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Scope weight: light vs heavy?

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Optics Apprentice
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    Posted: April/23/2009 at 07:34
Which is more subject to the effects of recoil?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 07:57
No real clear cut and dried answer here , because some scopes are intentionally built heavy to withstand recoil shock better. Some others are just plain heavy,  but no tougher than some good lightweight scopes.
A heavy scope  always puts more stress on the mounting system than a light one does, all else being the same.  Simple physics.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 08:34
Consider the weight of the scope AND the weight of the rifle. 

1/2 mass x (velocity x velocity):  Lord Kelvin was right.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 08:46

Exactly. This is the reason that with what might called "conventional" scopes, the smaller, lighter scopes tend to be more recoil-resistant, especially fixed-power scopes.

The really heavy-duty "tactical" type scopes such as Nightforce and others are also very recoil resistant, but keeping them connected to the rifle precisely also requires heavier-duty mounts, as RONK pointed out.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pass-thru Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 09:12
Ok, so how does a standard Zeiss match up to a Leupold in this regard?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 09:22
Twenty years ago I would have definitely given the edge to Leupold, but today's Zeisses are a lot tougher than they used to be. What sort of rifle are you planning to put it on?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 10:00
I've seen a Conquest die, I have sen MANY Leupolds die, all is frame of reference.  The Conquest was on a Barrett .50cal - where it should not be.

What is the rifle?
What is the caliber?
What is the "need" and the want - and thee are usually quite different.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jetwrnch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 10:10
Sir Isaac Newton I believe once said "a body at rest tends to stay at rest." Point being as the rifle recoils the scope wants to stay where it is. The heavier the scope is the more it wants to argue and not move. The scope mounts and ring friction have to resist this and force the scope to comply. A light weight scope puts up less of a fight. The same applies for each internal part of the scope. A heavy lense will want to stay put as the scope moves. In this case rifle weight is your friend as it also wants to stay put as the bullet moves forward. The heavier the rifle is the less force that is applied to the scope, mounts, lense, 'et all. Scope longevity is determined not only by manufacturer but by bullet weight, rifle weight, and velocity of said bullet. The worst combination is an ultra light rifle of large caliber with a heavy scope. Doesn't do your shoulder much good either :)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pass-thru Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 11:25
 
 
Model 70 Winchester, about 30 years old......not entirely sure how well the rifle shoots as I've not had much range time with it.  If it shoots tight groups I'd like to put good scope on it that will last a lifetime.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 11:32
Originally posted by jetwrnch jetwrnch wrote:

Sir Isaac Newton I believe once said "a body at rest tends to stay at rest." Point being as the rifle recoils the scope wants to stay where it is. The heavier the scope is the more it wants to argue and not move. The scope mounts and ring friction have to resist this and force the scope to comply. A light weight scope puts up less of a fight. The same applies for each internal part of the scope. A heavy lense will want to stay put as the scope moves. In this case rifle weight is your friend as it also wants to stay put as the bullet moves forward. The heavier the rifle is the less force that is applied to the scope, mounts, lense, 'et all. Scope longevity is determined not only by manufacturer but by bullet weight, rifle weight, and velocity of said bullet. The worst combination is an ultra light rifle of large caliber with a heavy scope. Doesn't do your shoulder much good either :)
 
 VERY well stated!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 11:37
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We need to know the chambering of the rifle, not just the brand.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pass-thru Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 11:45
It's a .30-06. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 12:22

Either a Leupold or Zeiss should hold up pretty much forever on a .30-06.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pass-thru Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 12:26
Thank you sir for the information.  I'm always very impressed with the knowledge of the posters on this forum and their willingness to share it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 12:40
Originally posted by John Barsness John Barsness wrote:

Either a Leupold or Zeiss should hold up pretty much forever on a .30-06.



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Squeeze Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 15:29
Regardless of a cartridge`s recoil, I prefer a lighter scope. There are many ways to offset heavier felt recoil on the bench without adding more overall weight to a hunting rifle by adding a heavier scope.
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 17:54
Except for the Super Sniper I have never held a scope that was heavy enough to matter, un less it was going on a really light 5.5# or 6.5# rifle, for hunting sheep?

Edited by rifle looney - April/23/2009 at 17:55
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/23/2009 at 21:00
I have some heavy scopes, best to buy really good mounts, else they do tend to move on recoil.
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