Rifle Scopes Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

[SPAK]

Hey guys, need some input/expertise...

Would there be any reason not to mount a heavy scope on a lightweight rifle?? Would there be more risk of slipping in the rings under recoil??

Scenario:
Swfa 5-20x50
ARC M10 rings
Egw 20moa rail
Tikka t3 lite .30-06

Sorry of this sounds dumb but I just want to be sure before I put this combination together
That there isnt something I shouldn't do.

Purpose will be sheep and mountain goat hunting... I know there are lighter scope options but my goal is t super light, just lighter than my 18lb rig to pack into the
Mountains..

Any thioughts would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[L42a1]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

seems to kind of defeat the purpose of a light weight rifle if you ask me. But im contemplating to do almost the same thing.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

I'm not a fan of super light... I just need something not as heavy as 18 lbs. Ideal would be around 8.5-9 lbs loaded up..

 

[ajwcotton]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

That set up should be fine the M 10 rings are great rings and the weight ratio of rifle to scope should not affect anything anyway

 

[txgw]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

Personally I would put whatever scope you wanted on it and go. As long as you get good rings you shouldn't have to worry about the scope slipping. Just out of curiosity if you are going to be sheep hunting why not stick with a 40mm objective. Should be a little lighter and I wouldn't think you would need the extra light gathering if you aren't hunting at night. Don't get me wrong, I have 50s on nearly all my guns but I do a lot more hunting at night than during the day.

 

[roggom]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

The SWFA weighs 31oz, that's almost a 2 lb scope. More that total weight or rings, I would be concerned about carry. If you have a scabbard pack, then might not be an issue. Slinged over the shoulder , negotiating rock faces might get old very fast.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

I could go with a lighter scope, but I like the SS 5-20 reliability, and I'll take reliability over weight. If SWFA made a 4-16x44mm or 50mm and a little lighter, that would be perfect... Like I said, finished weight around 8.5 to albs even 9.5 lbs is my goal weight. I have buddies that sheep hunt with 11 lb rifles.

Having the ability to take the long shot when needed is easier with a slightly heavier rifle, especially with no brake on it. I know position and fundamentals go a long way, but with awkward angles and positions in the mountains, a little extra weight will be toward my advantage.

Roggom, I will be packing in with a Eberlestock sky crane, so yes the integral scabbard is what I'll be using...wouldn't go any other way..

 

[TorF]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

On a "leightweight" Tikka T3 huntingrifle and $1500 for optics I would seriously consider a Swarovski Z5 with ballistic turret.

In a test in a swedish gunmag the Z5 beat the S&B PM2 5-25x56, Premier and the new Kalhes K624i for optical quality and image.

The Swaro Z5 is an outstanding hunting scope and it is almost one pound leighter than a typical tactical scope.

Most, if not all, hunters actually shoot better with a "heavy" rifle and "leightweight" scope compared to a "leightweight" rifle with a "heavy" scope. Were I live one pound saved on the optic is put on the muzzle in form of a suppressor.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

Agreed, I'd rather have a heavier rifle than the scope being heavy. Might make it a little top heavy. But since I'll be shooting off a bipod or my pack most likely, that shouldn't be an issue.. Yes the Swaro is better glass, I've looked through one on my buddy's rifle and was very impressed. However, I prefer target turrets to dial elevation and a mildot type reticle..

I'm getting in on the group buy for the super sniper 1-6 and the 5-20 combo so both scopes combined for under 1600.00 is a steal...

 

[cb_tikka]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

I think combo deal you speak of is over.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

Already purchased

 

[Pappasniper]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

The gun would still be very handy and you would have the scope you want. When the weight is centered, it's perceived weight is much less.

 

[hamstur]

Re: Heavy scope on light weight rifle??

I just tested a 31-oz F1 on a 7-lb sporter this weekend. It's mounted in 0.87" rings and still feels 'handy' and very balanced. Mine is a mild recoiling 6.5x47 and not a 30-06. Highly recommend the Limbsaver pad (template 10011 or 10112) if you don't already have it.