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Mountain rifle scope #14729296 03/31/20 Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms D dodge268 OP Campfire Regular OP dodge268 Campfire Regular D Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms I know this has been kicked around quite a bit but I have a Leupold 2.5x8 sitting on top or a stainless 280 mountain rifle that I just picked up. Is there a better choice in the same weight range? How is the glass on the SS compared with the Leupold? Patrick Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left....

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14729304 03/31/20 Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 6,377 N.E. Mn./ Mt H handwerk Campfire Tracker handwerk Campfire Tracker H Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 6,377 N.E. Mn./ Mt I'm pretty fond of my swaro Z3's which to my eyes are a pretty big step up optically from your leupold with hardly any weight gain.

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14729326 03/31/20 Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms D dodge268 OP Campfire Regular OP dodge268 Campfire Regular D Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms That is a scope that keeps coming up in my searches. I don't really have anything else to do right now. Having shoulder and elbow surgery tomorrow on my right arm. It's going to be a while before I'll be pulling a trigger on anything. Thanks for the info. Patrick Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left....

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14729400 03/31/20 Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 8,659 back home in Potter Co. PA O old_willys Campfire Outfitter old_willys Campfire Outfitter O Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 8,659 back home in Potter Co. PA I have Z3's on 4 light weight rifles and they work great. Ted

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14729473 03/31/20 Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 17,170 Northern California Hammerdown Campfire Ranger Hammerdown Campfire Ranger Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 17,170 Northern California I'm still a fan of the Leupold 2.5-8 scope. I've had a few go south on me. I still think it a nice scope, I like the size and power settings and I still have some in use. Randy NRA Patriot Life Benefactor

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14729516 03/31/20 Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 3,966 GRIZZ Campfire Tracker GRIZZ Campfire Tracker Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 3,966 Nightforce NXS 2.5-10×42 Compact rugged, reliable expensive. Coyotes shot no waiting.

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14729522 03/31/20 Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 220 B BeardHunter Campfire Member BeardHunter Campfire Member B Joined: Dec 2016 Posts: 220 Nxs 2.5-10x32

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14729618 03/31/20 Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 9,374 Alabama TnBigBore Campfire Outfitter TnBigBore Campfire Outfitter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 9,374 Alabama If you can find a used Zeiss Conquest MC 2.5-8x32 it is a step up in glass and reticle, but not weight. I like the Swaro 3-9x36 except for the eye relief especially on long action bolt guns. Always remember that you are unique, just like everyone else.

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14730554 03/31/20 Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 297 S Schaaf Campfire Member Schaaf Campfire Member S Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 297 Maven 2-10x38

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14730624 03/31/20 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 4,477 North Georgia M Mull Campfire Tracker Mull Campfire Tracker M Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 4,477 North Georgia Six Mountain Rifles And All Wear Swarovski 3-10-42.. I.M.O. The Best Light Weight,Low Light Hunting Scope Made..

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14730830 03/31/20 Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 242 G go_bears Campfire Member go_bears Campfire Member G Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 242 Vortex razor LH 2-10 on clearance $350. Super bright and holds zero on both my rifles. 15oz... I’d stack it up against any Swaro z3 Last edited by go_bears; 03/31/20.

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14730938 03/31/20 Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms D dodge268 OP Campfire Regular OP dodge268 Campfire Regular D Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms Thanks for the input guys. Definitely gives me some things to research during the coronapocalpse/ surgery recovery. Patrick Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left....

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14730962 03/31/20 Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms D dodge268 OP Campfire Regular OP dodge268 Campfire Regular D Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms TnBigboy, what it the issue with the eye relief? Too much? Too little? Patrick Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left....

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14731016 03/31/20 Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 9,374 Alabama TnBigBore Campfire Outfitter TnBigBore Campfire Outfitter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 9,374 Alabama Originally Posted by dodge268 TnBigboy, what it the issue with the eye relief? Too much? Too little? Patrick Too little eye relief. Not horrible but not as good as the Zeiss or even the Leupold. Always remember that you are unique, just like everyone else.

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14731216 04/01/20 Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,282 Georgia 0 01Foreman400 Campfire Regular 01Foreman400 Campfire Regular 0 Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,282 Georgia Z3 3-10x42 You ain't about that life.

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14731329 04/01/20 Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,738 R rj308 Campfire Regular rj308 Campfire Regular R Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,738 My estimation of a Mountain rifle scope, that will actually be used in the mountains, will weigh 13 ounces or less. A nice light weight Mountain rifle just does not balance worth a shyt with "the Hubble" on it. RJ

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14731359 04/01/20 Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 11,951 NB / Canada SuperCub Campfire Outfitter SuperCub Campfire Outfitter Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 11,951 NB / Canada I have a 2.5-8 on a 257R faux TI and a VX2 2-7 on a 308 700/Edge. I've never thought about replacing either.

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14731414 04/01/20 Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,587 Alberta - Wild Rose Country harv3589 Campfire Regular harv3589 Campfire Regular Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,587 Alberta - Wild Rose Country Ive got a Z3 3-10x42 on my FWT 270 and love it, my wife has a VX3 2.5-8x36 on her 7-08 and mine has a sharper image. now or ruggedness mine hasnt been test that much yet. I just put a Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 on a 300 WSM so we will see how it works out. As it stands i think the Swaro is sharper than the zeiss. Rob

Re: Mountain rifle scope harv3589 #14731427 04/01/20 Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 11,951 NB / Canada SuperCub Campfire Outfitter SuperCub Campfire Outfitter Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 11,951 NB / Canada Originally Posted by harv3589 Ive got a Z3 3-10x42 on my FWT 270 and love it, my wife has a VX3 2.5-8x36 on her 7-08 and mine has a sharper image. now or ruggedness mine hasnt been test that much yet. I just put a Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 on a 300 WSM so we will see how it works out. As it stands i think the Swaro is sharper than the zeiss. I'm sure there are a few better scopes than the 2.5-8, but every time I look at a deer through mine I have no doubt that it is in fact a deer and which is the front end of said deer and which is the back. That's sharp enough for me!

Re: Mountain rifle scope SuperCub #14731450 04/01/20 Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,587 Alberta - Wild Rose Country harv3589 Campfire Regular harv3589 Campfire Regular Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,587 Alberta - Wild Rose Country Originally Posted by SuperCub Originally Posted by harv3589 Ive got a Z3 3-10x42 on my FWT 270 and love it, my wife has a VX3 2.5-8x36 on her 7-08 and mine has a sharper image. now or ruggedness mine hasnt been test that much yet. I just put a Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 on a 300 WSM so we will see how it works out. As it stands i think the Swaro is sharper than the zeiss. I'm sure there are a few better scopes than the 2.5-8, but every time I look at a deer through mine I have no doubt that it is in fact a deer and which is the front end of said deer and which is the back. That's sharp enough for me! the leupold is plenty sharp...i just dont like the new models they have come out with so i gone a different route Rob

Re: Mountain rifle scope harv3589 #14731483 04/01/20 Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 11,951 NB / Canada SuperCub Campfire Outfitter SuperCub Campfire Outfitter Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 11,951 NB / Canada Originally Posted by harv3589 Originally Posted by SuperCub Originally Posted by harv3589 Ive got a Z3 3-10x42 on my FWT 270 and love it, my wife has a VX3 2.5-8x36 on her 7-08 and mine has a sharper image. now or ruggedness mine hasnt been test that much yet. I just put a Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 on a 300 WSM so we will see how it works out. As it stands i think the Swaro is sharper than the zeiss. I'm sure there are a few better scopes than the 2.5-8, but every time I look at a deer through mine I have no doubt that it is in fact a deer and which is the front end of said deer and which is the back. That's sharp enough for me! the leupold is plenty sharp...i just dont like the new models they have come out with so i gone a different route Please note the inserted smiley ......... I'm jazzin' ya!

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14731485 04/01/20 Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 4,844 R RevMike Campfire Tracker RevMike Campfire Tracker R Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 4,844 I had that scope on a M70 Featherweight, but swapped it out for a fixed 4x (the quintessential mountain rifle scope, by the way...ahem...let the flames begin). But if I ever pick up another Featherweight, which I undoubtedly will at some point, the 2.5-8 is the scope it will wear. "An archer sees how far he can be from a target and still hit it, a bowhunter sees how close he can get before he shoots." It is certainly easy to use that same line of thinking with firearms. -- Unknown

Re: Mountain rifle scope SuperCub #14731512 04/01/20 Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,587 Alberta - Wild Rose Country harv3589 Campfire Regular harv3589 Campfire Regular Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,587 Alberta - Wild Rose Country Originally Posted by SuperCub Originally Posted by harv3589 Originally Posted by SuperCub Originally Posted by harv3589 Ive got a Z3 3-10x42 on my FWT 270 and love it, my wife has a VX3 2.5-8x36 on her 7-08 and mine has a sharper image. now or ruggedness mine hasnt been test that much yet. I just put a Zeiss HD5 2-10x42 on a 300 WSM so we will see how it works out. As it stands i think the Swaro is sharper than the zeiss. I'm sure there are a few better scopes than the 2.5-8, but every time I look at a deer through mine I have no doubt that it is in fact a deer and which is the front end of said deer and which is the back. That's sharp enough for me! the leupold is plenty sharp...i just dont like the new models they have come out with so i gone a different route Please note the inserted smiley ......... I'm jazzin' ya! I know...i am a huge fan of the old leupolds. looked for one for my 300 but couldnt find a good used one so went the route i did Rob

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14731625 04/01/20 Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,738 R rj308 Campfire Regular rj308 Campfire Regular R Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,738 RevMike, no flames. The Leu fixed is just the right size and weight with great eye relief. For a mountain rifle, someone could do a lot worse. RJ

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14731665 04/01/20 Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 8,454 State of Jefferson T T_O_M Campfire Outfitter T_O_M Campfire Outfitter T Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 8,454 State of Jefferson Originally Posted by dodge268 I know this has been kicked around quite a bit but I have a Leupold 2.5x8 sitting on top or a stainless 280 mountain rifle that I just picked up. Is there a better choice in the same weight range? I do not believe so, no. IMHO that is the best purely hunting scope ever built. Regardless of price. Best. "Period." The only thing that can be done to make one better is add the B&C reticle. Tom Anyone who thinks there's two sides to everything hasn't met a M�bius strip. Here be dragons ...

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14731704 04/01/20 Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 3,582 Upstate NY River_Ridge Campfire Tracker River_Ridge Campfire Tracker Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 3,582 Upstate NY Originally Posted by dodge268 I know this has been kicked around quite a bit but I have a Leupold 2.5x8 sitting on top or a stainless 280 mountain rifle that I just picked up. Is there a better choice in the same weight range? How is the glass on the SS compared with the Leupold? Patrick "Better" is a personal thing. Call me crazy but I like the Leupold 2-7 better than the 2.5-8. About the same dimensions/weight of a straight 4x or 6x with the versatility of a variable. Wag more, bark less. The freedoms we surrender today will be the freedoms our grandchildren will never know existed. The men who wrote the Second Amendment didn't just finish a hunting trip, they just finished liberating a nation.

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14732093 04/01/20 Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 689 Alaska D DeskJockey Campfire Regular DeskJockey Campfire Regular D Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 689 Alaska Dependability and ruggedness much more important than glass quality on a mountain scope. Every scope mentioned more than adequate glass.

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14732651 04/01/20 Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 531 Pennsylvania P PA_Probe Campfire Regular PA_Probe Campfire Regular P Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 531 Pennsylvania I run some older Burris mini compact 3-9x32mm on all 3 of my 700 mtn rifles. Probably not as nice as a VX3 or Zeiss, but they have really good eye relief and are built like tanks. Never weighed one to see what they actually add to my overall weight. Last edited by PA_Probe; 04/01/20.

Re: Mountain rifle scope go_bears #14733382 04/01/20 Joined: May 2019 Posts: 446 OXN939 Campfire Member OXN939 Campfire Member Joined: May 2019 Posts: 446 Originally Posted by go_bears Vortex razor LH 2-10 on clearance $350. Super bright and holds zero on both my rifles. 15oz... I’d stack it up against any Swaro z3 Where are you seeing these for $350?

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14734144 04/01/20 Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,524 S Sako76 Campfire Tracker Sako76 Campfire Tracker S Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 5,524 Leupold for the win!

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14734710 04/01/20 Joined: Sep 2018 Posts: 189 Upper Mississippi River 1 1100RemingtonMan Campfire Member 1100RemingtonMan Campfire Member 1 Joined: Sep 2018 Posts: 189 Upper Mississippi River Sold me I am ordering a Leupold 2.5x8

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14734826 04/01/20 Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,493 R RinB Campfire Tracker RinB Campfire Tracker R Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,493 I have three Leupold Ultralight 3x9. Tough and proven. Will take recoil of my old 7.5# 375AI moving 250’s at 3000+. Sadly out of production. “Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away”. Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Posted by Brad.

Re: Mountain rifle scope RinB #14735013 04/01/20 Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,936 Georgia M Mgw619 Campfire Regular Mgw619 Campfire Regular M Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,936 Georgia Originally Posted by RinB I have three Leupold Ultralight 3x9. Tough and proven. Will take recoil of my old 7.5# 375AI moving 250’s at 3000+. Sadly out of production. That's gotta be some hot recoil You'll shoot your eye out

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14735110 04/01/20 Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms D dodge268 OP Campfire Regular OP dodge268 Campfire Regular D Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,229 Ms Surgery got cancelled so I guess I'm going to shoot the Leupold and she cross hairs seem thin compared to other Leupolds that I have but it seems to track well when I have it locked up in a vice. Patrick Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left....

Re: Mountain rifle scope dodge268 #14741601 04/03/20 Joined: Mar 2020 Posts: 315 Hoosier ya Daddy M Millerish Campfire Member Millerish Campfire Member M Joined: Mar 2020 Posts: 315 Hoosier ya Daddy I own and have used both for several years in the field. While I agree the Z3 is superior, I cannot agree that that it is worth the price increase.

Re: Mountain rifle scope River_Ridge #14742019 04/03/20 Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,473 NSW, Australia Elvis Campfire Regular Elvis Campfire Regular Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,473 NSW, Australia Originally Posted by River_Ridge Originally Posted by dodge268 I know this has been kicked around quite a bit but I have a Leupold 2.5x8 sitting on top or a stainless 280 mountain rifle that I just picked up. Is there a better choice in the same weight range? How is the glass on the SS compared with the Leupold? Patrick "Better" is a personal thing. Call me crazy but I like the Leupold 2-7 better than the 2.5-8. About the same dimensions/weight of a straight 4x or 6x with the versatility of a variable. I have a couple of 2-7x33s on short actions but find the 2.5-8x36 fits on long actions better. I reckon the 2.5-8 Loopy is about the best hunting scope made. I have a couple of Swaro z3 3-9x36 scopes and they are also great little scopes but they are almost twice the price of the Leupold.