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

LEDE Hunter
LEDE Hunter

Proof That Hunters’ Votes Matter

Hunter's rights are expanding across the country. Curious how? Read on for some great policies being enacted nationwide.

2026 Father's Day Gift Roundup

Father's Day is around the corner. With the summer heating up, Dad will soon be on his share of scouting trips, fishing outings, range days, and all the other sorts of summer excursions fans of the great outdoors partake in. Read on, for some great gifts to get Dad this Father's Day, to make his summer that much more fun.

NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge National Championship Returns

NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge National Championship Returns—And Brings Together a Generation. Learn all about NRA YHEC at yhec.nra.org.

Savage Arms Announces Father’s Day Rebate on Axis Rifles

Savage Arms is celebrating Father’s Day by offering a $75 mail-in rebate on the purchase of any Axis/Axis II or Axis 2 rifle. This limited-time promotion is valid for purchases made between May 15, 2026, and June 30, 2026. Customers must submit their rebate requests by July 30, 2026, to qualify.

Ruger Relocates HQ to North Carolina

Amid an increasingly hostile political environment in Connecticut, Ruger has relocated its corporate headquarters from Southport, Conn., to Mayodan, N.C.

Spring Plinking: A Seasonal Rimfire Roundup

What’s in Your Picnic Basket? A spring plinker round up for your trigger time pleasure. As the weather breaks, it’s time to get outside, pack a picnic and send some lead downrange. Let’s look at some fun options to pack along in your picnic plinking adventures. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.