The best rifle scopes are made with high-quality materials, such as aluminum, which is strong and durable. However, even when looking for durability, it is good to consider the weight of the scopes. Hunting requires you to move around and/or hold your rifle by hand if you have no stand, and having a lightweight scope makes this easier and more convenient for you.
Remember that many people consider scopes with a larger objective lens as better performing. While this could be the case because they offer a larger field of view and more light, the large objective tends to add more weight to the scope making it less convenient.
So which are the best scopes that are compact and lightweight? Read on to find out.
Best Lightweight and Compact Scopes Review
1) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescopes
The Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 riflescope is a well-made scope that harbors many features in a compact design. The scope has been used by the US Navy seals and has since continued to be the go-to option for shooting and tactical applications.
The riflescope features a fixed power, with dual-illuminated reticles that give you lightning-quick target acquisition and superb optical clarity in most any light. The scope’s amber Chevron ranging reticle provides bullet drop compensation out to 800 meters for the .308 and automatically adjusts the brightness based on available light.
Key features
- It has a fixed 3.5 magnification
- It has a 35mm objective lens
- It is made of forged 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminum-alloy housing that provides a nearly indestructible sighting system
- It has a both-eyes-open design and can be used as a CQB sight when shooting with both eyes utilizing the Bindon Aiming Concept
- It has a bullet drop compensating and range-finding reticle
Pros
- It has battery-free illumination
- Lightweight
Cons
- The fixed magnification is limiting to anyone engaging in shooting at varying ranges
2) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn riflescope has a useful zoom range that provides the magnification required for medium- to long-range accuracy without degrading the brightness of the image, as is frequently the case with high-power scopes.
It also features a larger 40mm objective lens with ideal light transmission for clear, bright settings. This rifle sight from Bushnell features the unique DDB (Dusk & Dawn Brightness) lens coating technology to enhance image quality and brightness in low-light conditions.
Additionally included is a covered turret with 1/4 MOA impact point correction and 60 MOA windage and elevation adjustment ranges. By using these features, you can approach the destination and account for the majority of environmental and geographical factors.
The 1-inch main tube of the scope is made of one piece of aluminum, has a matte black anodized finish, and is nitrogen filled for exceptional water and fog-proof performance.
Key features
- It is made of quality materials that are also tested extensively
- It has a waterproof construction that prevents fogging ensuring a crisp, clear image
- It has a 3-9x magnification
- It has a large 40mm objective lens
- It uses the Circle-X reticle for a classic sight picture
- It has a fast-focus eyepiece that allows quick reticle adjustment to your eye, for easy focusing in on your target
- It measures 11.5 inches long
Pros
- It is 100 percent weatherproof
- It is affordable
- It is easy to use and mount
Cons
- Low magnification
3) UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope
UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope is made of a 1-inch tube that has an emerald coating for maximum light transmission. It features premium zero lockable & resettable turrets with 1/4 MOA Per Click adjustment and has a range estimating mil-dot reticle for optimal aiming and shooting performance.
The UTG scope has an adjustable objective from 3 yards to infinity and features red/green dual illumination that is suitable for different applications. This red dot can switch from red to green when the light comes on. What’s more, is that it is easy to fix on a Picatinny 21 mm rail and is most perfect for Airsoft assault rifles.
Key features
- It has a great eye relief
- It comes with high-quality flip-open lens caps for lens protection
- It is completely sealed and Nitrogen filled for rain and fog proofing
- It comes with a 2″ sunshade and quick-detachable rings
Pros
- It is shockproof
- It offers a large field of view
Cons
- Small magnification range
4) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope
The VX-5HD 3-15×44 riflescope comes with a 3-15 magnification range that allows you to take full advantage of any situation. The scope features Side Focus Parallax Adjustment which allows you to easily adjust the scope’s parallax for less perceived movement when engaging targets at extended distances.
The scope uses the Twilight Max HD Light Management system which adds up to 30 minutes of shooting light and helps with glare reduction for edge-to-edge HD lens clarity.
The scope also has highly durable lenses, with Guard-Ion Hydrophobic Lens Coating which is scratch resistant and helps shed water, dirt, and fingerprints. It is quite versatile and comes with Boone & Crockett CDS reticle and matte finish for durability.
Key features
- It is 100% Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- It uses Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- It features a free CDS Elevation Dial
- Magnification Range: 3x-15x
- Main tube Diameter: 30mm
- Length: 13.53 in.
- Eye Relief (in) – Low: 3.7
- Eye Relief (in) – High: 3.82
- Linear FOV (ft. /100 yd.) – Low: 38.3
- Linear FOV (ft. /100 yd.) – High: 7.7
Pros
- Lightweight: 19.2 oz.
- Unparalleled low light performance
Cons
- It is a bit more costly than standard scopes
5) Vortex Optics Razor HD LH Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Razor HD LH riflescope is made in an ultra-sleek, lightweight design that is easy to handle and carry around. The scope body is machined from a single solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum and features a one-inch tube diameter which adds to the versatility of the scope.
The Razor HD LH 1.5-8×32 features high density, extra-low dispersion lenses, and premium XR coatings. These features work together to produce a razor-sharp resolution for edge-to-edge clarity.
Key features
- It features a single-piece, hard anodized tube for strength and durability
- It has a highly forgiving eyebox that provides generous eye relief
- It has a locking ocular focus that keeps your reticle sharp and crisp
- It has Armortek coatings on the exterior lenses protecting them from scratches, oil, and dirt
- It is O-ring sealed and argon purged for water and fog-proof performance
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Lightweight
Cons
- It has a low magnification that challenges short-range shooting
6) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope
The 3-9x32mm riflescope is a feature-rich, ruggedly built scope from the Simmons family of scopes. It is specially designed to provide quality performance and reliability shot-after-shot, hunt-after-hunt, with fully-coated optics and a complete set of mounting rings.
The Simmons scope features SureGrip adjustments that allow you to make easy adjustments even while wearing gloves. It also comes with a QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece that gives a constant 3.5 inches of eye relief through the entire magnification range.
The 3-9x32mm scope also includes the Simmons’ patented truezero adjustment system that provides unparalleled performance in all manner of environments.
Key features
- It is made of high-quality optical glass and fully-coated optics for bright, sharp images
- It has a HydroShield lens coating that helps to maintain a clear sight picture in all weather conditions
- It has parallax correction from 50 yards to infinity
- It comes with a triplex reticle
- It comes with Rimfire 3/8″ dovetail mounting rings
Pros
- It is waterproof and fog-proof
- It is shockproof
Cons
- Low magnification range
Best Lightweight and Compact Scopes Buying Guide
- Prices
When purchasing a scope, you cannot ignore the price. There are different scope models and these are available at different prices. You should therefore consider your budget when you are making a choice.
- Eye relief
This is one of the major things you must consider when purchasing any kind of scope. You should make sure that your scope comes with this feature as it helps to keep your eyes safe from heavy recoils.
- Magnification
Magnification helps you to adjust the image under view for better accuracy. When considering magnification, you will look at the zooming capacity depending on the range you intend to shoot at.
- Adjustments
Whether a beginner or pro, you cannot opt for a product that is likely to give you difficulties in the field. Your scope should allow easy adjustments. This is one of the key features you must consider when you are making a choice. It makes the scope easy to use and it is easier to focus your target as well.
Best Lightweight and Compact Scopes FAQs
- What size scope do I need for 100 yards?
If you intend to shoot a pea-sized target from a distance of 100 yards, then magnification is a must. A 3-power scope is usually for most people but if you have eye problems, a 9x scope will be considerable.
- What makes a scope gather more light?
It is clear that a larger objective lens is sure to gather more light thus giving you a clear and bright picture.
- What is the best size scope for deer hunting?
Deer hunting is one of the common outdoor activities for shooting enthusiasts. For closer range situations and daylight shots, a basic 3-9×40 scope is versatile for almost all hunting operations. This is the best scope magnification for deer hunting.
- Is a bigger objective lens better?
Yes, with the same magnification. It will give better images, thanks to the greater light-gathering ability. This gives you better accuracy.
Final Thoughts
It is hard enough to choose a scope, let alone a lightweight scope. With the many scopes in the market, it is easy to get excited about the different features incorporated in each of the scopes.
Remember that some of these features are what will make your hunting experiences easier and more memorable. However, most of them will only add extra weight to your scope making it more difficult to move around with.
With consideration to your needs, it is good to go for a scope that will not add an extra burden to your luggage as you go into the wild.
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