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Thread: Compact Lightweight scopes

  1. #1
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    Compact Lightweight scopes

    Hello - I have asked similar questions before, and so have other folks but here goes again . . . what are the options for something in the 2/2.5/3 to 10 (or so) with an objective of less than 40mm and 340gms/12 oz or under - in better/top quality glass.

    I can think of two current models with good glass, the S&B Summit 2.5-10x40 and the Vortex Ranger 2-10x40. SWFA make a 2.5-10x33 that is very compact but the eye relief is a bit of an issue for a scope that will be used on a powerful rifle where steep uphill shots are frequent (weatherby eyebrow anybody?).

    There are some older scopes that would also suit, I have a couple of S2 Kahles 2.3-7x32 that are wonderful scopes but getting pretty long in the tooth for a everyday hunting rifle. For some reason the more modern Kahles and the Z3/Z5 Swaro's just don't do it for me.

    What else is out there ??

  2. #2
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    Leupold vx2 ultalight but not 'top glass' as such, Minox Za5 1.5 to 8 if you can find one, if you go up to 14 ounces you have more options.

  3. #3
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    VX3i 2.5>8 with an S1 dial is hard to beat.

    I know its not high end euro but they just work
    6x47 and Frodo like this.

  4. #4
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    As far as I know, there are no high-end 'svelte' scopes on the market. Closest I can think of are the Nickel scopes out of Germany, but they're about 4k a pop for their 1-6x model.

    The old kahles are nice, size/glass-wise. It's a shame everything is so goddamn big and bulky nowadays.

    The euro manufacturers are now putting out 36mm tubed scopes.

    Despite all of the technology flooding the market, I can't help but think - nothing beats a set of good iron sights. Cheap. Light. Sleek/elegant. Reliable. And 100% light transmission. Not to say they don't have their drawbacks... But a good compromise all the same.
    Last edited by Frodo; 08-06-2019 at 05:28 AM.

  5. #5
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    Can someone please define "high end"?

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by hotbarrels View Post
    Can someone please define "high end"?
    Expensive
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  7. #7
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    I love iron sights until I can’t see them in the evening!!
    Sh00ter and xtightg like this.

  8. #8
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    VX5hd 2-10x42. Or as @akaroa1 said, VX3 2.5-8x is light, compact and the optics are well good enough for most hunting.
    Experience. What you get just after you needed it.

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    Thanks for the suggestions guys.

    I've got a couple of Leupold VX3's and they are great scopes alright, dammed hard to beat for most NZ hunting. If nothing else comes up a new VX3 is probly the way I'll go. I want a 25.4 tube, I don't like the bulky look of a 30mm tube, but most of all I like to carry my rifle with thumb through under the scope - and usually with 30mm there's not enough room (yes I know I'm fussy and cantankerous)

    A Kahles CT model in 3-9x42 has been suggested, I think I used to have one and sold it, does anyone have experience with the CT or other Kahles of that era ??
    Shearer likes this.

  10. #10
    Member chainsaw's Avatar
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    Got Kahles 3-9x42 on the 308 Maral that I bought from Philipo - very nice glass. Also have had the smaller version 2-7x36 on a 7mm08.

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    jakewire and FRST like this.

  11. #11
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    Swarovski z3 3-9 or 3.5-10 would fit as well but the Vortex Razor LH 2-10. is the better option imho. Genuine 2x on low with a very good FOV. (56ft compared to the leupold 2.5-8 at 37ft) heaps of internal adjustment, very good glass and the defender caps are great. Both reticle options work well but I prefer the floating dot in the G4
    "You'll never find a rainbow if you're looking down" Charlie Chaplin

  12. #12
    Member ANTSMAN's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tentman View Post
    Thanks for the suggestions guys.










    I've got a couple of Leupold VX3's and they are great scopes alright, dammed hard to beat for most NZ hunting. If nothing else comes up a new VX3 is probly the way I'll go. I want a 25.4 tube, I don't like the bulky look of a 30mm tube, but most of all I like to carry my rifle with thumb through under the scope - and usually with 30mm there's not enough room (yes I know I'm fussy and cantankerous)

    A Kahles CT model in 3-9x42 has been suggested, I think I used to have one and sold it, does anyone have experience with the CT or other Kahles of that era ??

    agree about the thumb under scope- thought i was the only weirdo that does that

  13. #13
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    You are not alone I do the same

    Sent from my SM-J530Y using Tapatalk

  14. #14
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    I carry mine 4 fingers under scope like a suitcase handle sometimes,when I have a scope fitted that is.
    ANTSMAN likes this.

  15. #15
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    Have a look at the Nikons

 

 

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