Low-Power Rifle Scopes

[HenryFan]

It appears to me that if someone wants to buy a quality, low-power rifle scope in these current times, that someone may find frustration.

Since I hunt at short ranges, never more than 100 yards, usually 50 yards or less, I prefer a low-power scope. A 2.5X, a 3X or a 4X fixed power scope is my preference but they just can't be found these days, at least not new, and not manufactured by the brands I prefer, most always Leupold.

I guess I am in the minority since the obvious preference is for high-power variable scopes with electronics and high-tech gizmos I just don't want.

I know that low-power variable optics are available but again, I don't need them but I have a few because I can't find what I prefer.

A year or two ago, when Ruger announced that the Marlin line of 336 lever action rifles would return to production, I sent Leupold an email suggesting they reintroduce a line of 4X fixed-power scope with a gloss finish to complement classic lever action rifles. I opined they would sell well but I never received a reply. I guess that South Carolina may be too far from Oregon for an email to get there.

I am always on the lookout for a quality low-power scope at a gun show but they seem to be rare.

I wonder if you folks bought them all.

[North Country Gal]

I wish. Anytime I walk in the door at a gun show with a gloss Leupold in my hand, I rarely get more than 50 feet before an offer to buy.

I still like fixed power scopes, too. One advantage of a fixed power scope that people overlook is the wider field of view at the same power, compared to a variable. They're lighter, too. I recently found a Leupold 2.5x Scout scope, but it's matte, not gloss. The scope only weighs 7 ounces, which is similar to a lot of tube red dots.

[HenryFan]

North Country Gal -

I'm not surprised about offers made to you to buy a gloss-finished scope. I know Leupold doesn't offer such now and I am not aware of other quality manufacturers who do.

I recently called Leupold and asked about the Leupold 2.5X20 lightweight scope and was advised they are no longer in production. Even though they are listed in Leupold's on-line catalog.

I think the only fixed-power scope Leupold currently offers is a 4X rimfire scope but that may be history too for all I know.

Some time back, Zeiss made a 4X fixed power scope (at least I remember such) but Zeiss discontinued them and they are just not to be found now.

[rickhem]

I agree that for hunting, a 4x is more than sufficient, especially in woods hunting. My only beef with the older scopes is that they're big.
There are some compact airgun scopes that might work for you, except that they wont have that gold ring on the objective bell. Some rimfire scopes may work too, and the parallax is more appropriate for <100 yard shooting. Even a shotgun or crossbow scope could work, but they often have reticles that can be distracting.

[North Country Gal]

Much as I hate to say it, I have to assume that Leupold dropping gloss scopes is likely a matter of sales and that likely coincides with shooters going more and more to matte finished rifles. Matte is in, I guess.

[Rifletom]

Check Hawke scopes. They have 3-4 fixed 4x scopes. Vantage series.

[John M]

A 4x Leupold is all I need on my 6.5.

20220814_170231.jpg

20220814_104532.jpg

[Sir Henry]

A 4x Leupold is all I need on my 6.5.

20220814_170231.jpg

20220814_104532.jpg

Beautiful rifle and scope. What lake is that?

[HenryFan]

Rifletom -

Good information. Thanks

[John M]

Photo taken on the hill above the western shore and just south of the settlement on Lake Okareka which is one of the Rotorua lakes.

[daytime dave]

Photo taken on the hill above the western shore and just south of the settlement on Lake Okareka which is one of the Rotorua lakes.

Beautiful lake and wonderful photograph.

[bandit1250]

Henryfan, How many Leupold fixed 4 X gloss finish scopes do you need? I have probably eight M-8 4X gloss scopes right now and 5 are still on the shelf with each one in a sock to protect them waiting to go on a rifle. I buy every M-8 gloss finish Leupold I can find in really nice condition. They are usually a bargain because few people want a fixed power gloss finished scope. I have a preference for the strait 6X gloss but there are less of them for sale. The fixed 7.5 AO and the fixed 8X AO are the ones I look for at every gun shop and shows. I have found some but turn them down if they have ring marks or scratched lenses. For my varmint rifles/target shooters I have four M-8 gloss finished 12X on them. Guess I am old school and stick with the scopes that have never given me a problem in the years I have been addicted to using straight powered Leupolds. The variable scopes to me are just what they are called. "Variable"

[HenryFan]

Bandit -

I appreciate the consideration but at the moment, I don't need one. I thought I had an opportunity to buy a Ruger 77/44 carbine but that fell thru'. Not too much later, I stumbled onto a like-new-in-the-box Ruger 77/22 full stock in .22WRM at a local gun show and fortunately, I had a Leupold FXI 4X28 rimfire scope in the safe to put on it. I have always been a fan of full-stock rifles and I left the gun show with the rifle but without my scalp.

My quest for a Ruger 77/44 is on hold at this time until my financial situation improves. It may be a slow recovery.

[Redthies]

A 4x Leupold is all I need on my 6.5.

20220814_170231.jpg

20220814_104532.jpg

How old are your eyes John? My vision is pretty good, but I would struggle with 4x at distances beyond 100 I think. At least for ethical hunting I would.

[John M]

My eyes are 72 and some days the other bits feel older.

[John M]

I can just get by with iron sights under 100yds and in good light.

113 yds too far for ethical shot.

20240330_175003.jpg

57 yds no problem.

20240406_180005.jpg

[Redthies]

What are you shooting there? .375?

Beautiful deer! I’m good to go with iron for targets, but I only have rifles and shotguns for hunting now, so almost all are scoped aside from my antiques and muzzle loader.

[John M]

450x3.25"bpe with a nitro for black load ,Woodleigh
350gr rn

20230608_123327.jpg

[Hatchdog]

A 4x Leupold is all I need on my 6.5.

20220814_170231.jpg

20220814_104532.jpg

How old are your eyes John? My vision is pretty good, but I would struggle with 4x at distances beyond 100 I think. At least for ethical hunting I would.

I was thinking the same thing. That group at 165 yards with a 4x is very impressive for sure.

[John M]

All my target shooting is done with an oil skin coat rolled up for a rest. The factory loads shot on the same day were a bit high and left the black square was the point of aim.

20220814_110808.jpg

I am lucky to have some very accurate rifles in my collection, another is a BSA Hunter .222 Rem with Leopold 4x M8 scope.

20181218_112806.jpg

Head shot 110yds.

20181219_071455.jpg