Rifle Scopes Scope weight help reccomendations

[Oldcoast]

Currently have an IOR 3-18x44 that weighs 28 ounces. I love this scope don't get me wrong. Its just a little on the heavy side. I wanted this rifle to be a dual sport for long range hunting and then for long range targets but maybe its not possible.
One scope I saw was the swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 at under 16 oz but not excited about their reticles.

Any advice?

 

[rchman]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

What is your budget and what reticle do you prefer?

 

[Oldcoast]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

I payed about 1000 for the ior so I'd say around there. I like the mp-8 with the dot in the middle. The ior is ffp which is nice but not necessary.

 

[Sid Post]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

The robustness of scopes meant for military usage adds weight that many of us really don't need. Large glass and extra glass elements are heavy too. How much elevation adjustment do we really need?

It really depends on what you are going to do with your rifle. Both scope types will work in the other role but, it is still less then optimal.

I had a nice rifle myself until I put a heavy optic on it. What was I thinking? It may work great but, if it is too heavy to haul to the range, what good is it? I'm not runnin' and gunnin' at a competition so, I generally find happiness with a high quality hunting scope.

 

[rchman]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

The new Leupold VX-6 line might meet your requirements. Max magnification that I've seen on them is 2-12 though. If you want a TMR reticle, you'd have to go through custom shop, but I don't know if they're shipping yet.

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

If you're willing to up your budget and do without illumination (or up your budget even more) then the March 3-24 FFP might be just what you're looking for. All the features, half the weight.

 

[Sid Post]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

How do the March scopes compare to S&B, USO, etc?

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sid Post</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How do the March scopes compare to S&B, USO, etc? </div></div>

Perhaps these articles will be some help to you and the OP:

Mid-Range Tactical Scope Part I

High End Tactical Scopes Part I

High End Tactical Scopes Part II

The March scopes are featured prominently in two of the articles. And weights as well as features comparisons are given for all scopes tested. All in all a bunch of information in three very comprehensive articles.

An outstanding resource and many thanks to ILya for his fine efforts.

Bob

 

[azimutha]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

I notice this issue every time I carry both my bolt rifles. They are almost the same, but one has a 24" barrel, a little longer stock and an SS 5-20X50. The other has a 20" barrel (fluted) and has a NF 2.5-10X32. Loaded with 5 rounds into a mag (decreasing the percentage difference slightly) there is a 1.8 lb. difference overall. And the shorter rifle just feels more maneuverable.

Good scopes with target turrets and that track well are heavier for their size class. I know it's not as nice to hear as a relatively inexpensive, one-size-fits-all scope recommendation. But sometimes you just have to have more than one rig.

 

[rchman]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: azimutha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...I know it's not as nice to hear as a relatively inexpensive, one-size-fits-all scope recommendation. But sometimes you just have to have more than one rig. </div></div>

This ^

 

[lennyo3034]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

1.8 pounds doesn't sound like that big a difference. Of course, I say that looking on paper, I may feel differently if I have to carry that a few miles up hills.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

Look hard at Leupold. They have many options at different price points and weights. Their new VX-R scopes are very nice if an illuminated reticle at light weight is of interest.

 

[BCP]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

I feel your pain, I have that same scope. The thing is in order to have a noticeably lighter rifle you often have to give up the advantages that your heavy rifle has.

In the end it's better to have more than one rifle.

 

[Drifter™]

Re: Scope weight help reccomendations

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oldcoast</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Currently have an IOR 3-18x44 that weighs 28 ounces. I love this scope don't get me wrong. Its just a little on the heavy side. I wanted this rifle to be a dual sport for long range hunting and then for long range targets but maybe its not possible.
</div></div>

I don't really consider a 28 oz scope to be a heavyweight. Many tactical scopes weigh considerably more.

To retain the ability to meet your stated needs, I don't think you'll find a scope that's more than just a few ounces lighter. Possible examples might be Leupold, March (22 oz ?), and Premier's Light Tactical (26 oz ?). Thus, I suggest keeping what you have, especially considering that you like the reticle.

If you were starting with a 38 oz scope, then shaving 12 oz or so with previously mentioned examples would be a very noticeable difference. But shaving 6 oz or less just doesn't seem worthwhile.