what scope for a lightweight sheep hunting rifle?

If you like Leupold scopes you might consider their Ultralight line. I have a VX-2 Ultralight 3-9x33mm scope on my sheep (/bear/elk/moose/deer ;)) rifle.

This scope weighs only 9.3 ounces -
https://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/rimfireultralight-riflescopes/vx-2-ultralight-3-9x33mm/

SAKO%20-%202_zpsnxyi46pq.jpg


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Sako 85 Kodiak .375 H&H Magnum with Leupold VX-2 Ultralight 3-9x33mm scope
 
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I have this exact one and it's awesome. The only thing I may do is get some Kenton industries knobs for it. I would like to dial it. I currently have it sitting atop a 7-08 700 mtn. Excellent combo with my ultralight Harris too, under 8lbs loaded with a sling. Can go wrong.
Slamfire said:
If you like Leupold scopes you might consider their Ultralight line. I have a VX-2 Ultralight 3-9x33mm scope on my sheep (/bear/elk/moose/deer ;)) rifle.

This scope weighs only 9.3 ounces -
https://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/rimfireultralight-riflescopes/vx-2-ultralight-3-9x33mm/

SAKO%20-%202_zpsnxyi46pq.jpg


SAKO%2085%20-%201_zpsoheagjqy.jpg

Sako 85 Kodiak .375 H&H Magnum with Leupold VX-2 Ultralight 3-9x33mm scope
Click to expand...
 
ruger22 said:
Guys what scope for a lightweight sheep hunting rifle?

20" barrel in a 7/08 or .308

Perhaps a Leupold 2.5-8x36?
Click to expand...

The VX-3i 2.5-8x36 is an EXCELLENT choice. Contrary to what is becoming popular belief, you don't need a 4.5-14 or 5-20 power scope for sheep hunting. Even under the smoke screen of today's high power scope hype, there's still an important thing called light, compact, and handy. And a big, heavy scope ain't it.
 
For a long time I carried a Leupold 3X on my 270 because it was the lightest for the brightest image available. My father-in-law, with his aging eyesight, killed a very big Dall's ram at a bit less than 400 yd with a single shot using that outfit when he was 76 years old.

Today, the 270 still gets the nod, one has an elderly Redfield 4X on it, the other a Leupold 6X.

Think about it this way: if you can hit it at 100 yd with open sights you can see it considerably better than four times as well with a 4 power, and considerably more than six times as well with a 6X. Why?.... Because everything is in the same sighting plane using a scope, whereas using open sights you must try to focus on a rear sight, a front sight, and a target all at the same time, which is an optical impossibility.

Ted
 
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ruger22 said:
Guys what scope for a lightweight sheep hunting rifle?

20" barrel in a 7/08 or .308

Perhaps a Leupold 2.5-8x36?
Click to expand...
A FXII 4x would be perfect on that rifle. I own two of them. I also have two 2.5-8 and like them as well but the 4x is smaller and lighter and quite clear.

Here's one on a SA M700.

004_zpsh1j3gvdp.jpg
 
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Well thanks for the advice all.

I took the direction from Slamfire above and have a VX-2 Ultralight 3-9x33mm scope with LR reticle on the way.
In fact Bashaw Sports had one in the mail within an hour.

I have a nice CZ .22 rimfire
With a VX2 scope and Alumina flip-back lens covers.
But since I do not hunt with the gun those expensive Alumina lens covers are a waste.
Leopold tells me both the front and rear covers will fit my new scope, cool.

This scope (Leopold says) weighs 9.3 ounces -
Aluminas weigh 450 g or 1 oz

Mounts are Talley's, and rifle is a new Howa Alpine in .308. Together weigh 5 lb.'s 15 oz

Together should total 6 lb.'s 9.3 oz
 
Nice choice. :cool: I sure like my VX-2 3-9x33mm ultralight. I also have a VX-2 3-9x50mm. It's on my .308 CZ 550 Exclusive and is an excellent scope best suited for low light conditions but weighs 13.3 ounces - 45% more than the ultralight! Not the preferred choice for a lightweight sheep rifle. It's surprising how only a few ounces makes a noticeable difference to the handling characteristics of a rifle.

CZ_308_ds_c_zpshmjewk82.jpg


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I find the eye relief of the 3-9x33mm ultralight to be sufficient on my .375 H&H Magnum. But I might not set on 9x on my .458 Lott loaded with 500gr bullets at 2300+ fps. :p
 
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sgt.rock said:
I have a Leupold 2.5-8x36 on 2 rifles. They are nice, light, and have more than enough magnification.
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Great scope, I have been looking for one for a long time to put on a Whelen.
I can see that I'm going to have to breakdown and buy new, never see them used... only when I am broke..
 
Kevan said:
Great scope, I have been looking for one for a long time to put on a Whelen.
I can see that I'm going to have to breakdown and buy new, never see them used... only when I am broke..
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I wouldn't buy a new Leupold. There seems to be a good selection on the EE for those who wait.

I just got an older gloss vari x III 2.5-8 on 24Hour Campfire for $140US. It will be going on a 35 Whelen ugly gun project.
 
SuperCub said:
A FXII 4x would be perfect on that rifle. I own two of them. I also have two 2.5-8 and like them as well but the 4x is smaller and lighter and quite clear.

Here's one on a SA M700.

004_zpsh1j3gvdp.jpg
Click to expand...

If you should ever consider parting with one of those 2.5-8 I know a feeble old man who would love to have one.
No hurry, someday in the future maybe ?
 
SuperCub said:
A FXII 4x would be perfect on that rifle. I own two of them. I also have two 2.5-8 and like them as well but the 4x is smaller and lighter and quite clear.

Here's one on a SA M700.

004_zpsh1j3gvdp.jpg
Click to expand...

If I didn't know better I'd think you were short one vertebrae in your neck. That scope is a long ways back!
 
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