Post by: yogru on May 18, 2025, 09:09:12 PM
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?
Post by: MADMAX on May 18, 2025, 09:21:17 PM
Really like them
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,292139.msg3974630/topicseen.html#new
Post by: jrebel on May 18, 2025, 09:26:39 PM
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.
Post by: BigGoonTuna on May 19, 2025, 04:08:55 AM
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.
Post by: BeerBugler on May 19, 2025, 07:00:39 AM
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.
Post by: kselkhunter on May 19, 2025, 07:41:06 AM
If you wanted the red dot version, and money isn't an issue, the Z6i 2-12x50BT is the upgraded version with red dot.
Post by: bearpaw on May 19, 2025, 08:07:05 AM
Post by: bearpaw on May 19, 2025, 08:09:52 AM
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!
Post by: pickardjw on May 19, 2025, 08:51:06 AM
Post by: mburrows on May 19, 2025, 09:07:18 AM
Nightforce SHV for the money is great as well.
Post by: muleyslayer on May 19, 2025, 09:14:36 AM
NXS 2.5x10:yeah:
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.
Post by: slm9s on May 19, 2025, 10:50:58 AM
Post by: yogru on May 19, 2025, 11:08:32 AM
Post by: Stein on May 19, 2025, 11:48:14 AM
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.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on May 19, 2025, 04:12:15 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on May 19, 2025, 04:53:58 PM
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
Post by: Crunchy on May 19, 2025, 05:02:23 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on May 19, 2025, 05:11:02 PM
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
Post by: EnglishSetter on May 19, 2025, 08:03:46 PM
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).
Post by: Skillet on May 19, 2025, 08:40:40 PM
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.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on May 20, 2025, 06:07:33 AM
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. :chuckle: 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.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on May 20, 2025, 06:58:50 AM
Post by: JWBINX on May 20, 2025, 07:16:51 AM
All American made and great customer service and warranty.
Don't be concerned about holding zero, they are the best in the business.
Post by: pickardjw on May 20, 2025, 08:25:23 AM
Don't be concerned about holding zero
Seems like that should be the primary concern...
Post by: EnglishSetter on May 20, 2025, 09:44:59 AM
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.
Post by: Stein on May 20, 2025, 09:52:58 AM
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.
Post by: Sneaky Squirrel on May 20, 2025, 10:45:53 AM
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.
Post by: pickardjw on May 20, 2025, 11:07:03 AM
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.