the 2.5x UL is the KING of smallest/lightest/toughest.
nearly 5" of eye relief is a bonus.
toad;
Good afternoon to you sir, hopefully this finds you well.
Though I've only owned a single example of the 2.5X Leupold, our experience with it mirrors yours.
I'd note too however that folks like Phil Shoemaker speak very highly of them and if I'm not mistaken his .458 Mauser "Old Ugly" wears one.
We've had good success with the 4X Leupold and the old 2.5X and 3X El Paso Weavers too, but optically the older Weavers aren't super bright and of course are heavy with their steel tubes.
I don't think I've ever played with a scope that is as quick to use as the 2.5X Leupold is. It would be my first choice for a designated grizzly rifle built for wading into the shin tangle and pucker brush.
Merry Christmas to you toad and to the OP as well.
Dwayne
