Ultimate Lightweight Western Hunting Riflescope Advise

[atmat]

I’m looking for the best lightweight riflescope for Western hunting, and I’d appreciate some input from those with experience. My key requirements are:

• Holds zero consistently
• Excellent tracking
• Drop tested and durable
• Lightweight (under 24 oz max, ~20 oz ideal)
• MIL reticle
• 15x max zoom (less is okay, 10x minimum)
• 42mm objective lens

So far, my top contenders are:

1. Nightforce NXS 2.5–10x42
2. Trijicon Credo 2.5–15x42
3. SWFA SS 3–15x42 30mm MQ Gen 2

Questions for the group:

• Which of these scopes best balances durability, weight, and performance for Western hunting?
• Am I overlooking any strong alternatives in this category?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

I have owned all of these and many more.

How far are you shooting? I would really consider the S&B 3-12 Klassic P3L.

It fits your bill perfectly if you’re staying under 600 yards. Its only downside is that the elevation turret is rev-limited to 4.8 mils.

 

[denverangler725]

I have owned all of these and many more.

How far are you shooting? I would really consider the S&B 3-12 Klassic P3L.

It fits your bill perfectly if you’re staying under 600 yards. Its only downside is that the elevation turret is rev-limited to 4.8 mils.

Hunting wise, would certainly keep it under 600. Frankly I am fairly new to all this so in the near term probably 400. Intend to practice out to 1000.

 

[Nicaburns]

I run the Trij Credo … it is just about the perfect scope for my uses

 

[AntelopeEater]

Hard to go wrong with any of your choices. I love Trijicon scopes (but my favorite is the Accupoint).

I would buy whichever one is cheapest and use the difference in price to the next one to buy more ammo for practice. My “long range” rifle has an SWFA 10x gen1 on it. I really like that scope and the 6x variant as well.

+1 for the Trijicon Accupoint, its my favorite scope, I now have three of them for my three favorite hunting rifles.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

What timeline? Reason being is eventually this fall (last update) shoot2hunt is supposed to get their scope samples to test which are supposed to check off your boxes. If this isn’t for this fall/winter maybe sit back and wait. Besides thanksgiving-Christmas may have sales on some of your list.

 

[denverangler725]

What timeline? Reason being is eventually this fall (last update) shoot2hunt is supposed to get their scope samples to test which are supposed to check off your boxes. If this isn’t for this fall/winter maybe sit back and wait. Besides thanksgiving-Christmas may have sales on some of your list.

Id be willing to wait for this...

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Id be willing to wait for this...

If we are lucky, that scope is ready by next June or July.