Scope Advice Not Finding What I Need

[damundsen87]

Euro optic has the VX 5 1-5 on clearance for 549. Amazing scope for that price

 

[Ryan]

Optics have come a long way, even in the past decade. But you're still asking a lot. Anymore 4x to 5x range is common but 8 times magnification range is stretching it especially going from 1x, and takes a lot physically to accomplish properly.

Personally I am very happy I found the Leupold VX II Ultralight scope I have on my Encore rifle that I found 10-12 years ago. It's a 3-9x and only weighs a bit over 9 oz. Works great on that rifle. They also had a 2-7x Ultralight at a little less weight but supposedly for rimfires. If you're will to risk it on a 375 look for it used.

 

[DrBob]

First things first.... good glass is far better than magnification. One super light suggestion is the SWFA SS 2.5-10x32 lightweight. 9.5 oz. Otherwise the 1-6 HD Leupold Firedot. Their are 1-8x out there but costly. I agree that a cheap scope cheapens the rifle. A heavy but nice scope is the 1-6x PST Vortex. Leupold in a firedot is a sure bet all the time.

 

[Sika98k]

If money was no object, hands down a Schmidt&Bender Exos 1-8x24.

or a Leica Magnus 1.7-10x42 ?

 

[DrBob]

If money was no object, hands down a Schmidt&Bender Exos 1-8x24.

Yep... nose-bleed price point. The "tactical" Kahles 1-6 is nice but S&B sweet. Leupold makes a good 1-8.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Just an example of what I used my last hunt. I had a Leupold VX-6 in 1-6x on my MRC in 375 H&H specifically for a lion hunt, but after the lions I hunted PG. Ranges were from less than 30 yards to nearly 350 on a blesbok. 6x worked fine.
I have a 2-12x with QR mounts as a backup, but didn’t bother changing it out. If you are considering a croc, or maybe a hippo in water where the target zone can be golf ball size then get the higher power range. But if only PG, buffalo, or lion are on your hunt a 1-4x, 1-5x, or 1-6x should be plenty assuming it has good glass.
I’ve taken several antelope with a 30-06 and 4x scope at around 400 yards back when variables were too expensive for me to afford. Practice and good field rest made it work.

 

[Standard Velocity]

I like my Leupold 2.5-8x36 but if you really want 1x there is a US Optics 1-8 at DVOR for less than $600. The reticle is pretty busy but since it’s 1st focal plane and illuminated I guess it would look like a red dot at 1-3x.

https://www.dvor.com/u-s-optics-ts-8x-1-8x24mm-first-focal-plane-riflescope.html?utm_source=event-notifications&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dvor_event_notifications_apr_07_2020_10_00&pdata=3533736b2f74483770762f3179673842&options[]=2179-316-155123

 

[Alaska Luke]

Thanks guys.

I like the Leopolds because they are light (9oz and 11oz). Most of the 1-6 and 1-8 scopes are considerably heavier then that. A 18oz scope is a no go. I just spent money making my 375 lighter, I'm not adding that weight back with a scope. I mostly wanted to see if there was a lighter option for a 1-6 or 1-8 that I'd missed. If no one here can think of a sub 1 pound 1-8 I guess it don't exist.

Right now I'm going to get the rifle sighted with the 1-4 and see how often I can ring a gong at 200 yards. I'll probably keep the small scope on for spring bears. If I don't think 4x is enough for caribou I'll probably just order another 2-7 with QD rings and swap it out for the fall. If Leopold ever makes a 1-8 that is as light as their 2-7 I'll probably buy that and never look back.

Now time to reload.

 

[Dwight Beagle]

Putting a big scope on a small rifle annoys me (my 375 is a 6.8 pound carbine).

I’ll never ask to shoot it. You’re tougher than I am.

Euro optic has the VX 5 1-5 on clearance for 549. Amazing scope for that price

I agree.

The VX-3i 2.5-8 x36 is a great and versatile scope IMO.

Never looked through a Lynx or Vixen but the glass on the Hawks’s I’ve handled left me underwhelmed.

 

[Alistair]

I've got a Meopta Meostar R2 1-6x24 on my 375.

It tick most of your boxes except the weight - its 17.5oz.

That said, great glass, good eye relief, good FoV, bomb-proof, mounted low to the bore, true 1x bottom end, really good value for the money (although not sub $500)... it has its advantages.

They are illuminated, which I appreciate isn't a major selling point for you, but I do find a bright dot on the low end means you can basically use it as a red dot - really intuitive to mount and aim.

Al.

 

[Dwight Beagle]

I’m a big fan of Meopta. Over the last four or five years that’s what I usually buy. I’ve got binoculars and scopes.

 

[Alaska Luke]

Well Dwight that is my secret plan. Build a light 375 that no one wants to borrow haha.

Actually I handload and load it a bit below max. And I use 260 grain not 300 grain bullets. It adds up to a bit less wallop. I use even lighter loads for practice and getting the scope on target before the final site in. The 1-4 or 2-7 scopes are probably most practical but using the fixed 2.5 Leopold (6.5 oz!) is pretty tempting. I hear they are bomb proof too.

 

[damundsen87]

Another option is the meopta Optika 6 1-6. Its about 500 as well

 

[flatwater bill]

Good questions. Faced the same. A point or two: The Leupold 1.5-5 VX III is a big step up from the VX1-4 in clarity and brightness. Made that change 2 years ago, and waaay better. Don't know your age, but if past 50 you will find better glass in VX3 and 5 something to focus on (ha). Put 2.5-8 Leupold on my 375 and like it better even than 1.5-5. Lastly, Schmidt and Bender scopes are great until you need one repaired. No service worth a hoot. Have scope sent back 3 times, and returned as "fixed" with reticles rattling around in the tube still. They are tough and they last, but when they go wrong, they're gone. Leupold #1 for service, hands down...................good luck.....FWB

 

[Corey0372]

Athlon Optics has a couple different 1-6 scopes as well as a 1-8, the reticles they use are designed for short/mid range and rapid engagement. I have one of their 4-14 power scopes on an AR10 with no issues, and one of their 1-4s on an AR15. They have a lifetime warranty as well.

Another inexpensive brand with scopes in your budget that is honestly worth a second look is Primary Arms.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

So I have a 375 Ruger coming home from the gunsmith soon. I've been using it with 1.5-4 Leopold VX scope. It's a good system, I'd just like a bit more magnification.

I want

• Long eye relief
• Low power, 1x would be ideal, definitely nothing over 2x.
• Light weight
• I don't really feel the need for illumination
• Affordable

Here are options I've considered

• A Leopold 2-7 scope. I had one but it got stuck on the 308 for kids to use. I could buy another one but fov seems a bit less then ideal on a charging bear.
• Leopold 1.5-5. Small improvement, not sure its worth while.
• I tried a Vortex 1-8. It was to big and heavy for my, it seemed to throw the balance off. And the eye relief wasn't quite enough.

So anyone got an idea for a 1-8 or 1-6 type scope that is sub $500 and sub 1 pound? I've looked but most are heavy duty military type scopes. I wish Leopold would make a simple 1-8 scope. If nothing else I could run 2 scopes with QD rings but I'd prefer to keep it simple with just one scope.

@Alaska Luke
Mate the Leopold 3 to 8 would be an ideal fit. Long eye relief and good power range and in your budget.
Bob

 

[Gemsbok45]

Alaska is made for Leupold.Lynx might be a fine value scope but for dirty work plus consistent eye relief at all magnifications,use a Leupold!

 

[WAB]

Leupold VX3 2.5-8x. Outstanding scope for the money. My .375 used to wear one before it got expensive taste. The Leupold never let me down.

 

[BeeMaa]

If money was no object, hands down a Schmidt&Bender Exos 1-8x24.

or a Leica Magnus 1.7-10x42 ?

If money wasn't an object...he wouldn't have posed the question.

 

[USMA84DAB]

I have a .375 Ruger Alaskan - it has a VX-3, 2.5-8x36 - it is absolutely the Goldilocks combo for me on this gun. 2.5X is the same as the scout scope, so field of view is good to me. (37.5 feet at 100 yards) Not sure what you expect for FOV. It has a 1" tube and is light - 11.4 oz. - FULL MSRP is $520, but you should be able to find it for about $400 at places like Natchez Shooter's Supply.

I also have a VX3, 1.5-5x20 and it is very nice - Art Alphin at A-Square recommended it to me for a .495 A-Square build. It now sits on a converted Turk Mauser in .30-06, as the deer shots in MO are often close and not often long.

I snagged a Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 1.5-4x20 with green firedot for my new .495 A-Square build. I like it a great deal, but have not hunted it yet.

Hope these help you find your Goldilocks scope for the money.