Optics quandary for do-it-all rifle

cslater

cslater

CGN Regular
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Location
Bow Valley, Alberta
Hi All,

I have a bolt action 6.5CM that weighs about 7lbs loaded. Trying to figure out which optic to mount from my collection, or secure something new. Usage will be deer hunting, paper targets to 100m and steel targets to 1000m. A real mixed bag haha. I would be dialing for ranges beyond 300m.

I currently have;
Kahles 624i, 34oz plus ~8oz for pic rail and rings
Vortex PST Gen2 5-25, 31oz plus ~6oz for pic rail and rings
Steiner T5xi 3-15, 30oz plus ~8oz for pic rail and rings
Trijicon 1-4 Accupoint, 14oz plus ~6oz for pic rail and rings

Also looking at;
Vortex LHT either 3-15 sfp or the 4.5-33 ffp, ~20oz plus ~6oz for pic rail and rings
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15 in mils, ~20oz plus ~6oz for pic rail and rings
Swarovski Z5 or Z5i Riflescope in 3-18, ~20oz plus ~6oz for pic rail and rings

One option to drop some weight for any of the above setups is to switch to Talley mounts which would save 4-5oz. Any thoughts or experiences from the CGN audience?

Take care!
 
Swarovski Z3 3-10 with a BRX or a BRH, mounted in Talleys. Great, light scope with amazing clarity. If you want to drop the weight, junk the stock and drop the barrelled action into a McMillan Edge.
 
I'd vote for the Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22. I have one and granted I've only put a few hundred rounds on it, I quite like it. I've shot it out to 940 yards. The reticle is great, as is the illumination. I'm planning on shooting it quite a bit now. It sits on a .308/7saum "switch barrel" setup in an MDT HNT26 that weighs a bit over 10lbs all in (with glass, bipod, etc).
 
I have a vx5hd and can't complain. From my research it was a toss up between that and a zeiss v4 for glass clarity, ability to dial, ruggedness, and weight.
 
I like the Razor LHT but really the VX5HD and z5 scopes are also outstanding. I might consider something a bit smaller though, I like less magnification while hunting vs. target shooting. When I'm hunting I usually set the scope as low as possible for maximum field of view, and then dial up from there. At the range I usually start all the way up (where my SFP optic subtensions are correct) and dial it down until I can still see the target under recoil. Maybe a 2.5-10 or 2-12 or something would be worth considering?

Edit: Talleys are my go-to on lightweight hunting rifles. On target rifles I prefer the flexibility in mounting options a rail offers.
 
Although I am not a fan, the Z5i 3-18 x 44 is 15.9 ounces with a 1" tube, and the BT dial. Drop it in some talleys and have a light weight set up.

There is not much else in the 15+ zoom range that compares.

VX3HD - 4.5-14 CDS is 13 ounces by comparison, step up to 50mm and its 19oz about the same as a VX5 3-15
 
Hi All, thanks for the great responses, much appreciated.

I looked into the Swaro options and while they sound great (amazing glass and light weight) they seem to max out at one rev when dialing elevation and that will not get me to 1000m. Likely great for hunting distance but not a dual purpose optic for long range fun usage as well. Narrowed my options down below; currently own the Steiner so will likely try that first but the Vortex LHT definitely sounds appealing at 8oz lighter.

Steiner T5xi 3-15, ~30oz
Vortex LHT 4.5-22 ffp, ~22oz
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15 HTMR in mils, ~20oz
 
If I had young hunting legs the lht 4.5-22x50 would be my choice, but the lrsti 4.5-18x44 is staying for the few hunts left in me.
 
Hi All,

Looks like I will give the Steiner a try once it gets back from Stoeger, but will definitely be keeping an eye open for a used VX-5HD or LHT in mrad, if one pops up I'll grab it and give it a try.

What is everyone thoughts on mounts? I have an assortment of rings for pic rails but the Talley and Hawkins direct mounts look pretty swish and light.

Take care,
Chris
 
I like ATRS Ultra Light rings for my hunting rifles. You can find them used for around 120-140 on the EE. They're well made, light, and they don't leave rings marks. You do need a picatinny one or two piece base for them.


cslater said:
Hi All,

Looks like I will give the Steiner a try once it gets back from Stoeger, but will definitely be keeping an eye open for a used VX-5HD or LHT in mrad, if one pops up I'll grab it and give it a try.

What is everyone thoughts on mounts? I have an assortment of rings for pic rails but the Talley and Hawkins direct mounts look pretty swish and light.

Take care,
Chris
Click to expand...
 
cslater said:
Hi All,

Looks like I will give the Steiner a try once it gets back from Stoeger, but will definitely be keeping an eye open for a used VX-5HD or LHT in mrad, if one pops up I'll grab it and give it a try.

What is everyone thoughts on mounts? I have an assortment of rings for pic rails but the Talley and Hawkins direct mounts look pretty swish and light.

Take care,
Chris
Click to expand...

Hey Chris,

have you considered the NF NX8 2.5-20? similar to your budget, and may be the best of both worlds for you

otherwise i would recommend the XTR II from Burris in 3-15. I have one on my hunting rifle and its quickly becoming one of my favourites.
 
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