Under 16oz 10x 12x scope?

H

HvacFridge Apprentice

Regular
Rating - 100%
15   0   0
Location
Calgary
Hey fellas, just wanted to have a discussion about optics in the 700 to 1300 dollar price range, with quality optical clarity out between 400 and 800 yards.
The magnification can be 10x fixed (ex the bushnell 3200) or a range 2-10, 3-10, 4-12 anywhere in that range, all while staying below 16 ounces. Tube size is irrelevant (when thinking in terms of weight), but again, sticking with the 400 to 800 yard ranges, optical clarity//glass quality and in the $1000 price range +/-
Just wondering if anyone has any specific examples that’s all.
Weight and glass quality is what I’m looking for in that dollar range
Just general experiences and discussions and what the rifle+scope were used for by you guys in those examples
 
Leupold vx3 4.5-14 is very popular. Probably wise to get it with parallax adjustment.

I have switched all my VX3's over to Vortex Razor LH's.

To me they offer better glass, better reticles, better eyepiece and eyebox, better (constant) eye relief. The 3-15x42 is right in 16oz and a great all around scope for not too much money or weight
 
Ahhh fair enough! The vx3i has been popping up in my searches a lot. But I’ve had no baseline comparison on the glass quality.
I checked the web pages for US optics, Vortex, Steiner, Swarovski, Nikon, Bushnell, leupold. Haven’t had any luck finding anything that fits that criteria
-Swarov z3 3-10 (and the 4-12)
-leupold Vx3i 3.5-10
-Vortex Razor HD LH 2-10

I’m not ruling out fixed magnification scopes. I’ve only read online that anecdotally the glass is better for fixed mag scopes (generally speaking). Not sure if that’s true or not. I can only find the Bushnell 3200 10x though

The above is all I have found in my searches so far. I still want to keep searching and hopefully get some more input from you fellas
 
Last edited:
HvacFridge Apprentice said:
Ahhh fair enough! The vx3i has been popping up in my searches a lot. But I’ve had no baseline comparison on the glass quality.
I checked the web pages for US optics, Vortex, Steiner, Swarovski, Nikon, Bushnell, leupold. Haven’t had any luck finding anything that fits that criteria
-Swarov z3 3-10 (and the 4-12)
-leupold Vx3i 3.5-10
-Vortex Razor HD LH 2-10

I’m not ruling out fixed magnification scopes. I’ve only read online that anecdotally the glass is better for fixed mag scopes (generally speaking). Not sure if that’s true or not. I can only find the Bushnell 3200 10x though

The above is all I have found in my searches so far. I still want to keep searching and hopefully get some more input from you fellas
Click to expand...

There aren't many high magnification fixed scopes anymore outside of benchrest. Bushnell 10x. Swfa 10,16 and 20x. Older Leupolds were available in 10, 12 and 16x. - dan
 
Swarovski Z3, 3-10X42 with a BRX reticle.
- clarity is excellent
- fits the weight parameters, just over 12 oz
- sells for $950 - 975 from most retailers

I have several of them on various rifles. The reticle has been excellent, proving its performance at longer distances providing the distance is measured correctly. I like that I am keeping the overall weight of my rifle and scope as low as possible. I will take these Z3s over any other optics in the same size and weight range.
 
The other thing to think about is HOW you are getting to 800yd. Lots of folks 'focus' on optical clarity and weight, but to me a good reticle, and precise turrets that match the reticle are of greater importance. The swaro Z3 and Z5's are good, and the reticle is very good, but for some reason they all have turrets graduated in MOA (even though the BRX/BRH is essentially a MIL reticle). It's not until you get to the Z6 that both reticle and turrets are graduated in MILS).

Personally I find MIL/MIL a little easier to work with, but currently I use both systems - not too many MIL/MIL scopes under 16oz.

I had a Leupold VXR 3-9x40 patrol for a while. It is MIL/MIL and just under 15oz. I loved the firedot, but found the reticle a bit thick for small targets at long range. The rifle it was on now wears a Bushnell LRHS 3-12x44. At 25oz, it's pretty chunky, but much more capable beyond 1/4mi (400m).

As far as the razor LH goes, I have all 3 - 1.5-8, 2-10 and 3-15. The 3-15 is only slightly longer and heavier than the 2-10. It also comes with a parallax control, and for use beyond 500yd I personally find it a superior choice.

There are some truly tactical grade fixed power scopes out there like S&B PMii 10x. Once in a blue moon they come up on the EE for around $1000 but usually disappear within minutes, and weigh around 20oz. SWFA 10x HD is cool because it has a parallax control on the eyepiece, but is also closer to 20oz.
 
I love the comments fellas, thank you!
This topic has been on my mind for a few months now. And with little to do on night shifts (ahah) I’ve been searching for this kind of info.
Personally, I’m infatuated with the swaro z3 3-10, I’m so happy to hear from someone about the clarity and awesome reticle.
Hand Skills, thank you for the perspective on the “how to get there” philosophy, I couldn’t agree more. Now that is on my radar and another topic for me to research
Thanks fellas
Mitch
 
HvacFridge Apprentice said:
Yah, that’s what I’ve noticed as well Dan.
The swfa scopes appear to be a good deal from what I’ve been reading, but apparently impossible to get in Canada anymore
Click to expand...

You have to check with them. Periodically they decide to sell to Canada again, then stop, then start. Kind of frustrating. - dan
 
Good to know Dan, thanks for the heads up on that

After reading forums all night last night (woohoo night shift maintenance guy)...it seems like the swaro z3 has “better” glass (taking people’s word for it is sketchy, but that seems to be the consensus).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom