Rifle Scopes Scope for a 6lb Rifle

[derk]

So, I have a .308 Fix on its way from Q. I've seen a couple different optics used on them but I'm having a hell of a time picking one. The whole rifle weighs in at 6lb so that's something to consider. I'm lucky enough to have an industry discount which helps bring some nice scopes into a decent price range.

29oz Eotech VUDU 5-25 : -$150 less
46 oz Vortex Razor II 3-18 : 0
220z Leupold Mk6 3-18 : +$150 more

I feel like the Gen II razor is the scope I want but I can't get past putting a 3lb scope on a 6lb rifle. Will I forever hate myself for spending $150 more than a Razor gen ii to get a lighter-weight Leupold Mk6 with inferior glass? Should I even consider a Vudu if I can get a razor or MK 6 for $150- $300 more?

Look forward to hearing what you guys think. Thanks in advance!

 

[C_R_Slacker]

I would definitely not put a genii razor on that rifle. What about a leupold mk5? Weighs just a little more than a mk6 and most people seem to speak very highly of it. The vudu is probably a nice scope, but i don't see as many people talking about it, and it's not exactly a featherweight.

 

[One1Bravo]

So, I have a .308 Fix on its way from Q. I've seen a couple different optics used on them but I'm having a hell of a time picking one. The whole rifle weighs in at 6lb so that's something to consider. I'm lucky enough to have an industry discount which helps bring some nice scopes into a decent price range.

29oz Eotech VUDU 5-25 : -$150 less
46 oz Vortex Razor II 3-18 : 0
220z Leupold Mk6 3-18 : +$150 more

I feel like the Gen II razor is the scope I want but I can't get past putting a 3lb scope on a 6lb rifle. Will I forever hate myself for spending $150 more than a Razor gen ii to get a lighter-weight Leupold Mk6 with inferior glass? Should I even consider a Vudu if I can get a razor or MK 6 for $150- $300 more?

Look forward to hearing what you guys think. Thanks in advance!

I just got an Eotech Vudu 3-18 and I like it a lot. But as Slacker said it's definitely not the lightest scope out there. I've been considering the Leupold Mark 5 for my next project but the reviews are so mixed I don't know what to think.

 

[MOUNTIC]

I had a Minox ZP5 525 on my Fix for about 7 months now. No way I would put a Razor on it. I just last week bought the mk5 3-18 to put on there for weight savings. I think the mk5 or 6 combo is a good one with that rifle for keeping the weight down. Assuming you have the 16inch 308 gun? You should be able to do anything that rifle is capable of doing with that 3-18 optic. If you need to stretch it out a little more and need a little more glass, I think a SB 5-20 US would be a good option as it's a shorter package. Vudu 5-25 is pretty compact also. Lots of good options out there these days.

 

[slm9s]

What will the rifle be used for?

 

[Poorboyr]

If you bought the rifle to be light, why would you put a heavy scope on it? If you're only using it to hunt, I would lean towards a Leupold v x 5 or 6 HD or 3i. The CDS dials work great.

 

[Jackalope]

I’d probably do a 2.5-8 or 3.5-10 vx3i. Get it from the custom shop with the 32 MOA Impact reticle and just use hold overs. Sticking a big, heavy precision rifle scope on it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me in such a rifle.

 

[derk]

Thanks for all the input guys, I really appreciate it. As of right now, the guns going to be ringing steel. After hearing everyone's thoughts, it sounds like the razor is out of the running. Now the Vudu vs leupy MK6.. making more progress than I thought I would

 

[b6graham]

why not an AMG?

 

[samson7x]

why not an AMG?

Great option here.

 

[Just Macca]

Lightest to heaviest (Cost likewise)
1. Swaro Z3 4-12x50BT 14.5oz
2. Leupold VX5HD 3-15 SF 19oz
3. Bushnell LRHS 3-12x44 25oz
4. Leupold Mk5 3.6-18 26oz
5. TT 3-15x50M 27.7oz

1. The Z3 is SFP, has no parallax and requires a modified turret and removed zero stop to get more than 12moa out of it.

2. The VX5 is SFP, has so-so glass and the CDS turret has mixed reviews regarding its tracking.

3. The LRHS is decent, but 12 power can leave you a bit wanting.

4. The MK5 has a 35mm tube (no big deal), and is fairly expensive with tier 2 glass and reticles that don’t really interest me personally.

5. The TT is expensive and starting to get a bit heavy. Also the Gen 2xr is generally regarded as useless at 3 power. The new H series will have a boring reticle, but most likely thick enough to use across the range. Also has forgiving parallax/good depth of view, best in class optics, great tracking and is probably the nicest option.

A TT H series with the bushnell LRHS reticle would be my dream combo.

 

[C_R_Slacker]

It's really surprising to me there aren't more options in this niche. I have a lrhs 3-12 and a nxs 2.5-10. I really like both, but wish there were more lightweight (20-25 oz) hunting/tactical crossover scopes to choose from. If leupold would make vx5 and vx6 in ffp, they would be outstanding in 3-15 or 3-18.

 

[lash]

The Bushnell LRHS or LRTS can also be had in the 4.5-18 range, though it is 4 oz. heavier at 29 oz. I’ve made no secret that I like this optic for a combo hunting/long range rifle.

 

[Geno C.]

It's really surprising to me there aren't more options in this niche. I have a lrhs 3-12 and a nxs 2.5-10. I really like both, but wish there were more lightweight (20-25 oz) hunting/tactical crossover scopes to choose from. If leupold would make vx5 and vx6 in ffp, they would be outstanding in 3-15 or 3-18.

There’s a whole thread on that subject

 

[derk]

why not an AMG?

It's an option for sure, it's probably the most id spend on a scope. I feel like there's a 3-18 AMG or GenII-E lurking somewhere in 2019 so if I went that route id hold out till the SHOT show and see what drops.

 

[SkyScrapin]

Call Doug (@gr8fuldoug) and talk to him about the 6x42 Schmidt. It's the ultimate fixed hunting optic, imo.

 

[surgeon260]

Personally I would choose a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 at 19oz.

 

[derk]

Lightest to heaviest (Cost likewise)
1. Swaro Z3 4-12x50BT 14.5oz
2. Leupold VX5HD 3-15 SF 19oz
3. Bushnell LRHS 3-12x44 25oz
4. Leupold Mk5 3.6-18 26oz
5. TT 3-15x50M 27.7oz

1. The Z3 is SFP, has no parallax and requires a modified turret and removed zero stop to get more than 12moa out of it.

2. The VX5 is SFP, has so-so glass and the CDS turret has mixed reviews regarding its tracking.

3. The LRHS is decent, but 12 power can leave you a bit wanting.

4. The MK5 has a 35mm tube (no big deal), and is fairly expensive with tier 2 glass and reticles that don’t really interest me personally.

5. The TT is expensive and starting to get a bit heavy. Also the Gen 2xr is generally regarded as useless at 3 power. The new H series will have a boring reticle, but most likely thick enough to use across the range. Also has forgiving parallax/good depth of view, best in class optics, great tracking and is probably the nicest option.

A TT H series with the bushnell LRHS reticle would be my dream combo.

Thanks for the list, that's awesome. Right now I'm trying to use one of the companies that I have industry discounts setup with ie Leup, Eotech, Vortex. I appreciate the MK5 and VX5 comments though

 

[cleric]

Went through same issue when I bought mine


I settle on Mark 5 with tremor reticle. Razor gen 2 was just to heavy. Amg didn’t have low enough mag for close hunting.

Atacr for a good look but they hadn’t released the new one yet.

If I am just ringing steel I would look at the pst 2 3-15. Optically it’s really strong and still light. But why are you concerned with weight if your not hiking it around?

 

[bullseye13]

I have no regrets with my vx5 3-15. Glass is more than adequate and the firedot illumination is nice. Havent sent in for cds yet to be able to comment on that. Being a SFP scope is a non issue for hunting.
The Z3 4-12 was the only other scope that interested me for my lightweight build.

 

[derk]

Call Doug (@gr8fuldoug) and talk to him about the 6x42 Schmidt. It's the ultimate fixed hunting optic, imo.

looks like (@gr8fuldoug) is a 10-minute drive from me, small world. I'll try to stop by

 

[fdkay]

Just about anything but a MK6 leupold.
It will spend more time at the factory than on your rifle.

 

[beetroot]

If it's only a target rifle why worry about weight?
Struggling to make sense of this rifles intended usage.
AMG or MK5hd will be the lightest "tactical" scope you can get, but a Swarzo Z5 or VX5/6 will weigh less and but still offer long range performance

For a rifle that will only be used on the range more weight it usually better. A heavy rifle will be far more steady on a bipod/sandbag and be much easier to shoot with less felt recoil.

 

[koshkin]

The best scope for the Fix I have found to date is the TT315M.

If I wanted to really save weight, I would just put my inexpensive SWFA SS 3-9x42 on it.

ILya

 

[fdkay]

sightron 3.5-10 illuminated is 21.7 ozs
https://sightronusa.com/product/siiiss3510x44lrirmoa/

 

[derk]

If it's only a target rifle why worry about weight?
Struggling to make sense of this rifles intended usage.
AMG or MK5hd will be the lightest "tactical" scope you can get, but a Swarzo Z5 or VX5/6 will weigh less and but still offer long range performance

For a rifle that will only be used on the range more weight it usually better. A heavy rifle will be far more steady on a bipod/sandbag and be much easier to shoot with less felt recoil.

Not really too concerned about weight but it would be nice to have a scope that complimented the fix in terms of size, weight and balance

 

[M338]

If it's only a target rifle why worry about weight?
Struggling to make sense of this rifles intended usage.
AMG or MK5hd will be the lightest "tactical" scope you can get, but a Swarzo Z5 or VX5/6 will weigh less and but still offer long range performance

For a rifle that will only be used on the range more weight it usually better. A heavy rifle will be far more steady on a bipod/sandbag and be much easier to shoot with less felt recoil.

This ^^

 

[RobbinsHGray]

I have a BDC Mark 6 1-6 on my JP 308. The JP weighs 6.25 pounds, it has the heat sinked rap thing. The Mark 6 is 17 ounces. I love it. The only bad PR I've ever seen on the Mark 6 is the dials. I don't use them. I can bang steel at 200 yards standing off hand. 10 out of 10 times side to side fast. Bench rested 600 yards is easy. 800 yards is challenging. I have a 16 inch barrel and use Federal GMM I think they are 175's.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Different rifle, but still a mid-weight all in. The Tangent Theta TT315M is absolutely amazing in every aspect. The Gen 2XR (I have in it a 5-25×56 and three 3-15×50s) is absolutely NOT useless @ 3-5x. You can't really make out subtensions until 5x, but who is going to hold off/over on 3x? It is still visible as a fine x-hair @ 3x, which is plenty for close/fast hunting where FOV trumps subtensions anyway.

 

[IanHusaberg]

why not an AMG?

2nd

 

[KirbAppeal]

Not sure if it’s already been mentioned, but the Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42 weighs a mere 16.5 oz. The LH stands for “light Hunter” and they have some pretty slick MOA “target dot” reticles in them. Idk if it fits your application, but I’d say it definitely fits the weight class.

 

[Millron]

Not sure if it’s already been mentioned, but the Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42 weighs a mere 16.5 oz. The LH stands for “light Hunter” and they have some pretty slick MOA “target dot” reticles in them. Idk if it fits your application, but I’d say it definitely fits the weight class.

Just dropped one of these on a barrett fieldcraft. Seems like a great scope for a lightweight rifle. Glass is quite good and i like the reticle, but everything else about the scope is pretty bare bones, but thats what i wanted. Anything much heavier i would think would seriously upset the balance of a lightweight rifle

 

[Burdy]

SWARO or LRHS

 

[Glassaholic]

OP, have you thought about the GAP deal on the Bushnell LRHSi 4.5-18x44? Can't really beat that deal right now. The general consensus on the Leupy Mark 6 is to stay away, the Mark 5HD is the "better" scope but it still has some issues optically, the LRHSi performs better optically than the Mark 5 3.6-18, but the Mark 5 has much better turrets IMO. You sacrifice a bit of image quality with the Mark 5 for how short it is, if you are okay with that and like the reticles then I think that is a great scope for a short/light rig like yours.

 

[Shrubjr]

I have pondered this a lot too. Why doesn't anyone seem to make a weight-concious mil-based scope?
I have the LRHS 4.5-18X44, it seems quite beefy to me, although I know its nothing compared to some out there. I love the features, but wish it was about 6-8 ounces lighter!
I've got a PST gen 1 2.5-10x32 mrad that is really great in terms of mil-based, ffp, and weight. The turrets are a drawback, but its about the closest I've seen, and they discontinued it! I think my Fix will end up wearing that for the time being. Or I may go with an NF 2.5-10. Hopefully someone will address this soon! Scope companies? You listenin? Haha.

 

[BallisticPrimate]

March 3-24x52

 

[6point5CM]

Zeiss V6 3-18x50. 22 oz, great exposed turrets, 110 MOA of elevation, SCHOTT glass, in your dealer discount network, tree or hash style reticle, pretty damn good scope if you want lighter weight and SFP. I have one on a Ti and Carbon 6.5 SAUM and love it. My dad has the same one, and several friends got the V4 6-24 which they have had track true as well. They make a 5-30 as well but quite a bit less elevation.

 

[withoutwarning]

I went with the mk6 for my fix. But several have said they prefer the newer mk5. Either have a good selection of reticles.

 

[Glassaholic]

March 3-24x52

If the March fits within the budget it is a great scope for how short and light it is, but not sure I falls within the op’s industry discount

 

[roamin]

Personally I would choose a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 at 19oz.

I just bought one........I'm not impressed with it even my VX6 has better glass much better glass. I'm unable to completely dial out parallax shift, the eyebox isn't all that great, some CA is noticable, and I'm noticing a fishbowl effect near the edges of the scope. Not impressed at all by the NXS I won't buy another NXS/NX8 series scope the 7-35 on the otherhand I'm digging.

 

[roamin]

I'd drop a MK5 on it or if you're ok with a SFP reticle a VX5 or VX6 the AMG is another good option I just don't think you need 24x on what I'm guessing is a 16" 308.

 

[beetroot]

I'd drop a MK5 on it or if you're ok with a SFP reticle a VX5 or VX6 the AMG is another good option I just don't think you need 24x on what I'm guessing is a 16" 308.

This is good advice.

 

[Hondo1]

I put the MK5 3.6-18 on my FIX and for my needs it’s a perfect package. Balances really well, and complements the rifle really well. I’m not one to be distracted by CA but it’s there if I look for it on 18x

 

[derk]

I put the MK5 3.6-18 on my FIX and for my needs it’s a perfect package. Balances really well, and complements the rifle really well. I’m not one to be distracted by CA but it’s there if I look for it on 18x

Seems like the general consensus is a Mk5 or a TT. I want to give the Vudu a chance but idk how it the glass will hold up against the other 2 mentioned.

 

[claytonm]

Seems like the general consensus is a Mk5 or a TT. I want to give the Vudu a chance but idk how it the glass will hold up against the other 2 mentioned.

I don't think the Vudu would really compare to the TT, but it seems like it is probably pretty comparable to the Mk5 in the various bits that I've read. I had a hard time deciding between the Vudu and Mk5, and ultimately decided on the Mk5 because I preferred the lower end magnification and slight weight advantage. But, those things tilted the Mk5 to me because I want to use my Fix for at least *some* hunting.

 

[Glassaholic]

I don't think the Vudu would really compare to the TT, but it seems like it is probably pretty comparable to the Mk5 in the various bits that I've read. I had a hard time deciding between the Vudu and Mk5, and ultimately decided on the Mk5 because I preferred the lower end magnification and slight weight advantage. But, those things tilted the Mk5 to me because I want to use my Fix for at least *some* hunting.

I don't know about the Vudu turrets, but the Mark 5 turrets impressed the heck out of me, they are my favorite if I had to choose, but I don't get too hung up on turret feel, as long as I can quickly and accurately dial I am usually fine.

 

[One1Bravo]

I don't know about the Vudu turrets, but the Mark 5 turrets impressed the heck out of me, they are my favorite if I had to choose, but I don't get too hung up on turret feel, as long as I can quickly and accurately dial I am usually fine.

I haven't been hands on with a MK5, but the Vudu turrets are pretty nice.

 

[chasedeer]

If you would compromise on weight just a little bit the MK5 is the best out of lot.

 

[koshkin]

I tried all sorts of different scopes on the Fix when I had the 16" barrel in it and basically what I converged on was that I really liked it with a scope that goes goes down to 4x or less and weighs less than 30 ounces.

If this Tango6 was a little lighter it would be pefect:

If I were to set it up primarily as a hunting rifle, I would likely get Razor HD LH 3-15x42 for it, which is trim, light and excellent optically.

For a general purpose gun, TT315M is the best I have seen, but it is expensive. Mark 5 HD 3.6-18x44 was an exceedingly nice scope (and mine was likely optically better than Bill's), but the reticle selection is not my favourite.

In general, I do prefer FFP scopes, but there really aren't too many compact ones out there. As I mentioned before, the very basic SWFA SS 3-9x42 is sufficient for me to hit more or less anything I can see inside a 600-700 yard range and within those distances, I prefer it to the 3-15x42. However, once you extend the distance, parallax adjustment is nice to have.

A buddy of mine put the SS 3-15x42 on this 6.5CM Fix and it has been absolutely rock solid so far (in the center of the picture below):

ILya

 

[derk]

I tried all sorts of different scopes on the Fix when I had the 16" barrel in it and basically what I converged on was that I really liked it with a scope that goes goes down to 4x or less and weighs less than 30 ounces.

If this Tango6 was a little lighter it would be pefect:

If I were to set it up primarily as a hunting rifle, I would likely get Razor HD LH 3-15x42 for it, which is trim, light and excellent optically.

For a general purpose gun, TT315M is the best I have seen, but it is expensive. Mark 5 HD 3.6-18x44 was an exceedingly nice scope (and mine was likely optically better than Bill's), but the reticle selection is not my favourite.

In general, I do prefer FFP scopes, but there really aren't too many compact ones out there. As I mentioned before, the very basic SWFA SS 3-9x42 is sufficient for me to hit more or less anything I can see inside a 600-700 yard range and within those distances, I prefer it to the 3-15x42. However, once you extend the distance, parallax adjustment is nice to have.

A buddy of mine put the SS 3-15x42 on this 6.5CM Fix and it has been absolutely rock solid so far (in the center of the picture below):

ILya

Thanks for the pics, that's awesome. I didn't even think about it before starting this thread but the TT scope sounds like a good call from what everyone's saying.

Started as a Vudu vs Razor vs Mk6.. now I'm at Vudu vs MK5hd vs TT315m. Didn't narrow my list but definitely made it a better one.

Edit: Looks like the TT is a little expensive, back down to Mk5HD vs VUDU.