Hey all! Putting together a lightweight rig... Browning X-bolt mountain pro spr (18") barrel with a can....

Looking for LIGHT WEIGHT hunting suggestions. 2-10, 3-15 something like that. 2nd fp with a duplex or ffp with dope...

Must be around or sub 20 oz

here is what I am considering....

vx 5hd 2-10 (18oz)

mark 4 hd 2-10 (22oz... OVER)

4-14 vx3hd (13 OZ)

SWFA 2.5-10 (10ish?)

nightforce 3-10 (20)

trijicon accupoint 3-9 (13oz)

any thoughts on these, or anything I am missing? Thank you

Bottom two is where my trust level lives. The NF shv glass is ok’ish and probably comparable to VX3. but it’s extremely durable, I’ve been really hard on one from horse back to miles of BLM/forest service roads, no zero retention issues. The Trijcon has better glass than the NF but has less features and limited reticles but it’s a work horse.

The new swaro Z5 +. Fits that bill well @ 14.7 oz and will have the best glass out of all of them but too early to tell on durability.

Vortex Razor LHT 3-15x42 is my favorite hunting scope...for strictly weight and not needing what I'll call an active reticle...that vx3 going to be tough to beat weight and magnification wise.

It looks like the weight on the vx3hd 4-14x is actually 16.9 oz.

Im a fan of the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42.. comes at 12.7 oz.. not too terribly expensive.. EuroOptic carries then between $750-$850 depending on which reticle you want.. Guidefitter has them for about $775..

Ive got them on a couple of my mountain/lightweight rifles (a kimber mountain ascent in 300 WM and a kimber adirondak in 308).. they've held up exceptionally well and have been hunted hard for a fairly long time...

Occasionally Ill see a used one go on auction (hibid, etc) that's in good shape for $400 or less.. the next time that happens I'll probably pick up another one...

The new Swarovski Z5+ 2-10x42 would be an excellent choice

All of those would be fine, but since you asked for our opinions...

Trijicon Accupoint 3-9x40 - I have a BUNCH of these on rifles (TR20-1G), and they're excellent. Like someone mentioned, they're a really solid work horse. Since you're looking for lightweight, I think this is the right path for you, and you won't be disappointed.

Leupold VX5HD - I have a few of these and they're also excellent, but definitely more expensive than the Trijicons (by several hundred dollars). The clarity of the VX5HD almost takes your breath away. If money isn't a huge concern, and you're willing to tote a few more ounces, then you won't be disappointed going this route, either.

Night Force is the one I trust the most. No failures, ever. With over 50 different rifle scopes tested, out to 800 yards, on a long list of differentcartridges. Some of them hard recoiling rifles.

I cannot say that about any other brand. Leupold, Vortex, Zeiss, Swarovski rifles scopes I expect failures. By failures I mean turrets that do not give the output to my input, i.e. tracking.

I've only got experience with three Trijicons. And one that I dialed out to 800 yards. I score it an A- on tracking.

Trijicon

You're looking at the SHV line on NF, right?. Might want to check the weight, I think it's 22.

I have 2 VX5 HD's, 3-15. Zero issues and lots of hard hunting for 8 years. I dial them both and have killed out to 550 yards.

I also have a NF.

Based on your criteria, I have to lean Leupold based on my experience.

This but skip the leupold


A little heavier but maven 1.2 is a winner

Also the trijicon tenmile flavor

^^^This

I picked up a Vortex Razor LHT 3-15x50 MIL/MIL based on Judd's recommendation. It's my favorite hunting scope thus far, very happy with it.

I’m sure he looked at the NXS 2.5-20x42 as it’s 20.5 oz but yes the SHV 3-10x42 is 22

This is a lot of scope for the money and falls within your desired weight range.

Thanks everyone, super helpful feedback and I learned about some things I wasn't aware of. I have a 24" version of the same caliber as the 18" barrel version. I got a fair bid for the 24" (Benelli Lupo) so might just sell it and move the VX5-HD 3-15 x 44 over to the new gun. There are just so many new things to try and there are a few options that shave 6-9 ounces, but the VX5 has been a solid performer and I hate to spend money if I don't really need to.

Down the road I will likely try the NF/Trijicon/etc., just need to find a reason to get another gun!

When I add a can to those regular barrel lengths the gun just feels so unwieldly... especially in a blind with more than one shooting window.... getting the gun around is like turning a semi truck.

Glad you are happy with it.