I currently have a Leupold 2-7 compact on my CZ 527 carbine and was thinking about getting a different optic. I usually shoot 62 grain bullets but confess to also really liking 77 grain loads. I mostly use Leupold scopes as they have given me great service but I do have a few other brands. I prefer modest sized objectives, so up to 40mm for this little rifle. Since this is a hunting (think coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc) and casual plinking rifle, who makes a nice scope these days of modest proportions, good glass, and drop marks for specific loads at say, 200 and 300 yards/metres? I don’t think that I want large target turrets on this little CZ. Other than a target rifle scope, I haven’t bought a new optic in years so your thoughts and especially recent experience is appreciated.
.223 walking around scope suggestions
- Thread starter QueensHorseman
- Start date
Hand Skills
CGN Regular
- Location
- In the 'heartland', southern SK
I think the Leupold VX-5hd is a really good value. 3-15x44. It's hard to recommend another brand when the criteria is Affordable/Light weight/Rugged. One thing I like about the new generation of Leupold's is the /near/ fixed eye relief. Depending on use, it may not bother you, but on my VX3's I find it irritating that the eye relief changes with magnification. It's a lot shorter at high power than at low power. It will still work with low rings, even though the objective is 44mm.
If you like low magnification check out the vortex strike fire 1-8.
If you like low magnification check out the vortex strike fire 1-8.
One thing to keep in mind is the length of the scope unless you are prepared to remove the rear sight. I had a Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm ballistic firedot reticle at 12.7 inches long on mine which was about the longest scope that I could fit without having to remove the rear sight blade, also I would not want a too heavy a scope on it, since that kind of defeats the purpose of having a light weight carbine.
Stick with a similar power range as the 2-7 compact you have now, 10x is a good top end. No need for high magnification on a walking around gun you likely won't shoot past 500. If you're looking for specific holdovers then a standard calibrated reticle is your friend like a mildot or mil line setup. A calibre specific BDC rarely aligns properly with the load, rifle, and environmental conditions.
