Lightweight Rifle Project (Part 7 of 10)

by
posted on October 4, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bs_2015_fs.jpg (13)

Lightweight Optics: Part 7 of 10

Choosing a scope for this rifle was a bit agonizing (in a good way, like deciding between the Porterhouse and the Filet). I like the simplicity and durability of fixed-power models like the Leupold FX-11 6x36mm but, at 10 ounces, we could do a bit better when it came down to weight.

Leupold’s Ultralight line is designed for precisely this purpose, maximum performance with minimal weight. The VX-II 3-9x33mm ultralight gives us a great deal of versatility due to its magnification range and weighs in at only 8.8 ounces.

One of today’s debates is: Which is better for taking longer shots, dials or reticles? My opinion is that dials are more precise yet reticles are faster. The good news is that you can have both: I opted for the LR Duplex reticle and the addition of a CDS dial added by Leupold’s Custom Shop. The bad news is the the CDS dial & it’s mechanism added a few tenths of an ounce, a fair trade for no holdover out to 600 yards.

Latest

W H2026 02 KNOW HOW CH1019 Hiking A Long Way In Or To Very Specific Refuges Can Lead To Coyote Success, Copyright Mark Kayser
W H2026 02 KNOW HOW CH1019 Hiking A Long Way In Or To Very Specific Refuges Can Lead To Coyote Success, Copyright Mark Kayser

Coyote Hunting Tips: Are You Overlooking These Details?

Don't overlook the small details on your coyote hunts. It could sink your hunt and leave you with a sinking feeling of failure. The following represent areas where overlooked details, big and small, could send your hunt to the bottom of the ocean faster than the Titanic.

New for 2026: Pedersoli Kodiak Survivalist Compact Express Rifle

Italian Firearms Group (IFG) has released the Kodiak Survivalist, an all-new compact express rifle from Davide Pedersoli. Known for blending old-world detail with serious performance across its lineup, Pedersoli brings that same disciplined craftsmanship to a utility-driven concept, resulting in what might best be described as a "gentleman's survival rifle."

Turkey Loads 101

Seemingly simple, selecting the proper turkey load is anything but a grab-and-go proposition nowadays. Instead, it requires consideration of key load characteristics, purpose and value, all of which are covered in this article.

New for 2026: Kings Camo XKG Summit Series Packs

Kings Camo has launched its all-new XKG Summit Series Packs. Engineered for versatility, comfort and load-hauling capability, this pack systems offer modular performance suitable for a wide range of adventures, from streamlined day hunts to extended backcountry trips.

New for 2026: Real Avid Ratchet Rest Adjustable Height Shooting Bags

Real Avid has announced the Ratchet Rest—Adjustable Height Shooting Bags designed to give shooters exact elevation control, faster target alignment and repeatable shooting performance.

MDF Invested $48.3 Million for Conservation in 2025

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) mobilized a total of $48.3 million for mule deer and black-tailed deer in 2025, its second-best year on record. Across 153 projects in 17 states, MDF helped restore more than 537,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, benefitted 129 deer herds and eliminated or converted 149 miles of hazardous fence to restore safe movement corridors for wildlife.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.