Rifle Scopes Lite scope for a lite rifle

HarperJT

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 8, 2011
75
2
57
I just order one of Mel Forbes semi-custom ultra-lite rifle. 308 left hand that weighs in at 4.75 lbs. My problem is that I like big powerful glass and where I hunt we still have plenty of legal shooting time left when it’s getting dark. I think I would like to put something like 4x16x 50 30mm tube scope, maybe a vortex PST, but I don’t really want to put an uncapped turret scope on a hunting rifle. Any opinions out there?
Thanks, Jeff
 
Jeff,

Check out the March 2.5x-25x with covered turrets. It has a 42mm objective, which is smaller than most but will outperform other scopes in lowlight. Has a total of 100 MOA of elevation travel and 25 MOA per revolution. The total weight of the scope is 21.8 ozs. Check out our website Kelbly Rifles or PM me for more info!

Thanks,
Ian
 
So, if you are just looking for a lightweight mid-powered hunting scope with great lowlight performance, and not needing exposed turrets and mil reticles, they're some great options for around the PST's price range of about 1k (you didn't mention your budget).

Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x42 (18.4 oz)
Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 (14.5 oz)
Leupold VX6 2-12x42 (17.8 oz)
Meopta Meostar R1 3-10x50 (13 oz)

If you stepped up to around $1400, the Kahles Helia, Leica ER, and Swaro Z5's are excellent too.
 
Last edited:
I just order one of Mel Forbes semi-custom ultra-lite rifle. 308 left hand that weighs in at 4.75 lbs. My problem is that I like big powerful glass and where I hunt we still have plenty of legal shooting time left when it’s getting dark. I think I would like to put something like 4x16x 50 30mm tube scope, maybe a vortex PST, but I don’t really want to put an uncapped turret scope on a hunting rifle. Any opinions out there?
Thanks, Jeff

For a hunting scope you won't beat the Meopta Meostar for low light performance unless you want to get a Swaro Z6.

Nightforce 2.5-10 would be a good fit too, they have a ton of different reticule choices, light weight, and low light isn't bad.

The PST 4-16 is a good daytime target scope but sucks in low light and the image quality is not as good as nightforce and wayyyyyyy behind a Meopta Meostar.
 
For hunting I'd go with a lightweight 2.5X10!..... But that's just my opinion, how does that rifle shoot? Any pics for us?

I wish I could but I'm still probably four months out from getting the rifle. Hopefully I can post something sooner. Thanks guy for the suggestions, top contenders are the march, Meopta, and Leica. I want to stay 30 mm.

Thanks again,
Jeff
 
I would def consider the March, but get the 3-24 version with the regular turrets, as they have a zero stop that is VERY east to set and their knobs are low pro. I hunt with exposed knobs, and never had a problem myself. Forget to dial once and you will never make that mistake again. Ask me know I know. Luckily I did it in a match and not while hunting.

You need to specify if you like to dial for distance, or hold over. If dialing, you are pretty much limited to premier light tactical or March 3-24 for top end zoom compact lightweight. Really is no other options for high zoom zoom power and small package.

if you want to hold over, the price range is cut in half, and you have numerous more options. 2-10 is a good range, and also the new 1-8 scopes. very useful but pricy as well.
-Steiner 2-10 - eyebox blew anything I have ever looked through short of my hendsoldt away. clarity and low light was on par with Swaro z5
-Steiner 4-16 is very nice as well but the Swaro edges it out, but the 2-10 is obviously better, both steiners are very rugged. beefiest of this group for sure, but also a little on the heavy side.
-Nightforce 2-10 & USO 2-10 (put both in same category) - glass wise comparable to a zeiss conquest, maybe a tad worse, but you can dial and it is bomb proof.
-Swarovski z5 minimum for low light. nice scope but durability has me skeptical
-S&B 3-12 very clear and durable
Would stay away from zeiss conquest. it cant compare with the others mentioned here but the Diavari is VERY nice. Would def recommend them.


Good problem to have. I would get behind as many scopes as possible, because if you are getting a custom rifle, you want a scope that matches her in beauty and performance.

DO NOT go cheap on the optics.

Regards,
DT
 
-Swarovski z5 minimum for low light. nice scope but durability has me skeptical

There were some torture test vids on youtube, not sure what happened to them though. In one they shot it with pretty stout loads in a 12ga. Not only did it no fail but it retained zero. They're also pretty much the first choice for a scope for african safari's. I've got no question about swaro's durability.
 
gotta figure they put them on African game rifles they have to hold up.

Personally my Z3 has been riding my 45-70 that weighs 8lbs with the scope for 2 yrs now and is fine. Get some big bore smokeless recoil. Sit in behind a 350grain bullet pushed to 2100FPS from a 24" tube for a couple of groups. Punishing.

Eventually all of my hunting rifles will wear Swaro Z3 or Z5s with 44 or 42 objectives and BRX-BRH reticles
 
Mel Forbes rifles are vey nice. I am torn a MF .30-06 and a 700 mountain 7mm-08. If you don't own a March 3-24 yet you owe it to yourself and the rifle. Go with the low illumination and exposed knobs - you'll enjoy the combo.
 
The decision was made for me when I saw the deal Eurooptic was doing. It's going to be a Premier light. I just couldn't pass up the deal. However the meopta and March had me looking hard at both of them. I might have to pick up a march the next time I see them on sale.

Thanks for all the help. Hopefully I can post pictures in a couple months,
Jeff
 
I just picked up a march 2.5x25-42, exposed turrets tactical model. So far i am impressed with this scope, tracking has been spot on, turrets are nice. Don't think you could go wrong with this for a lightweight option.