{"id":1340,"date":"2024-10-08T20:42:52","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T20:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1340"},"modified":"2024-10-08T20:42:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T20:42:52","slug":"lightweight-riflescopes-top-options-their-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1340","title":{"rendered":"Lightweight Riflescopes: Top Options & Their Future"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Lightweight riflescopes seem to be a thing of the past, but there are still a few great options out there.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Rifles keep getting lighter, so why haven\u2019t scopes kept up? Here we discuss the future of lightweight riflescopes and look at the top models currently available.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It all that long ago, there were a lot of lightweight riflescopes to choose from. This was back before hunters and most shooters thought 18x magnification was necessary to hit anything, and it was also before target turrets and parallax adjustments on riflescopes became standard features. When I first started writing for gun magazines about 25 years ago, the fixed power Leupold 4\u00d733 riflescope was very popular. Leupold has since discontinued that riflescope, and lightweight riflescopes in general are now on the endangered species list.<\/p>\n

Arguably, this transition from light to heavy riflescopes began in 2014 with the release of the movie American Sniper<\/em>. The martial and marksmanship abilities of the rifleman have always impressed us, and that combined with Chris Kyle\u2019s patriotism, devotion to duty and untimely and terrible death, made for a fabulous story. The movie was also an anthem to every American who has worn the uniform. Most importantly, then as now, American\u2019s needed a hero.<\/p>\n

Much like Clint Eastwood\u2019s Dirty Harry<\/em> film of 1971 launched the .44 Magnum revolver to stardom, American Sniper<\/em> was the inspiration shooters needed to spark an indulgence in long-range rifle craft. Not only did this create a demand for heavy long-range riflescopes, but it also elevated the 6.5 Creedmoor\u2014which had been languishing with only so-so interest since 2008\u2014to one of the most popular rifle cartridges of all time.<\/p>\n

As happens with all shooting disciplines, a bubble of interest developed, like with cowboy action shooting and three-gun competitions. Today, we\u2019re at the height of long-range shooting popularity, and the rifles and riflescopes being manufactured reflect the demands of the consumer.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, our hunting rifles are getting lighter. Just look at the six-pound Redline from Springfield Armory, the lighter than 6- and even 5-pound NULA rifles from Wilson Combat, as well as a host of lightweight hunting rifles from other manufacturers. Oddly enough, some hunters are using these lightweight rifles as an excuse to go with a heavy riflescope.<\/p>\n

\"lightweight<\/figure>\n

An acquaintance recently purchased one of the Wilson Combat NULAs that weighed less than 6 pounds and then paired it with a Nightforce riflescope that weighted nearly 2 pounds. While his overall field-ready weight is less than it would have been with a heavy rifle, the heavy scope destroyed the lithe and nimble handling qualities of the expensive featherweight rifle he chose.<\/p>\n

The beauty of the lightweight riflescope is that it pairs perfectly with a lightweight rifle. And, as the great gun writer Townsend Whelen once so astutely observed, \u201cA man will travel farther, hunt over more country, have a better chance of coming on game, and be in better condition when he does if his weapon is light.\u201d<\/p>\n

For hunters looking to keep weight down in the field, or even for shooters who do not want to overburden themselves or maybe youngsters with an overly heavy rifle, there\u2019s still a valid and practical \u2014though seemingly much overlooked\u2014need for lightweight riflescopes.<\/p>\n

Modern Lightweight Riflescopes<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I spent a full day crawling the internet looking for lightweight riflescopes that are still in production. I found six options that weigh 12 ounces or less and that I thought practical for general-purpose use and common hunting applications. Here\u2019s a rundown of the best of the current less than 12-ounce lightweight riflescopes available. The good news is I\u2019ve used them all and can recommend them.<\/p>\n

Burris<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Burris makes great riflescopes that are dependable. Over the years I used several of them and their now discontinued 2-7x35mm Fullfield II was one of my favorites. Currently, Burris doesn\u2019t catalog a traditional riflescope weighing 12 ounces or less. However, what Burris does have is what\u2019s arguably the best and most traditional scout scope offered by any manufacturer. Their fixed power 2.75x20mm Scout scope weighs only 7 ounces and features a heavy plex reticle and Burris\u2019 Forever warranty. A variable power scope might be more appealing and more versatile, but you won\u2019t find one this light. It retails for $348.<\/p>\n