Rifle Scopes Decent optic under $300 for ultra-light brush gun

[Heronion]

Howdy gents. I am wanting to get my little sister an ultra-light hunting rig for her 18th birthday. I have an old Stevens 200 that I plan on refinishing and re-stocking with a wood stock (suggestions for a decent/cheap wood stock are appreciated!). I'm going to be re-finishing the whole thing and customizing the stock and such for her. I'm stuck on an optic, however.

The rifle will be used in heavy woods, farthest shots not exceeding 50 yards except on very rare occasions, then only until about 120 yards. It's going on a .308.

Reliable/repeatable and will stand up to .308 recoil
At least 3x, preferably variable zoom
Under $300

Rings and mount will be EGW & Burris XTR

Suggestions?

Would prefer input from USERS of such optics

Thanks!

Brian

 

[GunKnowledge]

Re: Decent optic under $300 for ultra-light brush gun

Well it certain makes no sense to use a wood stock on a "light as a fart" build, since the hollow synthetics weigh much less, but whatever...

As far as optic, the Leupold VX-II Ultralight series is exactly what you're looking for. The 3-9 is a little more than 300, and the 2-7 is a little less. I've had LOTS of Leupolds, including VX-IIs, but never had an Ultralight, no reason to.

But the weight loss in the scope is going to be MORE than countered by the heavy stock. The VXII Ultralight 3-9 is 8.8 ounces, while the standard VXII 3-9 is only 11.2. Very little difference.

But using a lightweight synthetic stock will save a lot more than 3 oz.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Decent optic under $300 for ultra-light brush gun

I have a Mueller 2-7 multi-shot on a 7x57 mauser.
It is an excellent little scope and runs about 140. Glass is surprisingly clear and it has an illuminated multi-function reticle.

Also consider the weaver 1-3x, though it isn't illuminated and either of the burris 1-4x (mtac or tac-30)

There are several shotgun/muzzleloader scopes that would work very well. They tend to be about 1.5x-5x, have long eye relief and heavier (thicker) reticles which make them easier to acquire in dense woods. Burris, bushnell, nikon and others make these class of scopes that are in your price range.

Check boyds for a laminated stock, fairly light and resistant to warping.

 

[264win]

Re: Decent optic under $300 for ultra-light brush gun

I have a Bushnell elite 1.75-4.5 that I am impressed with.

 

[Heronion]

Re: Decent optic under $300 for ultra-light brush gun

Damn, what a find. I just discovered a neglected 1.75-4x Bushnell. I got it mounted and I'm now at exactly 6.5 pounds fully loaded. Any ideas on a stock that will cut the weight down? The factory tupperware POS is about 1.5lbs. I don't suppose they make any lighter/as light stocks that are better?

 

[Heronion]

Re: Decent optic under $300 for ultra-light brush gun

As my optics problem is solved I will end this topic and start in the bolt rifle section.

 

[tman300wm]

Re: Decent optic under $300 for ultra-light brush gun

http://swfa.com/Leupold-2-7x33-VX-2-Riflescope-P51792.aspx
Been using this scope on my 30-30 lever action brush gun for years. Hard to beat the price and the glass is quite good.

Take a look at :
http://www.stockadegunstocks.com/stocks.html

Kevin makes a great stock (inleted for Savage and Stevens actions) and you should be able to have him chop the length of pull and forearm down if that's what you need to do to accommodate your sister's size. I would look at the Mule Deer or Hunting Sporter stocks and go with the Money Saver model that is un-painted. Pick up a can of Brownell's Alumahyde II spray paint ($13.00) and coat the stock. Very tough stuff and looks great if you do the prep as prescribed. The Alumahyde is great on metal as well if you need a good, durable, weatherproof coating for the barrel, action, and any metal parts.

By the way, let us know how it turns out and post some pics. I always enjoy seeing a little backyard gunsmithing and a nice project gun. The fact that you are doing it for a loved one is really cool as well.

 

[jeo556]

Re: Decent optic under $300 for ultra-light brush gun

Leupold VX-1 Turkey hunting scope is what I have on my .45-70 guide gun used for the same hunting conditions. The circle portion of the reticle subtends 4" at 40 yards which allows for really quick shooting if the need arises as anything in the circle is dead. So far it's held up to the recoil but I will admit she see mostly 300 grain fodder saving the 400 hot loads for fun at the range when my shoulder isn't bothering me.