30mm High Ratio Lightweights

[Adam in WI]

Let's start of by saying I've made some dumb sales over the past few years. Like the 700 CDL-SF II in .257 Weatherby... Yep, I'm that guy...

But one that particularly bugs me was the Bushnell Elite Tactical 2.5-16 I traded off to sweeten the deal on a rifle I no longer have and don't know why I had to have in the first place. That scope did service on a number of rifles, and where ever it went it just seemed to fit the role perfectly. It had the ideal magnification range for my terrain, good optical quality, and best of all (to me) it only weighed ~17 ounces. The only gripe I could put up was the turret size made ejection questionable on certain bolt guns when mounted low. That scope is long discontinued now, and it's a damn shame imo.

I'd like to find another similar to it. I bought a Meopta Optika 6 2.5-15 that is optically wonderful. I used it one season on my Number 1 before deciding it's huge power adjustment ring made loading even more clumsy. I also didn't care for the fact that it's a couple sips short of two pounds.

It seems like most of the ~5x zoom ratio scopes available now are in the 26 ounce and above range. My next closest options are the Vortex Viper HST at ~17 ounces (but not in a 2.5/3-15/16 range), or the Leupold VX-5 HD 3-15 at 19 ounces. I like the Leupold, but it's creeping up there in price.

Are there any choices I might be missing?

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Well, there is this one from March, it's the 1.5-15X42. It's more scope than what you had or are considering with its 10X zoom range, starting at 1.5X. It weighs 22 ounces and is 10 inches long. So it's substantially smaller and lighter than the Meopta Optika 6.

It's also a lot more expensive.

The new objective lens design is quite amazing; a 42mm objective with a 1.5X minimum magnification. It's SFP, with a 30mm tube.

I'm quite certain it's more than you want to spend, but this is one amazing little scope. I am playing with one on an AR-15. I've tried it on an AR-10 and it did great, but I needed more top end magnification and FFP on that rifle. It complements this minimalist AR-15 really well.

 

[Adam in WI]

That's quite the little piece of engineering there, month's pay or not lol

 

[Hiredgun81]

I’ve been looking at scopes in the same category. The VX-5 3-15 seems to be the best option as far as weight and a sleek design that would work well on a hunting rifle. One issue I see with the Leupold is the short mounting area for the front ring, this could potentially be a problem on rifles without a rail. Like your number 1.

I can’t recommend the vortex HS-T after previously owning two of them. Maybe others have had better luck with them.

The Meopta’s sound like they are good scopes for the money but I dislike the size of the power ring, turrets, and the weight.

Trijicon Credo 2.5-15x42 may be the best option in this category. Lots of features for the money (street price). 22.9 oz, illuminated reticle, mil or moa, zero stop. US based company with excellent track record/warranty.

Curious if anyone has any experience with the Trijicon or any other options to add to the list.

 

[Adam in WI]

Bump. I'd open the discussion up to 1" tubes as well. Exposed turrets would be a bonus. Are there any good options that can be had for under $750, or should I just seek out another Bushnell 6500 or Elite Tactical? I know there's many good scopes out there, but not many that fall under 1-1/2 pounds.

 

[Sandstorm]

I hear Arken makes a good hunting optic...dont know, just what I hear.
some seem to like it.