Scope opinions for lightweight sheep rifle

[spentround]

Any opinions on a scope re: suitable magifiction, weight, lense size etc including under $700 pricetag for an under 6 pound bare rifle in 280ai. It may never see a sheep hunt but duty as a prairie rifle. Thanks for all comments.

[lone wolf]

If you can stretch the budget a bit, have a close look at the Swarovski Z3 series. They make a 3-9x36 that weighs in at 12 ounces.

[Kurt505]

Here's another vote for the Z3, I've got a couple of them in the 3-10x42 (12.8oz) size on my lightweights and I love them. My rifles run around 6-1/2lbs scoped.

[ram crazy]

I just bought my 4th Leupold vx2 ultralight 2-7x28mm they are 8.6 oz. I am just in the process of buying the youngest son a Kimber Montana.

[JessS]

My top 3 are..

Swarovski Z3 3-9x36
Leupold VX3 2.5-8x36
Leupold Ultralight 3-9x33

[TACTICALSIXGUN]

Another vote for the leupold ultralight 3-9x33. I have one on my browning mountain ti. Works great and never had a problem even when being abused in goat country in rock slides etc. Never had a problem with zero on any leupold products even when abused hunting hard.

[.300ultramag]

I have the swarovski 4-12 by 50 on my sheep rig, check them out, optic quality, workmanship, blah blah blah etc

Might buy another, might buy a nightforce or leupold next. I need to quit drinking beer and eating pizza and the need for ultralight backpacking gear may go away.

[Redneck 7]

I have a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 on my mountain rifle and love it just like any other Leupold scope owner out there. I have 5 Leupolds total, I've taken my bear gun up the mountain last time for a week long hunt, scope did great and it's a Leupold Rifleman 2-7x33. Another good option.

[Ranger CS]

Zeiss Conquest 3X9X40 on two of my mountain rifles, and very pleased with them.

[Prairiewolf]

Originally Posted by lone wolf

If you can stretch the budget a bit, have a close look at the Swarovski Z3 series. They make a 3-9x36 that weighs in at 12 ounces.

Lone Wolf has it bang on - stretch to purchase a Z3. I have one (42mm) as well. I researched scopes $500-$1200 and it was the lightest one I could find (mountain hunter - .308 setup) and the clarity/crispness is unparalleled.

[Dubious]

Swaro z3 or z5 for light weight. You can even get those fancy turrets on them just picked up a z5 for my 300wm mountain rifle. Don't buy anything vortex the weight on them is quite dissapointing.

[Beeman3]

As you see these scopes are all over your budget. Unfortunately quality costs. I do not own a Swarovski, but will some day. As far as the Vortex look into the RAZOR HD LH. Comes in at around 16.5 oz. I was shocked when I looked through one a few weeks ago. I also looked through Z3 and Z5's. They are around $1200 and offer a nice MOA reticle. It is another option and they are $200-$400 less than Swarovski. Cabelas and Grouse River carry them. Thinking about putting one on a light weight 6.5X47 I am building.

[BigJon]

Watch the classifieds for a Leupold m8 6x36. Should find one for $250ish. They're good scopes and probably only weigh 10ish ounces. I've a lot more faith in a lightweight fixed power than a lightweight variable.

[Dubious]

Originally Posted by Beeman3

As you see these scopes are all over your budget. Unfortunately quality costs. I do not own a Swarovski, but will some day. As far as the Vortex look into the RAZOR HD LH. Comes in at around 16.5 oz. I was shocked when I looked through one a few weeks ago. I also looked through Z3 and Z5's. They are around $1200 and offer a nice MOA reticle. It is another option and they are $200-$400 less than Swarovski. Cabelas and Grouse River carry them. Thinking about putting one on a light weight 6.5X47 I am building.

The vortex razor hd lh is the same price as the swaro z3.
http://www.cabelas.ca/product/86851/...-lh-riflescope
http://www.cabelas.ca/product/38463/...z3-riflescopes
I have vortex binoculars and a vortex Monicle they are a nice product but there's not much difference is cost there between those 2 scopes. There is also the vx2 if your looking for glass and your set on your budget.

[stonefish]

Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36

I found this to be just so much better optically than the Leupold U/L that it's worth the couple extra ounces.

[406gto]

Second on the Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36, w/Some nice leupold Aluminum Cap's.

[Kurt505]

Honestly, I've been through this a few times like what was said. It's worth the extra few oz's for the quality.... save up and get the Swarovski. I have Leupold and Zeiss, I much prefer the Swarovski. Hold them all side by side and it won't be a question, you'll be saving a little more for the Swarovski.

[spentround]

Thanks for all the honest insight...time to keep both eyes open for the opportunities. Cheers to all.

[Nyksta]

I dont know about other brands' warranty, but vortex truly is awesome with no questions asked lifetime warranty. I am quite happy with all my vortex products. I have Viper HS and Viper PST, all 2.5-10x44mm. Both have great crisp reticles and both are able to make out deer out to about 400m 45 minutes before sunrise this last hunting season. The Razor HD LH look pretty nice but ive never seen one in person.

[bigbaddad]

Originally Posted by stonefish

Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36

I found this to be just so much better optically than the Leupold U/L that it's worth the couple extra ounces.

I recently purchased one of these from an A/O member for my sheep rifle. I am more than pleased. I think that a person should be much more concerned with the quality of their spotter and binoculars as they will be used infinitely more on the mountain. I don't disagree with Kurt that Swaro is the cream of the crop, but unless you have top notch optics to find the sheep, your scope won't matter much. Or, buy all three from Swarovski and be done





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[Pathfinder76]

Leupold FX II 6x36

[REMINGTON JIM]

Originally Posted by JessS

My top 3 are..

Swarovski Z3 3-9x36
Leupold VX3 2.5-8x36
Leupold Ultralight 3-9x33

I Agree as those being very Good Jess - i have all 3 u list here BUT ! the the Z3 costs a LOT more then then the $700.00 RJ

[Nyksta]

Ive never sheep hunted... what are the typical shot distances on Alberta Big Horns? 50 to 200 yards same as whitetail deer? Or are longer shots more often the case?

[Coiloil37]

Originally Posted by REMINGTON JIM

I Agree as those being very Good Jess - i have all 3 u list here BUT ! the the Z3 costs a LOT more then then the $700.00 RJ

I don't know if $250 is a "LOT". If you wait until they're running a sale you can get them for under $900.

I personally went with the vx3i in 2.5-8x36 because I needed the eye relief on a sub 7 lb .338 win mag. I would of liked to try the swaro but I'm allergic to hitting myself between the eyes with my scope. Maybe on the next rifle.

I had the conquest as well, loved the glass and reticle but hated the weight and physical size so it got sold quickly.

[JessS]

Originally Posted by REMINGTON JIM

I Agree as those being very Good Jess - i have all 3 u list here BUT ! the the Z3 costs a LOT more then then the $700.00 RJ

I have bought and sold many mint used Z3 3-9x36 scopes for $650-$750. Even seen a few listed here and on CGN lately that a person could likely buy in that range. Hell like mentioned new on sale $900 + tax, wouldn't class that as a lot more money, just a little more saving. As most here know I have dabbled a fair bit in the lightweight game and definitely think the Z3 is superior to the VX3 but both do the job very well at 11oz or so.

[Dick284]

Fixed 6 Leupold
3-9 Leupold, compact/ultralight, or whatever they name them next.

[kujoseto]

No iron sights recommended? Gotta save some serious weight with those things lol

[p3t3rsn]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Fixed 6 Leupold
3-9 Leupold, compact/ultralight, or whatever they name them next.

This^ 100% and if you go with the 3-9 ultralight get the LR reticle

[Jjolg123]

I got a Zeiss conquest on my creed moor build and love it and the z800reticle

[nube]

I made a post the other day that Swaro's are on sale now. Can't go wrong with a swaro and not sure why some would put it in the same league as a Vortex.