So instead of trial and error!!!

K

kilotanker22

New member
Who makes a light weight rifle scope that is great quality in the 500 or less price range

I have always used Nikon prostaff scopes and bushnell elites. I like the Nikon zero reset turrets but give the glass quality to the bushnell elite.

Looking to upgrade all of my scopes over the next 12 months
 
What power range are you looking at? I was going to suggest the Leupold FX series if you can get away with a fixed power scope.
 
Good timing on the question. I've just been researching scopes of a certain type (FFP) and wanting something relatively light. Leupold and Vortex make 23 ounce FFP scopes and others (with the serious high dollar scopes) have them that weigh up to 35 ounces. And some are even heavier. Burris scopes are rather light, like Leupold and Vortex. Non-tactical type scopes can run a good bit lighter than the low 20's weight range. That's not the total answer to your question, but maybe it'll help a bit.

As for me, I don't have any Vortex scopes, but I might get one soon. The Leupold FFP scopes are light, but really expensive. Vortex will get you about the same thing (maybe not quite as good) for a good bit less money. Soooo...maybe it's time for me to try Vortex (Viper PST).
 
All things being equal Leupold VX's scopes are about 1/4 lb lighter than Nikon. A 3-9X40 is around 11-12 oz compared to 16-18oz for most other brands. A VX-2 will set you back about $300-$350 depending on the exact scope and reticle you choose and would be my choice. You can spend more, but won't get much more.
 
the leupold vx3 4.5-14 has caught my eye

also that zeiss terra 3x i have handled several times and it is quite dandy as well.
 
23 oz is heavy, not light, seems to me.

Try to up your budget to $600 then look for used Trijicon Accupoints. You won't be disappointed.

Leupold also makes scopes on the light side - in that price range, look to the VX-3 line, particularly used. Or if higher magnif, the VX-2 line.

But failing those, look at the Sightron S2, Sightron S2 Big Sky, Nikon Monarchs, Bushnell Elite 6500s, and Zeiss Conquest. Oh, and Vortexes. Maybe a used Sightron S3.

I'm sure there's others that are good (and light), but I've had luck with these, in that price range.
 
It's probably my fault ya'll are talking 23 ounces. I was looking at tactical or semi-tactical scopes and the Leupolds and Vortex were in that weight range. The big new Bushnell (which I initially lusted after) was about 34 ounces, as were a few others. The standard, non FFP and non-tactical Leupolds (which are mostly what I have) are considerably lighter than that. I think I mentioned that in my earlier comment, but maybe I didn't make the point that clearly.

Bottom line is that if I was going for an FFP scope (and I probably will), it would likely be a Vortex or a Leupold, and they are in the low 20's on weight.
 
I have a VariX-III and a VX3 that are 4.5-14x40. The older one just has the duplex reticle, but the new one has the Varmint Hunter reticle. Great scopes. I'm just about to send the older one to Leupold to have them replace the fine duplex reticle with the Leupold TMR reticle. And, I'm going to have the TMR reticle added to my VariX-III 6.5-20. My logic is that the TMR has no real advantage over the VH reticle except for more vertical markings on the reticle, which makes it potentially more useful to me at longer ranges than the VH reticle.

I really am a fan of Leupold scopes, though I have a Bushnell or two and a couple of Burris.
 
I don't know about the weight aspect but the glass in Minox is comparable or better than Zeiss, Leupold, and several of the others mentioned.

They don't advertise as much as the others and are less well known but they make excellent products at a price point below those competitors. They also have a full warranty like the Leupold et.al.
 
Kilo, I like the Burris (FFII 4.5-14x42) quite a lot. Good scope for $300. I bought one just to see what I'd get for that price, and I liked it so much I got another one. I don't think the glass is quite as good as what you'll get in the Leupold 4.5-14, but you might not even notice the difference. Good bright scope in the dim evening light.

I hear good things about Vortex (I don't have one yet) and Minox (don't have one of those either). I do plan to buy an FFP scope and it'll be either the Vortex Viper PST 4-16 or the Leupold Mk 4 4.5-14. I haven't decided yet.
 
I'm in the same boat ( replacing a lot of scopes right now ) my concern has been quality, repeatability, & features, I've not been worried about weight...

but I just bought 2 of these Burris's lately, & so far, I really like them... & they are listed at 18 oz...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1548667088/burris-predator-quest-rifle-scope-45-14x-42mm-adjustable-objective-ballistic-plex-e1-reticle?cm_vc=ProductFinding

this on is still on my "to buy" list ( again, listed at 18 oz, & I also like this reticle )

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/228078/burris-ar-556-rifle-scope-45-14x-42mm-adjustable-objective-c4-wind-moa-reticle-matte

BTW... scopes I've bought lately... 6-18 Vortex Crossfire ( lower cost of their line, but I'm impressed enough with the scope, that I'd buy another albeit a better grade ) Weaver 4-16 Kaspa ( again lower grade, but seems decent so far ) (2) Nikon Prostaff 5's ( one with mildots, & one with BDC reticles... bought these on sale about 6-9 months ago, at $100.00 less than they are selling for now... like these a lot as well ) a Luepold VX 2 2.5 - 10X, & Luepold VX3 4-12 in silver, & the 2 Burris's listed above

of these purchases, my favorites are the Luepolds, the Nikons, & the Burris's ( I really like the Burris reticle on on the scopes linked )
 
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Mag.Wheel Man I like those reticle to. I like the fact that they don't crowd rhe field. Although nowadays they are out of my budjet. Would you use those type scopes for as pic particular type of hunting?
 
I've been very happy with my Mueller scopes. I haven't paid much attention to their weights, but I'm up to 5 of the things now and haven't regretted anything about them.
 
It really is a shame they aren't available in big box stores so folks could compare them to other scopes. So far, Muellers have replaced a VX-1, Weaver, Simmons, Tasco High Country, and the other Mueller sits on a new build. No, those aren't high dollar scopes- but I have tried them side-by-side with my buddy's scopes and folks scopes at my gun club.
 
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