Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Fixed Power Scope For Light Rifle

I have a Winchester Model 70, 7mmWSM, synthetic stock, factory listed weight is 6 1/4 pounds dry, and have decided to set it up for my "light" rifle. I understand that there are many really light, really expensive, rifles out there but I already own this one and can't justify the cost of one of the ultra lights out there. The intended hunt will be a mountain type mule deer hunt in Wyoming or Montana. I'm considering a fixed power scope and would like recomendations on what magnification to get or should I get a 32mm tube in a compact variable power? Most of my hunting has been done in Michigan for whitetails and have always used 3-9 x 40 variables, mostly stand hunting, modest ranges, sometimes cranking scope up to 9 power when time for the shot permits. Right now I'm thinking a fixed 6X or compact 2-7X. Thoughts? Opinions?

Leupold FX II 6x36. They're on my .260 and my .338 RCM, and they killed mule deer just fine this year.

Leupold FX II 4x33, for second choice. They're on my .308 RSI and .338 Fed RSI's, and they killed mule deer nicely this year too.

Dennis

There are several light weight fixed power scopes that work very well. I use a Leupold FX-II 6x36 LR on my 6.3 pound T3 lite .270 win and really like the setup.

For a budget watch for a used Leupold FX or M8.. This week there was one in the 24 hr classifieds that was listed for $225 shipped! Some of the earlier Leupold M8 can be found for less.

I'm a big fan of the two Dennis mentioned above. I also like/use the 2-7x33 Leupolds.

I just missed a used Leupold M8 6x36 for $119 at a local store, I saw it but put it off until next time but it was gone..

I favor the 2-7's over the fixed myself. The 2-7 is my favorite.

I just picked up a Leupold 7.5x40 for my 700 Ti.

For a fixed, I`d probably go with the 6x Leupold FX2. For a variable, the 2-7x33 VX2 would also make a good choice. Both scopes are reasonably light and will keep your rifle lighter.

Though on the low end, the variable will gain you a wider FOV for the closer shots, while still offering a higher magnification for added versatility.

Variable or fixed?..........Decisions, decisions!!! Both have their advantages.

FWIW, I have a 1.5-5x20 VX111 (9.3 oz) mounted on my `lil Ruger compact 300 WSM and 375 Ruger. On the high end, a 400-500 yard shot for open plains hunting on deer sized game and larger is no problem. And yet on the low end, I`ve got a wide FOV, as well as fast and quick (both eyes open) target acquisition and aiming for closer shot brush hunting..........Great versatility!

With the exception of a little less light gathering due to its smaller obj. bell, that little durable and rugged scope, will do anything a 2-7x33 will do, and do whatever a fixed 6x can do as well.

Agree with the VX-II 2-7x33 for a light rifle ......... have 2 of 'em on the Boys' huntin' rigs - one heavy duplex, one standard. Good little scopes.

The compact (or whatever Leupold calls it now) versions of the 2-7x also works, and is a little more than 8 ounces. I have a couple of them on rifles. The only problem with them is that eye relief is shorter compared to the bigger scopes, but the tend to work well on short-action rifles, or even medium-action rifles like my 7x57 on the Montana 1999 action.

I've owned several 6x and 4x Weavers! Own 1 6x36 Leupold!

I've never felt underscoped! Ever!!

4x Leupold would be perfect, ditto on the used comments. Be patient and wait for the right one. I like the M8s even better than the new ones.

All of the above are great choices. I also really like the 6X42, in fact my sheep rifle wears that scope with the LR reticle. It weighs only an ounce or two more than the 6X36, it works in the bush as well as in the alpine.

'Nother vote for the Leupold 6X36. I have two on Ruger LSS Compacts.
One in 7mm-08, the other in .223

Work great and look great on these small rifles.

Virgil B.

Most rifles deserve two scopes, if only to make us think we have the right one for the moment.

For me the choices would be a 6x36 and 1.5-5.

I've used both the newer and the older 4X Leupolds alot and have never found them lacking in that application.
In spite of that, I like the new, FX3 6X42 the best. Works in any light, even on a dark night. Has Leupold's Diamond Coat Coatings, which are many times harder than conventional coatings.
I use the above with Leupold's duplex reticle which has a 9 inch opening for quick ranging and holdover/holdoff and, again, have never felt any lack of performance.
In the lighter variavles, pick whichever one you like from the 20mm-the 33mm models.
Personally, I found the 3-9X33 Compact, now called the Ultralight, disappointing as it's eye relief and eye box are not acceptable to me if used at any magnification above 4X. I'd be much happier if it were a 2-7X33 FXII. E

I'm running my first fixed a FX11 6X36. I have it on a Nula in .260 and really am liking it.

I can't see giving up the performace of a full sized scope for the slight weight savings in the compact scopes. I've been bitten by the 6X42 loopy bug, so that would be my first choice.

What Dennis said in the first response.