope designed around dialing elevation with a reliable turret.

At that range I would spend the money on simpler glass of Swaro quality rather than features you dont need.