Seeking recommendations on a new scope

[yogru]

Just bought a new Tikka T3k superlight in 6.5 creedmoor.  This will hopefully be my new light weight walk around rifle for deer/antelope.  I have bigger rifles for elk. 
I'm not anticipating ever taking a shot past 400 yards (unless I have a wounded animal).

What I'm looking for is a light, low profile scope that's good in low light conditions.  I think I'd be fine with a 3-9 but could go a bit higher on magnification.  I don't like the mil spec stuff.  A turret would be great but not if it's a huge one.  I like the red dot on my Leupold so that would be a welcome addition.  Would like to keep it at around a pound or less. Don't care about cost. 

Any idea out there?

[MADMAX]

I have 2
Really like them

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,292139.msg3974630/topicseen.html#new

[jrebel]

1 lb or less is going to be a hard thing to find in a quality scope.  That said.....I would look real hard at the Nightforce NX8 1-8 x 24 that comes in at 17 oz.  The next best would be a Zeiss V6 2-12 x 50 coming in at 1lb 7 oz. 

I would lean toward the Zeiss for hunting rifle purposes....but do love my Nightforces.  The NX 8 2.5-20 x 50mm comes in at 1.8lbs.  the extra 5-6 oz would not sway me from this scope......and for a couple more oz....you could go with the 4-32x50 NX 8 which is pretty amazing. 

[BigGoonTuna]

I've got a Tract Toric 2-10x42 on my 30-06.  18.6 ounces, has the "T-plex" reticle which is sort of like a hybrid between a duplex and a German #4.   Great glass, and comes with a capped zero stop target turret.  Only downside is the funky gray color but it does look nice on a stainless rifle.  They do also make it in a 3-15x42 if you want more magnification, but it's another couple ounces.

I've always been a Leupold guy but I'm not into dialing.  I've got a couple VX3s that I like a lot (especially the weight), but they do take some settling in with a few shots before they "lock in".  Never had an issue with shifting zero once they're set, though.  The adjustments on the Tract are instant and repeatable.

[BeerBugler]

NXS 2.5x10
Trijicon Credo 2.5x10
Swfa 3x9

All of these are 19-22 ounces and have a proven reputation for reliability. These magnification ranges are ideal for your stated application.

[kselkhunter]

A Swarovski Z5 2.4-12x50 BT is 16.2 ounces.  I love mine.  Has the standard ballistic turret, and I had a couple custom dials made for my handloads.

If you wanted the red dot version, and money isn't an issue, the Z6i 2-12x50BT is the upgraded version with red dot.

[bearpaw]

The European optics are the best but they are heavy. For a low profile on a lightweight rifle I would go with a Leupold Freedom4x12x40 or VX-5HD 3-15x44 depending on how much you ant to spend. The freedom is a good scope for the money and pretty light, I’ve got five of them, have not had a problem with any of them.

[bearpaw]

The European optics are the best but they are heavy. For a low profile on a lightweight rifle I would go with a Leupold Freedom4x12x40 or VX-5HD 3-15x44 depending on how much you ant to spend. The freedom is a good scope for the money and pretty light, I’ve got five of them, have not had a problem with any of them.

The freedom creedmore model gives you extra dots without all the distraction some scopes have.
Www.Leupold.com

I’ll add this, a lot of guys buy vortex, they seem good but they have thin walls and we’ve seen more hunters with issues with vortex than any other brand!

[pickardjw]

SWFA 3-9 is what I went with recently for a lighter, reliable optic. If you want to check one out in person let me know, I’m down in Tacoma.

[mburrows]

Im partial to the Zeiss V4, I love that scope for the money.

Nightforce SHV for the money is great as well.

[muleyslayer]

NXS 2.5x10
Trijicon Credo 2.5x10
Swfa 3x9

All of these are 19-22 ounces and have a proven reputation for reliability. These magnification ranges are ideal for your stated application.

[slm9s]

Vortex Razor LHT 3-15x42.  Excellent red dot, light for its mag range, excellent glass, great mag range, locking elevation turret, and excellent reticle.  The Razor line is unlike the rest of the economy Vortex scopes.

[yogru]

Appreciate all the replies. Some I knew about and others I didn't.  I'll be spending the day looking through all these.   

[Stein]

I would prioritize the optic and reliability over weight for sure.  After several problems with keeping zero verified to be the scope, I'm done with any brand that can't make a scope that holds up to real world conditions which unfortunately is most of them.

My choice would be Nightforce if in the budget, SWFA if not.  I'm shooting the SWFW 5-20 SS HD and love it, but I think it may be discontinued.

[Pathfinder101]

Sig Whiskey 5

[Sakko300wsm]

I wouldn’t waste money on anything vortex - they will all fail sooner or later!
Deal with a bit more weight and go with good glass
I definitely vote for NF NX8
All my NF’s have been 100% flawless

[Crunchy]

I have a safe full of different leupold scopes and have never had a problem with any of them.  I recently picked up a Nightforce NX8 4-32.  Also a nice scope.  You need to figure out the specs you want and then do a little shopping. 

[Sakko300wsm]

I have a safe full of different leupold scopes and have never had a problem with any of them.  I recently picked up a Nightforce NX8 4-32.  Also a nice scope.  You need to figure out the specs you want and then do a little shopping.

Will say I had a couple VX5’s and had no issues

[EnglishSetter]

I have a safe full of different leupold scopes and have never had a problem with any of them.  I recently picked up a Nightforce NX8 4-32.  Also a nice scope.  You need to figure out the specs you want and then do a little shopping.

My dad had a Leupold loose it's nitrogen purge after 30+ years.  They gave him a new VX3 (this was 1990's).

[Skillet]

I have a huge complaint about Leupold's warranty.  My grandfather bought a brand-new M8  (4x fixed, 32mm objective) in 1957 to hang on his Featherweight.  In the 80's he took a good tumble, and lost the nitrogen fill seal.  Completely his fault, after almost 30 years of use. He sent it in expecting to be sent back a bill with a rebuilt scope - but they sent him a brand new scope and a "No Charge" invoice.  The nerve of that company. Still works as new to this day.

I've got several Leupolds now.  Although I don't like that they don't offer a gloss version, or fixed scope, any more, they are still my go-to for new optics.  I've had Swarovski, Zeiss, Vortex, Bushnell (the 4200 was an amazing scope for its price point), and Nikon optics - but Leupold still gets first nod.

[ctwiggs1]

I have a huge complaint about Leupold's warranty.  My grandfather bought a brand-new M8  (4x fixed, 32mm objective) in 1957 to hang on his Featherweight.  In the 80's he took a good tumble, and lost the nitrogen fill seal.  Completely his fault, after almost 30 years of use. He sent it in expecting to be sent back a bill with a rebuilt scope - but they sent him a brand new scope and a "No Charge" invoice.  The nerve of that company. Still works as new to this day.

I've got several Leupolds now.  Although I don't like that they don't offer a gloss version, or fixed scope, any more, they are still my go-to for new optics.  I've had Swarovski, Zeiss, Vortex, Bushnell (the 4200 was an amazing scope for its price point), and Nikon optics - but Leupold still gets first nod.

I love my swaro Binos but I am worried about the day where I need to get them worked on.

I just don’t have that fear with my Leupold spotter. 

[Magnum_Willys]

Hunting under 400 yards you have a lot of choices.   For shooting at 1000 yards consistantly the nightforce Nx8 4-32 is a popular choice for hunting.  The Leupold Mark 5 will work also tho odds of not holding zero are higher. 

[JWBINX]

Any Leupold VX-3,5,or 6 series will give you great optics.
All American made and great customer service and warranty.
Don't be concerned about holding zero, they are the best in the business.

[pickardjw]

Don't be concerned about holding zero

Seems like that should be the primary concern...

[EnglishSetter]

Don't be concerned about holding zero

Seems like that should be the primary concern...

IME, most deviations from "holding zero" has little to do with the scope (assuming mid-tier and above).  Mounts not so much.  A scope can only be as good as it's mounts. 

Now if you like to dial in elevation (or windage) with accuracy/repeatability, I see that as a different set of parameters.  Personally, I don't shoot long enough yardages with flat shooting cartridges to need to play that game.

[Stein]

I had 2/2 Leupold not hold zero, I had multiple Vortex not hold a zero.  Both of their warranties are solid, they replaced or repaired all of the scopes no questions and did it quickly.  In the case of Vortex, one was fine after that and another two went to lose zero again.  In all cases except one Vortex Diamondback ironically (cheapest by far), I couldn't go a year without having to rezero.  More than one lost zero between range trips.  With my SWFA, I haven't touched zero for three years of pretty heavy use. 

I have also watched sponsored celebrity hunters miss moderate distance, well supported shots by four or five feet and wonder what happened.

The problem is you can't test zero at the store and what sells is the quality of the glass and warranty.

I don't think I'm particularly hard on equipment, but that's my admittedly anecdotal evidence.

[Sneaky Squirrel]

I'm surprised to see all the issues with Leupold. I have a # of them and never had an issue with zero. But i probably don't shoot near as much as some of the folks on here.

I've only had one issue with a scope that wasn't user error and it was with a Nightforce NXS about 5 years ago. It was a lemon right out of the box. Sent it in and they were planning on replacing it but i opted for my money back. However, i did just pick up a new 300PRC and i think i'm going to give Nightforce another try.

[pickardjw]

Don't be concerned about holding zero

Seems like that should be the primary concern...

IME, most deviations from "holding zero" has little to do with the scope (assuming mid-tier and above).  Mounts not so much.  A scope can only be as good as it's mounts. 

Now if you like to dial in elevation (or windage) with accuracy/repeatability, I see that as a different set of parameters.  Personally, I don't shoot long enough yardages with flat shooting cartridges to need to play that game.

Agreed that there are several other variables that can contribute to zero loss. However, when those other variables are controlled for and a variety of brands/models are tested the same way there's pretty clear trend. Some brands/models have a higher prevalence of zero retention and others don't.