Ultra Light Rifle Scope Recommendations

[ltsheets]

So as many of you have seen, I just picked up a rem700 TI in 260AI that weighs in at 5lbs 6oz bare rifle. I'll be using talley lightweight rings/bases on it. I thought I had decided on getting a Leupy VX6 3-18x44 for it which weighs 19oz but talked to a guy who's had several ultra lights who says he likes 1" scopes on that type of rifle. Others I'm considering are a 3-15 vortex razor HD LH and Swaro z5 3-18 w/ a BT. For those of you who have had ultra light rifles, is a 30mm scope too bulky for a nice balance or have they been fine? Thanks.

[ltsheets]

I guess another I'd consider in the 30mm variety is a Nightforce 2.5-10x42.

[jeffpg]

I have several of these little rifles in various chamberings. Those scopes that you are considering will certainly work well, but are a bit much for the application in my opinion.

My 2 favorite scopes for my ultralight rifles are the Leupold 2.5-8x36 with the B&C reticle and the Kahles 3-9x42 with TDS reticle. The Kahles is my all time favorite rifle scope period. They are no longer being built but I collected several of them over the years and if you're lucky you can still find one here and there.

[SabreKiller]

I've got a Ti as well...

in Remington 7mm SAUM. I had the same conundrum you did. I ultimately put a Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40 with the Zplex 600 Reticle. I guess the weight difference between the 30mm and 1" tube really doesn't make that much difference. I'd consider the compact options from Nightforce and Swaro if I had to do it over again.

[ltsheets]

I might also add that though I doubt I'll ever shoot at an animal beyond 500 yds or so, I'd like to be able to stretch it farther than that in practice.

[popeandyoung151]

I have the vortex you mentioned. Really good glass. I'm putting it on a Remington 700 cdl in 25-06.

[ltsheets]

I have one already too and really like it. Trying to decide if I want another or a scope with an exposed turret for dialing distance.

I have the vortex you mentioned. Really good glass. I'm putting it on a Remington 700 cdl in 25-06.

[cb4128]

I had the same problem and I think it just depends on how much you want to spend. One of my guns wears a z5 3-18 like you mentioned and it's perfect - but pricey. The other gun wears a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x50 with exposed target turrets. It's a great compromise with really good glass and only weighs around 17 oz - and it's $500-$550 if you can find one.

I've looked hard at those vortex lh hd's too and they are really nice. Just a couple hundred more $ than the Zeiss.

[Walding1989]

the Vx6 is a great scope. I have taken mine to 1000yds.

[meltingfeather]

30mm isn't too bulky, but they don't really offer a benefit as I understand it.
My Kimber Adirondack wears a Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x42
I'm normally a Leupod or Nikon guy but I got the Zeiss because I'd heard good things about them and it's Optifade dipped to match my rifle.
It's pretty light at 17.6 oz. and the Rapid Z reticle (optional) is easy to use, though it does take a little learning. A simple dope chart for temp and pressure (if you're out of cell phone range) provides zoom settings and the reticle gives holdovers to 600 yards with windage bars up to 10mph. First shot after sight-in at 100 yds. yielded a dead auodad at 335 yards.

[Merc]

I'm about to order this scope for my .300WSM and Kenton Industries makes a dial turret for it. The link is on the Vortex site.

I have one already too and really like it. Trying to decide if I want another or a scope with an exposed turret for dialing distance.

[ltsheets]

The wonderful thing is that I can get vortex with a mil discount so it should be cheaper than the Zeiss.

I had the same problem and I think it just depends on how much you want to spend. One of my guns wears a z5 3-18 like you mentioned and it's perfect - but pricey. The other gun wears a Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x50 with exposed target turrets. It's a great compromise with really good glass and only weighs around 17 oz - and it's $500-$550 if you can find one.

I've looked hard at those vortex lh hd's too and they are really nice. Just a couple hundred more $ than the Zeiss.

[ltsheets]

Good call. I'll check that out.

I'm about to order this scope for my .300WSM and Kenton Industries makes a dial turret for it. The link is on the Vortex site.

[bphillips]

I've always liked the z5 if I wasn't planning on dialing much at all. Probably the best glass in a lightweight scope out there

[Artos]

So as many of you have seen, I just picked up a rem700 TI in 260AI that weighs in at 5lbs 6oz bare rifle. I'll be using talley lightweight rings/bases on it. I thought I had decided on getting a Leupy VX6 3-18x44 for it which weighs 19oz but talked to a guy who's had several ultra lights who says he likes 1" scopes on that type of rifle. Others I'm considering are a 3-15 vortex razor HD LH and Swaro z5 3-18 w/ a BT. For those of you who have had ultra light rifles, is a 30mm scope too bulky for a nice balance or have they been fine? Thanks.

I have two of those 3-18x44 leups & love them...totally understand where you are coming from & tend to think the 1" do tend to balance the mountain rifles out a little better.

I've been slowly changing most all of my set ups to 30mm & would likely try one simply to see if I could live with it.

I really think the 4.5-14x40 from leupold are very well balanced for your needs & likely would be my choice if I went 1" tube.