Scope opinions for lightweight sheep rifle

[HowSwedeItIs]

swarovski z3 is a good scope. I have the 3-10x42 on my .30-06, very bright and clear even when its getting late in the day

[mgvande]

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.

Agreed. I have owned both. Currently have 2 ultralights and I wish I kept my 2.5-8x36.

[.300ultramag]

I bought a vx3i 4.5-14x40 cds since this thread started, list price is 800 on it. Weighed it when I got home and it came in at 12.8 ounces.

And a side note, the misses asked how the goal of losing 30 pounds in the first six months of the year is going and I told her it is going spectacular! Almost 3 months down and I only have 37 pounds left to go....

[700-223]

Vx3i 4.5-14 would be a great option, as would a vx-3 3-9 or vx-r 3-9 or 4x12. It's a big leap from $700 to $1200 for a Swarovski no matter how nice it might be.

These options above are all close to your price range and I'm sure you'd be happy with any of them. The vx-3 or vx-3i 4.5-14 would be my choice. If you stretch the budget a bit, I'd look for one with a adjustable objective or side focus.

I'd actually look at the nikons as well. They have a true 4x magnification range and I'm surprised how well my prostaff 5 2.5-10 compares to my nightforce nxs compact and leupold vx-6. There is a difference, but very nice, useable scopes. They have a 3.5-14 and 4.5-18 with adjustable objective. They've also come out with a FFP scope this year as well which is one of the few FFP scopes they might be in this price range.

Find something close to your price range, and you may find a deal on last years model or a demo that'll get you under budget. The vx-3 4.5-14 would still be my choice but my Tikka T3 Compact Lite 243 wears the Nikon above and I took a Leupold Vx-2 3-9x33 off and put the Nikon back on after trying it. The larger magnification range and objective made it much more useable for me.

$700 will get you a very nice optic, and practicing with your rifle will serve you better than spending $500 more on your optic. Believe me, I'm in the same boat. Good luck!

[fish_e_o]

Get good reliable glass.

Warranty is fine except if you're on a mountain. I went nightforce on my last one

[Fowl91]

I have used the Z3 3-10x42 by Swarovski but switched it out for a Leupold VX3i 2.5-8x36 after a warranty issue with Swaro. Both are excellent scopes, Swaro has the edge in low light (42mm vs 36mm). However Leupold has the edge in price at around $600, and weighs in at 11.5 oz.

Have no complaints with either as performance goes, but i do prefer Leupold customer service.

Another note is both will accept custom turrets, about $60 for Leupold and around $200 for Swarovski (Not 100% sure on this price).

If you're looking for good prices on Leupold, I have had good luck with Fly's Etc (High River) and Shooters Choice (Vulcan).

[700-223]

Just noticed Prophet River has a clearance on Nikon Prostaff 5 to make way for the new line coming in. ~ $530 from $800 for a 3.5-14x50 and and 4.5-18x40 with illuminated reticle. Call Prophet River and ask them their opinion on the quality of the glass for what you're looking for. I've dealt with them in the past and find them to be trustworthy and good to deal with.

FWIW, you can get custom turrets for the Nikon as well and the Nikon online ballistics calculator can print out a dope chart for you to confirm at the range for your specific load. IMO a steal at this price.

http://store.prophetriver.com/liquidation/

I would go with the 3.5-14x50 myself; would serve you very well for a prairie, possible sheep hunting rifle.

[700-223]

Forgot to suggest Leupold 4-12x40 Mark AR as well. Has adjustable objective, mil-dot or duplex reticle, and vx-2 quality glass for right around $700. 15oz

Definitely a reasonably priced optic you could use for years with good quality and features for hunting as well as long-range shooting at the range.

[Saskieboy]

Originally Posted by 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.

Same set up(rifle&scope) 3-9x33LR Duplex good to 600 yards+with my .300WSM 180GRAB

[Bearbreath]

Originally Posted by 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.

The UL has been a great scope for me too. Packing the thing around the mountains for a few years has never moved the zero. With the LR reticle my 3006 is good to 500, but I'm most comfortable at 400 yards.