Rifle Scopes Mountain Rifle Scope

[Hundo]

I have had a precision rifle built by Chad Dixon at LRI. Rem 700 action, 6.5 CM , 22 inch barrel, McMillan carbon fiber stock, all the goodies. My go to scope is usually a Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10 50MM, but I am looking for a lighter 40mm-44mm scope with side focus and uncapped elevation (I can live with capped windage). Mission of the rifle is white tail 100 - 300 and Mule Deer and Pronghorn 250-500. What is a good alternative to the Mark 4. I am interested in a Vortex HST, but I have heard Ryan Cleckner complain about repeatability of adjustment. Suggestions????

Hundo

 

[Just Macca]

I want something similar. Sub 20oz Leupold VX5HD 3-15 seems to be it, but it’s 2nd focal and has a rep for poor repeatability.

A Schmidt PM2 fixed 10x42 could be an interesting option. They’re meant to be 16-17oz according to their website. But would be good getting further clarification on its weight from the hide.

 

[BurnOut]

Bushnell LRHS. It doesn't meet the "under 20 oz" criterion, but it's under 30 (listed at 26 oz).

They're worth a look in this use case, IMO.

 

[lancetkenyon]

With no budget mentioned....close to your weight request, but absolutely top tier optics. Quite a bit above the Vortex and Leupold prices though.

Tangent Theta TT315M 3-15×50. 25oz, best glass and turrets you will find. Or the new TT315H.

March F 3-24×52. 24.4oz, huge magnification range. Great optic. Or 2.5-25×52 if you prefer SFP.

S&B Zenith 3-12×50. 24.6oz. It is a S&B, not much more I need to say.



And high quality 3-9 up to 3-15 will serve you well.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

According to my S&B Spec Sheet on the 10x42 PMII:

Construction Aluminum tube 30mm without rail
Hard anodized black surface
Reticle in first focal plane
Quick elevation and windage adjustments

Optical data
Magnification: 10x fixed
Field of view at 100 m: 4m
Exit pupil: 4.2mm
Eye relief distance: minimum 85mm
Twilight factor: 20.5
Light transmission: min. 90%, day and night
Diopter setting: +2 to -3
Elevation adjustment Elevation increments: 1cm (0.1Mrad)
Elevation range: 130cm at 100m
Windage adjustment Windage increments: 1cm per click
Windage range: ±60cm

General data
Parallax free at 300m
Weight: 610 g (if my calculation is correct it is 21.52 ounces)
Waterproof to 3 m, 300 mbar inner pressure

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

A 3.5x10x40 MK 4 with a tree ret will do everything you need to do. With a tree ret you really don't need to knob much, if at all.

 

[fdkay]

Sightron 3-16 with MOA reticle comes in just over 21 ounces.

 

[Just Macca]

According to my S&B Spec Sheet on the 10x42 PMII:

Construction Aluminum tube 30mm without rail
Hard anodized black surface
Reticle in first focal plane
Quick elevation and windage adjustments

Optical data
Magnification: 10x fixed
Field of view at 100 m: 4m
Exit pupil: 4.2mm
Eye relief distance: minimum 85mm
Twilight factor: 20.5
Light transmission: min. 90%, day and night
Diopter setting: +2 to -3
Elevation adjustment Elevation increments: 1cm (0.1Mrad)
Elevation range: 130cm at 100m
Windage adjustment Windage increments: 1cm per click
Windage range: ±60cm

General data
Parallax free at 300m
Weight: 610 g (if my calculation is correct it is 21.52 ounces)
Waterproof to 3 m, 300 mbar inner pressure

At 21oz I would disregard and go variable. I wish that someone would make a 3-15, Horus-ish, 15oz, capped turret, excellent glass hunting scope.

 

[NewsShooter]

https://athlonoptics.com/product/rifle-scopes-midas-btr-2-5-15x50-aplr1-sfp-ir-mil/

https://athlonoptics.com/product/rifle-scopes-ares-btr/

Haven't used the midas but I have an ares in the higher magnification, glass is decent and it tracks well. I also have the Bushnell mentioned above and it is mounted on my 7mm hunting rifle. It's about perfect, call gap and get on the list for one of their scopes.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Swarovski Z3 4-12 with ballistic turret and 4W reticle. Very light, very reliable, and phenomenal glass. They’re on sale for $899 right now at Euro Optic too.

Link to product

 

[jpspeeddemon]

Burris Veracity

 

[ZiaHunter]

+1 on the Swaro, Light and excellent glass especially in low light situations.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

+1 on the Swaro, Light and excellent glass especially in low light situations.

All of the Z3 series Swaros are below $900.00. Really a great value in a top quality scope

 

[Smokyred]

The Vortex Razor HD LH line is lightweight (16oz) with good glass, for under 1k. Underneath the turret caps are regular knobs, so I leave the caps off of the one I have. They may leave a little to be desired if you want loads of features, but they were designed as a lightweight hunting scope, and they seem to fit in that capacity pretty well.

Dave

 

[Macdaddy]

I have had a precision rifle built by Chad Dixon at LRI. Rem 700 action, 6.5 CM , 22 inch barrel, McMillan carbon fiber stock, all the goodies. My go to scope is usually a Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10 50MM, but I am looking for a lighter 40mm-44mm scope with side focus and uncapped elevation (I can live with capped windage). Mission of the rifle is white tail 100 - 300 and Mule Deer and Pronghorn 250-500. What is a good alternative to the Mark 4. I am interested in a Vortex HST, but I have heard Ryan Cleckner complain about repeatability of adjustment. Suggestions????

Hundo

Try the Leupold VX5HD 3-15x44. It has a 30mm tube, HD glass, lit (Firedot CDS reticle), uncapped elevation, capped windage, zero stop and weighs only 19 ozs. I just purchased three of them from Doug at Cameraland to replace a couple of 2.5-10x42 NF scopes. I love them for a hunting, carry rifle scope.

 

[koshkin]

Depending on the budget and whether you want SFP or FFP, there are a few options.

If you want FFP, the least expensive viable option is SWFA SS 3-15x42FFP. It is quite robust, tracks well and have very serviceable optics for the money. $700

The best option if you can afford it is Tangent Theta TT315M 3-15x50. It is superb optically and mechanically, but it is $3k.

If you are OK with SFP, I am very partial to Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42. It is a very nice design and quite light.

If you can live with MOA reticle and turrets in a FFP scope, you should also check out Maven RS1 2.5-15x44. I am wrapping up with my review of one and it is a very nice design.

ILya

 

[6point5CM]

Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50 has 110MOA of travel and is 22 oz. Mine is on a Ti and Carbon 6.5 GAP 4S and has been shot out to 1380 repeatedly. Took two deer last year and held up very well to hard hunting use including falling on it while strapped to the side of the pack while packing out meat. Very impressed so far. I also have the Razor HD LH 3-15x42 on a Kimber MT, but I much prefer the Zeiss on all but a sub 6lb gun.

 

[EchoDeltaSierra]

I’m working on a build for a buddy that will be used during an elk hunt in Wyoming. That said, the scope we are likely settling on is Leupold VX-6HD in 3-18 w/ 44mm objective. - https://www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-6hd-3-18x44mm

It’s FFP with exposed adjustable turrets, several illuminated reticle options, zero stops, all in a 19oz package. I’d be curious if there is something comparable in a lighter package suited for a 300WM. Also, $1600-1700 street prices seem pretty common.

 

[Hundo]

A 3.5x10x40 MK 4 with a tree ret will do everything you need to do. With a tree ret you really don't need to knob much, if at all.

Eurooptics is selling one on Amazon for $779. Might have to seriously consider.

 

[D_TROS]

My favorite right now for hunting is the Steiner 3-15 T5Xi. Low pro knobs, stubby, and tracks. Bit heavy tho.

The Maven 2-15 looks promising, and I also have a Burris Veracity on my wifes hunting rifle. 2-10 and FFP. And can order their exposed turrets with BDC markings or normal clicks. great little scope and bulletproof. its been dropped a couple times and no shift.

Last to check out is SWFA new super lightweight 3-9 at like 10 ozs. Looks very promising for a super lightweight rig or rimfire...

GL
DT

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Eurooptics is selling one on Amazon for $779. Might have to seriously consider.

Thats a steal even if it's only M1 knobs, if it has the tree ret. A tree ret an M3 that is to cheap to pass up. I just traded with a Hide member for a M1 w/a mil ret, it's on it's way back to Leupold to get the tree as I type this. The 2.5x8x36 is way lighter an the tree ret can be put in it as well depending model build date. With the tree you have 32moa of hold on 8X, 64 on about 4.625 X, an 92+ depending your scope on 2.5X
I have made a device that is working out well that stops the power ring at the doubling point that is spring loaded. Gives me 64 moa of hold w/o knob'ing anything for sub shooting to 400 yds, past that I add with the knobs.

 

[Stickshift]

I’m working on a build for a buddy that will be used during an elk hunt in Wyoming. That said, the scope we are likely settling on is Leupold VX-6HD in 3-18 w/ 44mm objective. - https://www.leupold.com/scopes/compact-scopes/vx-6hd-3-18x44mm

It’s FFP with exposed adjustable turrets, several illuminated reticle options, zero stops, all in a 19oz package. I’d be curious if there is something comparable in a lighter package suited for a 300WM. Also, $1600-1700 street prices seem pretty common.

I'm 95% sure that the VX-6HD line is SFP, as are the VX-5HDs.

I'd seriously look at the 3-15x VX-5HD. The zero lock and zero stop turrets and the available Impact 29 tree reticle make it a really versatile scope on paper, and its compact and light. I'd love to see a version with 0.1 mil turrets and a CCH or TMR reticle.

 

[hypno02]

If I'm going to trek through the mountains and work my ass off to harvest a nice critter I want a scope that has an impeccable reputation for reliability.

The nightforce 2.5-10x42 would be an excellent option as would the TT.

If you are willing to go a bit heavier I wouldn't hesitate to use a NF 3-15 on a hunting rig.

On a budget--a SWFA 3-15 or fixed 10x is always a great option. They simply work.

 

[Hundo]

Thats a steal even if it's only M1 knobs, if it has the tree ret. A tree ret an M3 that is to cheap to pass up. I just traded with a Hide member for a M1 w/a mil ret, it's on it's way back to Leupold to get the tree as I type this. The 2.5x8x36 is way lighter an the tree ret can be put in it as well depending model build date. With the tree you have 32moa of hold on 8X, 64 on about 4.625 X, an 92+ depending your scope on 2.5X
I have made a device that is working out well that stops the power ring at the doubling point that is spring loaded. Gives me 64 moa of hold w/o knob'ing anything for sub shooting to 400 yds, past that I add with the knobs.

It is an M1 knob, but that is what I am used to. Did not know that Leupold could redo rets. I have a Mark 4 Mil dot with MOA adjustment that drives me crazy. Never mixing again.

 

[Hundo]

My favorite right now for hunting is the Steiner 3-15 T5Xi. Low pro knobs, stubby, and tracks. Bit heavy tho.

The Maven 2-15 looks promising, and I also have a Burris Veracity on my wifes hunting rifle. 2-10 and FFP. And can order their exposed turrets with BDC markings or normal clicks. great little scope and bulletproof. its been dropped a couple times and no shift.

Last to check out is SWFA new super lightweight 3-9 at like 10 ozs. Looks very promising for a super lightweight rig or rimfire...

GL
DT

I researched the Burris Veracity but it has capped elevation. I dial for elevation 90% of the time I am hunting speed goats and about 75% of the time I am hunting Muleys. Anyone hunt with a Veracity with the cap off? Will it get dirty? Some scopes it is ok.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

It is an M1 knob, but that is what I am used to. Did not know that Leupold could redo rets. I have a Mark 4 Mil dot with MOA adjustment that drives me crazy. Never mixing again.

The tree moa ret is $160.00 installed an shipped back. They have a bunch of different rets, just make sure to call them an give the scope info. They can tell you if the one you want can be installed in that scope. I've had trees installed in both 3.5x10x40 M3 Mk 4's an they are going to do the M1 as well. A 6.5x20x50 Mk 4 went in for the tree. Plus two 2.5x8x36's had the trees installed in those as well. I hate mil dots, even though I run MOA knobs with mil rets for a long time.

 

[Hundo]

The tree moa ret is $160.00 installed an shipped back. They have a bunch of different rets, just make sure to call them an give the scope info. They can tell you if the one you want can be installed in that scope. I've had trees installed in both 3.5x10x40 M3 Mk 4's an they are going to do the M1 as well. A 6.5x20x50 Mk 4 went in for the tree. Plus two 2.5x8x36's had the trees installed in those as well. I hate mil dots, even though I run MOA knobs with mil rets for a long time.

Thanks Gunfighter...that was very helpful

 

[Hundo]

Thanks Gunfighter...that was very helpful

How fast do they turn them around?

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

How fast do they turn them around?

2 were less than 2 weeks, one was 3 weeks and the last was 2.5 weeks. I sent the M1 today so we'll know shortly. They are much faster when your paying for it for sure, LOL. I think it just depends upon how backed up they are, but even 3 -4 weeks is not bad I think for the volume they do. The wait is the killer though.

 

[jpspeeddemon]

I researched the Burris Veracity but it has capped elevation. I dial for elevation 90% of the time I am hunting speed goats and about 75% of the time I am hunting Muleys. Anyone hunt with a Veracity with the cap off? Will it get dirty? Some scopes it is ok.

You can get the MAD knobs for the Veracity which are exposed knobs that replace the covered ones. MAD knobs are a feature of several Burris scopes.

 

[Hundo]

You can get the MAD knobs for the Veracity which are exposed knobs that replace the covered ones. MAD knobs are a feature of several Burris scopes.

That makes it damn near perfect then.

 

[GeoffatBurris]

Veracity scopes ship with capped knobs, but you can call us and get exposed versions of both windage and elevation (although most folks stay with capped windage). You can also get them custom engraved based on your DOPE.

(the big 5-25 Veracity with the SCR reticle includes both capped and exposed - we kinda thought that one would do double duty for most folks).

-Geoff at Burris

 

[Hundo]

Veracity scopes ship with capped knobs, but you can call us and get exposed versions of both windage and elevation (although most folks stay with capped windage). You can also get them custom engraved based on your DOPE.

(the big 5-25 Veracity with the SCR reticle includes both capped and exposed - we kinda thought that one would do double duty for most folks).

-Geoff at Burris

Hey Geoff

Eurooptic is actually selling a Veracity model with the M.A.D. turret already installed. Looks like an awesome scope. Cant wait to try one.

 

[Hundo]

I have had a precision rifle built by Chad Dixon at LRI. Rem 700 action, 6.5 CM , 22 inch barrel, McMillan carbon fiber stock, all the goodies. My go to scope is usually a Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10 50MM, but I am looking for a lighter 40mm-44mm scope with side focus and uncapped elevation (I can live with capped windage). Mission of the rifle is white tail 100 - 300 and Mule Deer and Pronghorn 250-500. What is a good alternative to the Mark 4. I am interested in a Vortex HST, but I have heard Ryan Cleckner complain about repeatability of adjustment. Suggestions????

Hundo

So I talked with Chad at LRI today regarding how the rifle is coming together. He is suggesting a 2B contour barrel 20" long. Clip slotted receiver with LRI machined clip slot base with 8-40 screws (to hold this light weight scope down. Sunnyhill DBM bottom metal. Getting very excited....many pics will follow.

 

[Hundo]

So I talked with Chad at LRI today regarding how the rifle is coming together. He is suggesting a 2B contour barrel 20" long. Clip slotted receiver with LRI machined clip slot base with 8-40 screws (to hold this light weight scope down. Sunnyhill DBM bottom metal. Getting very excited....many pics will follow.

Oh yea....the LRI machined clip slot base is aluminum!!!

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

How fast do they turn them around?

update,...
They received my last one on 7-18 an it shipped back yesterday (7-25)
According to their service dept they are upping the cost to $200.00 but, all of mine to-date have been $160.00 back to my door. They did say other scopes were much cheaper to change the ret on though.

 

[2Akeepers]

It's really hard to beat the Swaro Z3 3-9X36 for any general purpose BG hunting rifle, lightweight or otherwise.

 

[Hundo]

update,...
They received my last one on 7-18 an it shipped back yesterday (7-25)
According to their service dept they are upping the cost to $200.00 but, all of mine to-date have been $160.00 back to my door. They did say other scopes were much cheaper to change the ret on though.

They quoted me $200 on my Mark 4 LR/T. It arrives today. I hope I get the same turnaround. $200 not bad considering shipping is at least $15 bucks.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Scope arrived today. Per their paper work, they installed new erector springs an repaired same as well. It's mounted, an in the AM it will get sighted in. The gun has always been a .250-.375 moa stick at 100 so we'll see if they corrected anything. Have the ret double'r installed an adjusted for subsonics so will test that as well in the AM. Hope you get your back soon,...

They returned mine via UPS again, 2 days to get their via USPS, 5 shipping days via USP to get back. I'm guessing they ain't paying much on return freight, LOL

 

[kristian55]

+ March 2.5-25×42

 

[jonthomps]

As others have said, the Tangent Theta TT315M or NF 2.5-10x42 are great options.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Scope arrived today.

An it is fixed. The gun is back to a .25 moa stick at 100yds, so what every they did is working perfect. Shot 100 rds of High speed an 50 rds of subs, could not be happier with it now.