Scope Recommendation
 

Despite ageing eyesight - I am on the hunt for a lightweight scope for a new/old project.
I converted a chilean mauser a few years back to 7x57AI, and its been a fun range gun. But I like packing it too. Mostly brush hunting, maybe 300 yds at the range.
I have light weight stock from Wildcat and though I could shed a few more ounces by changing out the scope.
Variable would be nice but not opposed to fixed power either.
What's the consensus for a lighter scope?

I'm not sure if you'll ever find a consensus, but I would look at some of the Leupold scopes with the 33mm objective lens, either 2-7 or a straight 4x. I'm not sure what their current product list has, but I think for the money, they offer a decent, fairly lightweight scope with a great warranty.

What is your budget?

Swaro Z3 is light.
Leupold makes some lightweight scopes
Vortex Razor HD Light hunter is also nice.
They should all be nice and light, the rest is dependent upon magnification and reticle that you want plus other features.

Leupold 4x33 is 9.5 oz with a standard 7/8” target elevation knob installed. Add the alumina flip caps and it’s 10.5 oz total. I collected drop data to 550 yrds recently and holding on a 10” gong at 550 was no problem. Wouldn’t be my first choice as a gopher scope but coyotes and larger to 600 yrds it will do. The rule of thumbs of 1x magnification for every 100 yrds is a pretty good one for both coyotes on up or steel.

A fixed 6 would be a great choice too. The Leupold 6x36 runs a half ounce heavier.

Leupold VX3 1-5X20
Leupold VX3 1.75-6X32
Leupold VX2 3-9X33 Ultralight
Swarovski Z3 3-9X36
Swarovski Z3 3-10X42
Swarovski Habicht 4X

Budget is flexible depending on scope, the last two rifles I built have Zeiss on top. While I do some 300 yards + at the range, I limit field work to 300 or less.

For quality and lighter weight the Swarovski Z3s are hard to beat. I run Zeiss on all my hunting rigs, great glass but on the heavy side. Prophet River prices on Swaros are hard to beat. For your needs the 3-9x36 would be ideal.

https://store.prophetriver.com/rifle.../swarovski/z3/

I put Z3’s on my ultralight rifles, I think they’re the best bang for the buck.

get
 

A used 4x or 6X Leupold 300 yards is a chip shot.

What Pioneer2 said

I got an FX2 4x on my CG1900 6.5x55 swede, the only thing is its a fairly short scope so I needed to use an extended front ring to get it back far enough for proper eye relief.
(1900 is a long action)

Fix power scope is generally lighter.
Less moving parts.
Fix six or four power should get the job done