Looking for input on a scope for a lightweight 7 mm-08 AI

[300RUM]

I am looking for a high quality scope for my 7mm-08 AI rifle. The gun is 6.2 pounds loaded and ready to go with everything including rings, minus the scope. I want to keep the gun under 7.5 pounds. I have a good idea of what I want in a scope but am not finding many options that match. If you are aware of a high quality scope that matches the following specifications I would like to hear about it.

 

Weight 20 oz.or less

Second focal plane

MIL Dot or MIL hash reticle

Tactical MIL turrets

Low magnification 3 or under

High magnification 12 or over, will settle for 10 if I have to

30 mm tube, 34 would be considered

 

Right now my best compromise option seems to be a Nightforce NSX 2.5 – 10 x 42

[cjl2010]

Have you looked at any march scopes?

[Big or Bust]

I'd mount a 2-10x32 or x42 Nightforce as you mention or a SWFA 3-9x42....

[300RUM]

I did look at March. Unless I missed something it looks like the compromise would be MOA reticle & turrets in 2FP or MIL recticle and turrets but in 1FP.

[Big or Bust]

PS - love the chambering....

[DesertBull]

First focal plane is over rated in my opinion.

[dse]

Not a high end scope but I've had good luck with the Leupold VX-6 3-18x44mm. Weight 19 oz, several decent reticles, and the glass isnt bad. In some condition's I like it better than my Nightforce. In low light the Nightforce blows it away but it is 44mm vs 56mm. I've had zero tracking issues and have shot out to 1000 yds with it on my 270 Wsm.

[Cell4soul]

Not a high end scope but I've had good luck with the Leupold VX-6 3-18x44mm. Weight 19 oz, several decent reticles, and the glass isnt bad. In some condition's I like it better than my Nightforce. In low light the Nightforce blows it away but it is 44mm vs 56mm. I've had zero tracking issues and have shot out to 1000 yds with it on my 270 Wsm.

+1 on this. I really like my Leuopold VX-6. May be using it on my lightweight build I can't afford a new scope when the rifle is done. I was also thinking about the Vortex Razor HD LH 3x15-42 or the Zeiss Conquest HD5 with same magnification.....never mind, just re-read your post, you are looking for a scope with MIL not MOA.

 

Cabelas recently had the VX-6 for about $750....pretty dang good deal.

[Lucafu1]

I have a vx-6 with a b&c reticle and a cds dial for my load. I bought it for my 7mm-08 that i put together for my sheeo hunt. I love it.

[lancetkenyon]

You are going to have to compromise somewhere. Weight, mag range, tube diameter, focal plane, or MIL/MOA. Or POS scope.

 

SWFA 3-15x42 SFP (about as close as you might get) https://swfa.com/optics/browse/riflescopes/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-2.html

https://swfa.com/optics/browse/riflescopes/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-4.html

 

Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Vortex Viper PST 4-16x44

March 2.5-25x42 or 2.5-25x52

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44

Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42

Athlon Midas BTR 2.5-15x50

Falcon 4-18x44

IOR Spartan 2-12x36

Meopta ZD 4-16x44

Leupold Mark AR 4-12x40

[cactusjack]

Kenyon, that March 2.5-25x42 looks like it might be the perfect scope. Have you shot it?

[lancetkenyon]

I am saving my pennies for the FFP March 3-24-56. It will go on my lighter weight 7RM. It will save me 11 ounces from the current scope on it. That will put it well under 9#.

[300RUM]

You are going to have to compromise somewhere. Weight, mag range, tube diameter, focal plane, or MIL/MOA. Or POS scope.

 

SWFA 3-15x42 SFP (about as close as you might get) https://swfa.com/optics/browse/riflescopes/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-2.html

https://swfa.com/optics/browse/riflescopes/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-4.html

 

Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44

Vortex Viper PST 4-16x44

March 2.5-25x42 or 2.5-25x52

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44

Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42

Athlon Midas BTR 2.5-15x50

Falcon 4-18x44

IOR Spartan 2-12x36

Meopta ZD 4-16x44

Leupold Mark AR 4-12x40

I appreciate the detailed response. I have been picking througe guite a few manufactures websites. It sure does look like I have to compromise. Weight is a big issue for me on this gun. I only have 2 MOA based scopes left, a VX-II on my muzzleloader and a old VX-III with aftermarket tactical turrets on long term loan to a friends son. Everything else I have is MIL. I don't want to throw a MOA scope in the mix, it just adds a potential confusion factor. I'm trying to save me from myself. I don't own a 1FP scope or have much experience with them. The few times I played with one strongly remember not liking how small the reticle got when I turned the magnification down. Looks like I will compromise on magnification. Going from 9X to 10X doesn't sound like alot but it is a 11% increase.The gun currently as a 3-9 x 40 VX-R on it. Not a bad little scope, actually it only misses magnification on my wish list. My 6.8 SPC AR upper wants it back. It does not have a focus adjustment, no big deal for me on the AR. The reticle is a little thick, a beneifit on the AR for rapid sight acquisition. The NSX 2.5 - 10 x 42 is still looking like the best option. I have 2 bigger NSX models and love them so I guess having to "compromise" for another one would not be so terrible.

[lancetkenyon]

Take a look at the 2nd SWFA link I posted. It only misses your wants by 3.7 ounces.

 

23.7oz

MIL/MIL w. Tactical style turrets

SFP

Mil-quad reticle.

Decent glass

Good price

Zero stop shims available

3x low end

15x high end

30mm tube

[Big or Bust]

The 3-9 SWFA is a much more user friendly scope than the 3-15....