Low Profile Scope

conor_90

conor_90

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I am looking for a scope and would like to fill some general criteria. First off, I primarily shoot with iron sights, peeps sights generally, from 50-200 yards. My preference is to hunt with iron sights and that is unlikely to change. I have found even in Alberta there are plenty of thick spots to hunt and average shots are still well within those perimeters. I experimented with long eye relief scopes but I was not enthusiastic about them.

As an "iron sighter" shooting 2-1 moa is about all a man can ask for when using most available posts. I might use the scope for load testing on more than one rifle but that seems like a huge hassle.

I figure I should try a scope out on a center fire rifle for target shooting and maybe hunting in the prairie-parkland, but I want something that is low profile and not high magnification. I have always found irons much easier to shoot offhand with than scopes, and low magnification helps me with this I think.

So onto the criteria, not sure if one optic can fill them all but why not try the minds of the forum-

- preferably a 20mm objective
- 1 inch diameter
- shorter length (8-10)
- German #1 reticule preferably
- 1-5, 2-7, or fixed <4 or 6x
- generous eye relief
- capable of handling the recoil of lightweight magnum rifles

Leupold seems an obvious solution, but I'm wondering if there is anything in lower range optics or an older used optic that could be had for a lower price. The compact scope offered by corwin arms looks good but what can it handle in terms of recoil?

Thanks guys
 
Another vote for the Leupold 1-4x or (my personal favourite scope) the 1.5-5x Leupold. Good bottom end, lots of top end, no objective bell, light and compact. I have two at the moment...one on my 257 Weatherby and one on my 416 Rigby. No worries about recoil. And as bassman correctly noted, a trip to Korth will solve any reticle change you desire. You could go one step further and do what I did...have ATRS order the scope from Korth exactly as you want it. Mind you that was a few years ago, but you could save a lot of back and forth by going that way. They will probably want you to pay up front but it can't hurt to call ATRS to talk about their special order policy.
 
For what it's worth, here's a few thoughts:

First of all, optics are always compromises. If you want a low profile (I believe you mean a scope that can be mounted closer to the receiver, much like open sights) a shorter length scope may not work. Depending on the profile of the receiver, a longer tube may allow the front bell to sit more forward, allowing the use of lower mounts.

If you use a 20mm objective, that is not an issue. However, that limits the magnification "power" to about 4x at best. But depending on your rifle, low mounted scope may now interfere with top loading (if needed or even possible,) and ejection of spent or live cartridges. They may hit the tube or the windage turret.

Generous eye relief is certainly nice with heavier recoiling rifles, but it seems to limit your field of view. You noted that you did not like long eye relief (scout?) scopes; That may be the reason why. That may also account your stated preference for lower magnification scopes.

Finally, picking a good quality used older scope may give you much better bang for your buck. You will find that some older fixed power scopes are just as crisp and clear as new "bargain" or even middle-of-the-line variable power scopes. They also tend to have smaller objective and ocular bells and longer tubes, giving you a bit more flexibility when mounting the scope.

I enjoy shooting with open sights as well, but practically speaking, optics allow my aging eyes to see the targets better. Hence, I use fixed power (2.5x, 4x, and one 6x) scopes on good quality QD mounts. That gives me all the magnification I need for my purposes, and access to the irons when I want to use them.

Good luck with your search; It took me a few years (and a few unnecessary purchases) to figure out what works for me.
 
I run a vx2 1-4x20 on my mini14 and it's a perfect fit and clear to boot.

As to tap375's comment about being limited to 4 or 5x, that's not quite true as nightforce does make a 2.5-10x24 scope, sightron has a 1-7x24 and I think vortex has an offering like that too as well as bushnell in their higher end tactical line.

There are options out there, it just depends on what you want to spend
 
hutchster said:
... nightforce does make a 2.5-10x24 scope, sightron has a 1-7x24 and I think vortex has an offering like that too ...
Click to expand...

That's true, but my point was the functionality of small objectives at higher magnifications. For example, 24mm objective at 10 power has exit pupil size of 2.4mm; good enough at bright daylight at ideal surroundings, but perhaps a tad on the small side for a general use (less bright at higher powers and demanding more critical eye placement.) I'm willing to be proven wrong - but with someone else's money... .
 
Hi Tap by low profile I actually meant "not flipping huge", thanks for the advice re: the height of the scope because I hadn't even considered that, the only decent pair of scope rings I have is a low, but if you're buying a horse you might as well get a bridle too

. I hate long tubes and large objectives, my rifles are light, snag free and easy to carry at the moment. I am younger than your average hunting and sporting arms member so magnification is not a big deal. Though I have astigmatism and glasses I find receiver sights have the effect of sharpening your vision when you look through the

Korth is always easy to deal with and professional. Another option I have been thinking of is the Nikon Monarch African, anyone know anything similar to these?
 
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Bumping to ask:

Has anyone used the "BSA deer hunter 2.5x20"?

I remember their .223 and 17hmr specific scopes had very clear glass from my gun counter days.

Leupold has something similar in the 300 dollar range, but that ain't happening.
 
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