Mounting a heavier optics on a mountain rifle

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BrockLucasBC

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Hi all,

I have a kimber 84L chambered in 280AI that I’m wanting to mounting a NF scope on.

I’m wondering if anyone has any experience mounting a 25-30oz optic on a lighter mountain rifle. My concern is the balance of the rifle over the overall weight.

The barrel is an IBI heavy contour so it’s not original kimber barrel which helps with the weight distribution. I just want to have a reliable scope on my rifle that won’t fail on my in the mountains. I take care of my gear but definitely use it for standard hunting applications.

Thank you,
 
To each his own. The days when I might think about climbing mountains for hunting are long gone, but I do like lightweight and well-balanced rifles. Of the two, I feel that balance is the more important. Heavy barreled guns can still be well-balanced but IMHO the better they are balanced, the heavier and less-pleasant they are to carry. Basically, if you are to balance out a big heavy barrel sticking out front, you need more weight at the back end to do so...key words more weight.

Same with scopes. To balance a giant Hubble-class scope up top, you need more weight on the bottom. There they are again, those nasty words more weight.

Another thing I consider is front-rear balance versus top-bottom balance. A muzzle-heavy rifle is not balanced, but IMHO it is far less of a hindrance than a rifle that is top-heavy due to a monster optic.

If your main goal in selecting a NF scope is to achieve the ultimate in durability, I personally would think about having 2 lightweight scopes in reliable QD mounts. A pair of scopes set up this way could if carefully selected weigh about the same or even less than a single 30oz monster. You'd still be carrying the weight, but only half of it would be on your rifle affecting balance.

Consider also the strain that recoil puts on both optic and mounts. A big heavy scope has far more inertia than a lighter one; it wants to stay put while the gun recoils beneath it. Not only does this affect the scope but the mounts must also contend with the added forces.

Disclaimer: I'm old-fashioned and would never hunt anything other than varmints with either a heavy barrel gun nor a 30oz scope. Everyone knows that a heavy gun is easier to shoot well than a lighter gun...but is that still true after you have carried the gun all day on rough terrain? Hopefully, you are firing one shot or only a couple; with practice and focus and concentration, there is no reason why a lighter gun cannot shoot as accurately as a heavy one. You won't be firing groups up on the mountain.

Good luck with whatever you decide, and welcome to CGN. You will quickly be inundated with a bunch of various opinions, and we all think we are correct. I hope you keep us posted. :)
 
I have the NXS 2.5-10x42 on my Sig cross, setup as my light weight hunting rifle. It is an excellent scope if weight and ruggedness are a concern. I shot a mountain goat in 2024 with that setup and was very happy with its performance on a hard hunt in the mountains. It does not make my rifle top heavy even with a 1 piece mount.

Another option is the NX6 2.5 - 12 x 42, it’s 2-3oz heavier than the NXS.
 
wprotz said:
I have the NXS 2.5-10x42 on my Sig cross, setup as my light weight hunting rifle. It is an excellent scope if weight and ruggedness are a concern. I shot a mountain goat in 2024 with that setup and was very happy with its performance on a hard hunt in the mountains. It does not make my rifle top heavy even with a 1 piece mount.

Another option is the NX6 2.5 - 12 x 42, it’s 2-3oz heavier than the NXS.
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I am looking at the NX6 currently. Everything is out of stock in Canada except the F1. I’m not a fan or the reticle. The elevation hold over marks are wild. It’s too bad they didn’t do something like the THRL.

Regarding the NXS, any issues with the non-capped windage?
 
elKrusto said:
Go with a lighter nightforce scope like a nxs 2.5-10x42 and it will only weigh 20 ounces. That is not excessive as a similar leupold weighs about 11.5 ounces.
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I currently have a Var-X II 4-12 that I sent in Korth to have a dial installed. Works well, I’m just concerned with the durability with it. Could just be in my head as well- justification to buy more gear lol. Definitely more of a want than need. Always wanted to try a NF but haven’t yet.
 
I thought they made some interesting reticle choices as well for that particular NX6 scope.

I haven’t had an issue with the uncapped windage, but I have trained myself to always glance at it before setting up to shoot. Either way I think it’s a very underrated scope in the NF lineup.
 
I'm curious... are there more expensive options that fit the criteria or are we wasting time answering a question so you can say well that's to heavy for my bag....
Sorry but optics can be far more relevant than the rifle...
You can't shoot what you can't see...
 
BrockLucasBC said:
Like what?
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Sorry I'm pissed about something else and pointing out silly things. Disregard my comment or think about it.
You Have a nice rifle. You need a scope for your eye.. not mine or anyone else.
My point is weight is irrelevant if it doesn't function for your eyesight. Figure that out and enjoy what you see... Cheers
 
270WSMXBolt said:
Sorry I'm pissed about something else and pointing out silly things. Disregard my comment or think about it.
You Have a nice rifle. You need a scope for your eye.. not mine or anyone else.
My point is weight is irrelevant if it doesn't function for your eyesight. Figure that out and enjoy what you see... Cheers
Click to expand...
Here's my mountain rig with a VX6HD
MOQF5880 - Copy.JPG
 
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