Rifle Scopes Lightweight 2-10x scope

HMRamateur

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Feb 9, 2019
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I've been doing a bunch of research on a lightweight scope with a mag range of approx. 2-10, and I'm more confused than when I started. First off, weight is important, but reliability is number 1.

I want to put this scope on a short barreled .308, something light and easy to maneuver in the bush. Low end of 2 is an ideal point for me, and 10 is about all I would need, my higher mag scopes usually sit at 10x when hunting anyway.

I've heard good things about the Burris xtrii 2-10x42, but it's sitting pretty heavy for a smaller scope (Burris website has it at 28.8 oz). Swarovski z5 2.4-12x50 looks nice, but the ballistic turret is very limiting in my opinion. Leupold vx-5hd 2-10x42 and the vx-6hd 2-12x42 both look good, but I've read bad things about their turrets. This will definitely be a scope that gets use of its turrets and I don't want this thing shitting the bed when I've just walked a few miles up a hill/mountain in a foot of snow. Meopta meostar R2 2-12x50 looks good until the elevation cap comes off and I see a turret that doesn't look like it's meant to dial. Night force SHV 3-10x42 looks decent, but lack of zero stop kinda sucks. The nxs compact looks great, but that's a little more than I would like to spend, although if I had to in order to get a scope that will last my life, I would get over it.

I know I'm going to have to compromise somewhere. Where have you guys compromised and been happy or unhappy with your decision? Any other scopes I've missed that might fit the bill?
 
There really aren't many scopes that fit what you're looking for. Lots of us have been looking/asking/begging for more options, but manufacturers don't seem to think it's a profitable idea. I have a nightforce 2.5-10x42 and couldn't be happier. The Burris is supposed to be a good scope, but like you said, a little heavy for what it is. Might look at bushnell lrhs/lrts 3-12, it's pretty close to what you want and a lot cheaper than the nightforce. Good luck.
 
Some folk here have had issues with VX5/VX6 turrets, but I and many others haven't.

I really really like the VX6 2-12, good glass, wide FOV, light weight and at 2x is excellent for close range hunting.
The firedot reticle makes it even better at 2x.
 
What about a 1-6x or 1-8x? My Vortex Razor 1-6x will consistently put rounds on a silhouette type target at 800 yards from a 14.5" 5.56, and 600 yards and in is even easier, with smaller targets, too. If it's truly a hunting or combat style rifle and you're not trying to shoot 1/2 MOA groups at 800 yards, you can do quite a bit with lower magnification scopes. Just about everyone is making some flavor of 1-6x or 1-8x these days so you have lots of options depending on your budget.
 
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I have no experience with it, but what about the Maven RS.1 2.5-15x44 with either their replacement MOA or custom ballistic elevation turrets? Weighs 24.5 oz, FFP, MOA/custom turrets designed to add zero stop, LOW made. Downside is lack off illumination. I've really been curious about this one. You could also try to track down a used Gen 1 Vortex PST 2.5-10x32 FFP.
 
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Nightforce 2.5-10x24mm or 2.5-10x32mm would be my top picks.
I have the 24mm version and love it.

If wanting FFP, NX8, ATACR (both are 1-8) but the ATACR has a better reticle and is 34mm. Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44 may also be an option (TMR or H59/T3) but not sure if you want to go that big on the objective. Their 1-6 x 24mm could also work for you.

Previously mentioned Vortex Razor 1-6 also a viable option (VMR-2 MRAD would be my reticle choice).
 
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Thanks guys, a few other options I hadn't considered

Some folk here have had issues with VX5/VX6 turrets, but I and many others haven't.

I really really like the VX6 2-12, good glass, wide FOV, light weight and at 2x is excellent for close range hunting.
The firedot reticle makes it even better at 2x.

I suppose that's like any other scope, wasn't sure how widespread of an issue it was though.

What about a 1-6x or 1-8x? My Vortex Razor 1-6x will consistently put rounds on a silhouette type target at 800 yards from a 14.5" 5.56, and 600 yards and in is even easier, with smaller targets, too. If it's truly a hunting or combat style rifle and you're not trying to shoot 1/2 MOA groups at 800 yards, you can do quite a bit with lower magnification scopes. Just about everyone is making some flavor of 1-6x or 1-8x these days so you have lots of options depending on your budget.

I have done a little perusing of the 1-6/8 varieties, might have to do a little more, thanks
 
16 0zs. You don't say a reticle preference, for a hunting rifle it is hard to do better than the classic duplex. They also have a hunter holdover reticle if you like the idea.
Not sure why you would really need a zero stop, hunting rifles meant for mostly short range don't really need one.


You have the March 3-24:

A little portly but a good buy:
 
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The Gen 1 vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 was a gem if built right. I had one that performed very well. Unfortunately it had a minor defect out of the box that didn’t affect performance but did affect my OCD enough to send it back.

At 10x it beat out my SWFA 10HD I compared it side by side to. It only weighed 17oz which was nice.
 
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Don’t let a zero stop be part of your decision making process. I have scopes with them and have never bumped into them once. All have a rev indicator. See what line is visible when it is zeroed and there you go. You can even make a mark there with some whiteout if your memory sucks.
 
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Sorry, nothing to contribute, but you have me curious. Can you provide some details about your build. How short is the barrel? What's the gas system if it's a semi and how reliable is it?
 
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SWFA 3-9x42

Mil/Mil
Timk Zero Stop Kit
Reliable
Cheap ($600, less used)
19oz.
FFP
Good warranty if needed


And yeah, a bunch of folks would kill for a solid 2-10x32 with the above features, myself included.
 
16 0zs. You don't say a reticle preference, for a hunting rifle it is hard to do better than the classic duplex. They also have a hunter holdover reticle if you like the idea.
Not sure why you would really need a zero stop, hunting rifles meant for mostly short range don't really need one.


You have the March 3-24:

A little portly but a good buy:
Thanks for the suggestions. I've made the mistake before of my turret reading "0", but being a full rev off from actual 0. I suppose with a medium range rifle I'll never be more than a full rev away from 0 so it shouldn't be an issue, I just like it as a reassurance.
 
Sorry, nothing to contribute, but you have me curious. Can you provide some details about your build. How short is the barrel? What's the gas system if it's a semi and how reliable is it?
It will be a bolt action. There aren't many good semi's in Canada that are non-restricted, and Trudeau plans on banning AR's so I'm sticking with a tikka CTR and trimming the barrel to 18.5" (also to keep it non restricted). I take out two rifles right now, a Ruger scout and a savage weather warrior with a 24" barrel, depending on the terrain and if I'm sitting around or pushing bush. I want one rifle that can pull double duty.
 
It will be a bolt action. There aren't many good semi's in Canada that are non-restricted, and Trudeau plans on banning AR's so I'm sticking with a tikka CTR and trimming the barrel to 18.5" (also to keep it non restricted). I take out two rifles right now, a Ruger scout and a savage weather warrior with a 24" barrel, depending on the terrain and if I'm sitting around or pushing bush. I want one rifle that can pull double duty.

Thanks for the clarification. I misunderstood to mean SBR, as in under 16". Sounds like a nice rig.
 
meopta meopros are surprisingly bright at dusk. they kick the snot out of any leupold vx3i ever made. I've tested them against big dollar glass, as well as the names in this thread, and they are the best bang for the buck. so look into their lineup. but just the meopros. the meostars are not worth the money difference.
 
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“ Parallax “ “ Focus”

before I have 2 Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15 Scope it’s have very nice optical

but if when over 250-300 yards or more than can not have good clear focus pictures

my friend he have one is 2-10 he like to sell it Because no Parallax or Focus
 
Just picked up a Razor LH 2-10 from SW on clearance for $399. Haven’t done anything with it yet, but the glass seems very nice. The eyebox is huge and very forgiving. Better than my Z3s.

If you want to dial, you’ll want to look elsewhere. Capped turrets, not a lot of travel, mushy turret feel. Mine has a decent MOA reticle with elevation markings to 24 MOA, so holding over should work well on 10x. It’s SFP. Seems to be a very good, lightweight, no-frills hunting scope.
 
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