Light weight Tikka project–what scope? Swaro z3? Leupold vx3i? Others?

[Lone Tree]

My tikka is a shooter but I want to lighten it up for backpacking and alpine hunting, I’ve got a wildcat lightweight stock coming, and I’ll put a muzzle break on in to lessen the kick at the range, but what scope do you guys suggest? I’ve got around $1000 to spend, thinking z3 3-10X42 or vx3i 4.5-14x40 or 3.5-10x40. Anyone have experience with any of these? Is the 4.5-14 good out to 14? They all weight around 13 oz which is what I want to keep it at or under.
Thanks for any input!

[Fella]

My tikka is a shooter but I want to lighten it up for backpacking and alpine hunting, I’ve got a wildcat lightweight stock coming, and I’ll put a muzzle break on in to lessen the kick at the range, but what scope do you guys suggest? I’ve got around $1000 to spend, thinking z3 3-10X42 or vx3i 4.5-14x40 or 3.5-10x40. Anyone have experience with any of these? Is the 4.5-14 good out to 14? They all weight around 13 oz which is what I want to keep it at or under.
Thanks for any input!
I’ve got a vx3i cds 3-9x40 on my Tikka t3 lite and it’s a joy to carry. I’ve done 16-20km hikes with it and I barely notice it on my shoulder.

[decker9]

I had a z3 3-9x36 on my lightened T3, it was a perfect match. I now have a vx5hd on it, and it looks like a telescope on my rifle, but it lets me see a little further, and dials. Though the leupold is a very nice scope, I’d have to say I prefer the z3, I may swap out the leupold for a z5 some day.

[REMINGTON JIM]

I have a Wildcat stocked Superlite T3X in 7-08 with a Leupold 4.5 x 14 30 MM CDS side Focus in Talleys Total weight is 103 Ozs Rifle with out Scope and rings is 87 oz RJ

[Lone Tree]

Oh yeah ok, that’s good to know, I’m leaning towards the leupold 4.5-14 but sounds like I have to give the z3 serious consideration... RJ how is that scope at the further magnifications?

[REMINGTON JIM]

Oh yeah ok, that’s good to know, I’m leaning towards the leupold 4.5-14 but sounds like I have to give the z3 serious consideration... RJ how is that scope at the further magnifications?

Do you mean is it OK ? on 12-14 x ? Yes it is ! :smile: RJ

[Lone Tree]

Yes RJ I was wondrous if it was nice and crisp at 14, sounds like it is!

[Weatherby Fan]

The Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x40 ZL-CDS Duplex 30mm tube side focus scope is IMHO (and for my eyes) the best compromise for a lightweight hunting/long range shooting scope, with Talleys it adds just under 1 lb to you rifle,

The Leupold 3.5-10x40 and the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 are also awesome lightweight options, optically I would give the nod to the Z3 but both are excellent lightweight options.

One thing to watch on the Z3 is the BRX reticle option, if you like that style of reticle its very faint and I lose it at low light, get the BRH (Heavy) if you go for this reticle style.

[todbartell]

If you're counting ounces, try to find a used Leupold Vx2 2-7x33

[REMINGTON JIM]

If you're counting ounces, try to find a used Leupold Vx2 2-7x33

I just mounted that Model on my new Kimber Hunter 06 ! :smile: RJ

[REMINGTON JIM]

The Leupold 3.5-10x40 and the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 are also awesome lightweight options, optically I would give the nod to the Z3 but both are excellent lightweight options.

One thing to watch on the Z3 is the BRX reticle option, if you like that style of reticle its very faint and I lose it at low light, get the BRH (Heavy) if you go for this reticle style.

Sold My Z3 's Very Clear and Bright - also Light - but i do not like the FAINTNESS of the reticles either - Eyes are too Poor ! RJ

[Talltimber1]

I have a z3 on my t3x lite and a vx3i on my t3x superlite.
I prefer the z3.

[REMINGTON JIM]

There's a FEW diff models of VXI 3 scopes - I have 1 " and 30 mm models to compare too ! The 30 MM side focus models are BETTER for me then the std 1 " tube non side focus models in my OPINION for my Eyes ! There is NOT much difference in weight either - :wink: RJ

[BGHA]

The Leupold VX-3i is a great scope, especially considering how much it costs. It's a really good choice for a lightweight, budget rifle scope option.

[Tred]

I know this isn't part of the questions, but what Caliber out of curiosity?

[hawk-i]

Is the wildcat stock lighter than the tikka t3x plastic stock?

[Lone Tree]

hawk-i the wildcat stock is about 18 oz and the factory t3 lite stock is apparently just over 28 oz.

[Lone Tree]

Tred it’s a 30-06.

[Lone Tree]

As for the scope I ended up gojng with the vx3i 4.5-14, so far so good.

[REMINGTON JIM]

As for the scope I ended up gojng with the vx3i 4.5-14, so far so good.

Which model ? RJ

[Lone Tree]

I went with the CDS ZL, but 1” no side focus... RJ I know you had recommended the 30mm side focus but I just didn’t feel the advantages outweighed the extra weight and cost. For me it was more between this model and the zwaro 3-10, I looked through them both and it was hard choosing one over the other!

[REMINGTON JIM]

Good Choice I Think ! ;-) RJ

[todbartell]

I like my Swarovski Z5 but having to put a $13 butler creek plastic cover over the ocular lens is kinda gross. I really like the Alumina caps for the Leupold