Scope Recommendations for Ruger American .270

[Jackaroo99]

Hi guys, looking for a lightweight and reliable scope to put on my Ruger American .270. Budget is around $500. I don't shoot beyond 300 or so yards in the field. Trying to stay fairly light as this is my backcountry gun that takes a beating. Have Leupold on my other guns but interested to see what people who have more knowledge than myself here prefer. Thanks

 

[Tmac]

Light weight, max range 300, so no dialing, a Leupold 2-7x33 comes to mind.

 

[DoubleDown]

VX 3-9x40 Zero Lock. I’m true believe that modern hunter should able to harvest animal 1/4 mile away.

 

[Jackaroo99]

I have heard a lot of positive things about SWFA SS scopes. Anybody have experience with both Leupold and SWFA?

 

[Tmac]

I have heard a lot of positive things about SWFA SS scopes. Anybody have experience with both Leupold and SWFA?

I have some of each. But my SWFA’s are not lightweight to 300 yand tools, they were bought with a different purpose in mind. So are heavier higher powered tools that can take repeated dialing. Several of my Leupolds are lightweight to 400 yard tools with no dialing done. I’ve put them through hard use on many hunts and so far so good.

SWFA does make an ultralight 2.5-10x32 SS, 10 ish ounces I believe. I don’t know anything about it, but if built to NATO standards like some of their others, it would be close to bullet proof. I am sure someone here will know if it’s made to those standards. Their 3-9x42 SS HD is 19 oz, fairly heavy imo. My bigger SWFA’s are working perfectly so far and what I consider fairly heavy.

 

[30338]

I'd grab a 6x SS for that rifle and never look back. Buy some solid rings and bases and you're set. I shoot just about Rem 700s only and use Seekins rails and rings typically. Not sure what the Ruger needs in regards to rings and rails or bases.

 

[kcm2]

The 2.5x8 Leupold fits your requirements about as well as anything.

 

[6mm Remington]

The 2.5x8 Leupold fits your requirements about as well as anything.

Perfect scope I agree! A 6x36mm fixed power Leupold would also be a good scope to choose.

 

[CentralFLMike]

Meopta Meopro 3-9x40 Z Plex; you'll still have plenty left over for ammo.

 

[TxxAgg]

Meopta Meopro 3-9x40 Z Plex; you'll still have plenty left over for ammo.

These are really nice scopes!

 

[gearjunkie]

300 yards with a 270? Zero at 200 get a SWFA. I have not hunted with mine yet but despite the small size I find mine very easy get behind. I hunt with a ruger american 7mm-08 in the compact model I love it it is like carrying a large pistol through the woods. I fashioned a clip on my belt and used zip ties around the scope mounts. This way when I glass I simply "holster" the rifle on my hip works awesome!

 

[TxxAgg]

A meopta fixed 6x42 would be great also

 

[Tmac]

What’s the NATO standard?

No idea. But they mention it in their marketing material about some scopes. Presumably some tests that relate to ruggedness, function I’d guess. Seemed to me the ones where that was noted were heavier.