looking for a new scope please help

[fatman1]

i just ordered my new deer rifle a ruger laminate compact in 300RCM tiny lil gun 16.5" barrel 6 pounds and 35" overall i want a scope that goes along with the light compact gun but also maybe more important i need something that will perform great in low light i've been lookin at leupold vx3L in 50mm maybe 56mm or the nikon monarch 4x16x42 but they aren't very compact any suggestions?

 

[40X Guy]

Good old standard issue pre 2004 VARI-X III in a 4.5-14X50 with 1 inch tube. I have 2 of them on my 2 different hunting rifles and IMHO they are tough to beat. E-bay probably has 3-6 different sellers at any one time for sale, or Gunbroker. I feel personally that the new VX-III post 2004 are not up to par with the older Vari-X models. They don't fog, are light, and i can see stuff early morning or late dusk that others can not with different brand scopes. Lifetime warranty and built in Oregon are the final pushs that I need to stick with Leo's for 75% of my shooting needs. Make sure you get an adjustable objective if this scope interests you.

Frank

 

[serial # 001]

Here's a scope for you. I have a new in the box Swarovkdi 5-25X52 with plex reticle for $1,299 plus mail.

 

[dfry]

Well, since you have a compact rifle, stay with a compact scope for hunting, JMHO, but anything over 40mm on the front objective you probably will hate on a small compact Ruger. Some of the compact Leupolds, Vortex, Minox, or Zeiss would work well. The Zeiss, Minox and better Vipers are very clear. Yes you will get a little more time at dust with a larger objective, but not enough to make it worth lugging a 50+ objective scope on a compact rifle. I have always liked the compact Leupolds on a small rifle. If you want a good used scope, find a Leupold Vari-X II in 2-7x32, on a fast handling compact Ruger, they handle perfectly and are quick to sight. I have always liked that scope on a hunting rifle for big game, it is small, light and compact and even for a small objective gathers plenty of light, especially on the 2X power in early morning or late evening. Just me, but I believe that most hunters are way over powered in their optics on deer rifles these days. If you want a little more, the old Vari-X III 2.5-8 is a really great big game scope. Have used one for years on a Ruger 300 Winnie that has taken its share of deer and Elk way out there. That scope has never changed its zero from farmland to mountain top, and I have taken a few bad falls with it and it has road on an ATV over very ruff terain. Dave

 

[serial # 001]

fatman1, I have looked a lot for a scope that is light and has good light gathering and broad magnification range. I finally found it, but need money. I have a never been mounted new in the box with all the papers Swarovski 5-25X52 for $1,299 plus mail. It has a plex reticle.

 

[k80skeet]

It is very hard to have both ends in the middle. Light and compact with 50-56mm front objective lens just don't go together. You can have light and compact or you can have big heavy (50-56mm means big and Heavy), My suggestion would a Nightforce 2-10 power not cheap but should be perfect.

 

[k80skeet]

Now if light weight is what you are really looking for Leupold made a 3x9 compact with a Adjustable Objective front lens that was quit a bit smaller than their regular size scopes. Perfect for a short lite rifle. These were made a while ago so you will have to shop around to find one but they are out there.

 

[Preacher]

Burris made a dandy 4-12 Mini or Compact that will fill the bill for you, if you can find one before I do....... ;D

 

[serial # 001]

It is very hard to have both ends in the middle. Light and compact with 50-56mm front objective lens just don't go together. You can have light and compact or you can have big heavy (50-56mm means big and Heavy), My suggestion would a Nightforce 2-10 power not cheap but should be perfect.

The Nightforce 2-10X32 weighs MORE than the 5-25X52 Swarovski. Check the websites. It is very hard to find a good scope with much more than 3-9X that is noticably lighter than the Z5 Swarovskis. Their 3 1/2-18X44 is only 14 ounces. That is five ounces lighter than the Nightforce 2-10X32.