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Best scope for Field Target shooting

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Biagio26

Biagio26

Member
May 3, 2015
229
11
WA, United States
Hi guys and gals.

I like to know what you guys use for a Field Target scope? The main aim here is to find a scope that is light with fairly good magnification, and is fairly light. I shoot a Steyr LG 110 Hunter and my current scope on this rifle is a Nikko Stirling Diamond. Now I have had several other scopes on this rifle, Falcon 50, Leupold 45x45, and even a Sightron.

Now all these scopes are great for FT, but they are super heavy. 

I'm looking for a scope that has a magnification between 8 - 35 magnification, and is at least fairly light, and must have mildots

Please comment below and let me know what do you believe to be a good scope for FT

Thank you very much

Biagio 
 
Well, good luck on your search for the holy grail sir. In all seriousness there doesn't seem to be a 'light' FT scope. The next step up in march/s&b/ziess/khales scopes won't save you any weight either.

There is too much going on in a FT scope to make it light. All the gearing and cams for the AO. The multiple(and sometimes thick) lenses and large diameter for light collection and short range hinder weight savings as well. 

Also I'm on the side of heavy equipment to shoot with so I've never looked for a proper FT scope that weighs very little. Heck, my rifle as it is now weighs in at just under 15lbs.

Good luck with your search, I guess this post isn't what you are looking for. I thought I would explain for others, if not you as well why FT scopes are heavy.

Oh, one seemingly popular scope with springer shooters is the Bushnell Elite 4200. Front AO but nice and light. If you can get a used one that was made in Japan even better.
 
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Things that are a must for FT:

Ability to range accurately
A useful reticle
Ability to repeat range and elevation settings accurately.
Optics that will allow you to see the targets when in low light condition.s

I have never seen anyone using a fixed power scope for FT. Most popular scopes are Hawke Sidewinders, Optisan Vipers, Bushnell 4200, Nikko Stirlings, I suggest you check the match results on the various forums and see what equipment the shooters are using. BTW, weight is not an issue.
 
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Biagio, the Leupold comps are great scopes for FT. They are about 1lb lighter than the Nikko, Sightron, and others. I'm with you on weight...I prefer not to have extra weigh high above the gun. Many top shooters use the fixed power Leupolds. 2 of the top 3 in both WFTF and Open at the US FT Nats used fixed power Leupolds. Guys like Harold Rushton, Ken Hughes and other multi national champs use them exclusively.

If using a Leupold 35...you will likely never encounter a target that is too dark for you to see. They are very bright and offer extremely good clarity. You can also get away with a smaller sidewheel, too...like a 5" or even a 4". They do take time to learn how to range consistently...but it's not a special skill that cannot be learned. After using a Leupold 35 for some time....all other scopes will seem like you are looking through a milk jug.

Another great feature of the Leupolds is that they are not picky about where you have your eye. Scopes like the Nikko and Sightron are very fussy about eye relief. 

Brightness and clarity decrease with magnification...so the 35 is the brightest. IMO...the 45 is not the best choice for FT. I have a 35 and a 40...and love them both.

Hope that helps,

Mike

 
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I'd say if you can swing it - purchase a Schmidt &Bender FT Scope 
Developed in cooperation with German and British field shooters, the Schmidt & Bender Field Target 12.5-50x56 riflescope was specifically designed for the sport of shooting. The Field Target scope features backlash-free parallax compensation for measuring accuracy between 7-70 meters and an aesthetically pleasing silver finish to reduce heat penetrating the scope.

some of the best Glass on the planet 

CK
 
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I Know everything 😆
Well I had this Scope for a time -and it's ranging ability is fantastic -and repeatability......also the glass is great in all S&B scopes -
when it's near dark is when the Scope really shines so to speak- really doesn't matter whether your shooting metal targets or actual critters -
also the scope can be ordered in Front focal plane -making ranging magnification adjustments easier -
i had heard that some FT guys were experiencing temperature shifts - but never experienced such shifts - and in fairness have heard the same as to Sightron scopes and others ? 
At one time I was going to pursue FT but it's to much trouble to find matches in benchrest let alone FT 

CK
 
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I agree, the best light scope for FT is the competition, I´ve had two 35x comps(didm´t like the fixed mag), five 10-50 sightrons,( liked them all), but sold them to get the one I like best , my march 8-80x, but it definitely is not light :)
20150627_174139_zpsilxh6urw.jpg

20150525_191517_zpsstlogzia.jpg

20160406_015340_zpsr78lnhmb.jpg
 
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"Coldking"Beautiful looking rifle -
March Scopes are great! I've got several 8x80s and a couple 35x55X 52mm -scopes 
fantastic glass - and great dusk/dawn visual acuity ---
and the Prices have come down a bit since Kelbly passed the dealership onto Bullets.com 
cheers 
CK
Click to expand...


Thanks, it's my favorite gun.

Wow that's an impressive collection of scopes you've got, congrats !

 
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Thank you guys very much. Maybe I should see if I can get a S&B. Those have been the best there is. 

I love Leupold Scopes, but the comp scopes does not have a variable mag adjustment, too bad. I think the S & B will do well in FT. Or maybe I should just use a Hawke 8 - 32 power. Just a thought

Thank you guys very much.

This should make my choice a little easier.

Biagio
 
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Check out the Weaver brand scopes. They seem to be noticeably lighter than everyone else's for scopes with comparable features. They come in a fairly broad range of price points from low cost entry level to $1200+ higher end stuff. The turrets on some of their newer models look awesome for target shooting with color coded fixed positions etc.

Their scopes are made in Japan in the same factory as the Clearidge brand stuff. I see that as a good thing.

Not sure what you consider light but a lot of their higher power scopes come in at around 16oz which is a feather compared to some of the target scopes people buy which can be double that. 
 
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