If you’ve been a long-time hunter, for now, you must know that rifle scopes with a heavyweight and a bulky exterior are much of a hassle when it comes to your mobility.
In addition, scopes of the said properties tend to slow you down and eventually cause you to achieve less every hunting trip you make.
That’s why, here in this article, we’ll discuss the 10 best lightweight & compact rifle scopes that you may buy from the stores and markets these days.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
With scopes of lightweight and very compact size, your mobility will be improved, and you’ll hunt down more target animals in just a shorter span of time.
In addition, some benefits of having the best lightweight & compact rifle scopes do not only focus on the mobility because these scopes are also made with features that will improve the skills you’ve as a shooter.
So, without further ado, here are the best lightweight & compact rifle scopes that you may find in the stores and markets these days.
Table: 10 Best Lightweight & Compact Rifle Scopes
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10 Best Lightweight & Compact Scopes in 2021 - Reviewed
1. Vortex Optics Razor HD LH Riflescopes
Throughout the years, Vortex has been supplying the world with high-quality scopes known to have the best optics. This specific product is built to be very light in weight and very sleek in design too. In fact, it weighs just .57 kilograms.
Tactical shooters worldwide prefer the use of Vortex Optics Razor HD scope since its design seems to bring convenience and comfortability.
When it comes to having reliable features and a solid build, this scope is one of the best lightweight scope that you must check out for your rifles. This scope provides a magnification that ranges from 1.5x to 8x.
Material
Aluminum
Magnification
1.5x - 8x
Dimensions
4 x 4 x 12 inches
Weight
1.2 Pounds
Objective lens
32 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Forgiving Eye Box
This scope is engineered to have a high-forgiving eye box and a very generous eye relief, both known to ensure that the reticle stays crisp and sharp all the time. It will lead to a rapid target acquisition; thus, more can be done and targeted in less time than usual.
Armortek Coatings and Anodized Finish
This scope’s Armortek coating protects its lenses from being scratch or penetrated by harmful elements such as oil and dirt. Its anodized finish is the one that protects the tube and gives it the strength and the durability that it needs to withstand every condition that might happen on the shooting grounds.
Water Proof and Fog Proof Construction
With strong O-ring sealing and argon purging, this scope will guarantee you a waterproof and fog-proof performance so that you will be able to experience in every weather condition.
Pros
- Impressive glass quality
- Clean and crisp reticles
- No mount is required
- Soft adjustment knobs with easy click
Cons
- Parallax slipping may occur
2. UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope
This 1-inch tube scope has become one of the top picks by hunters and shooters. This scope is the most top-rated lightweight and compact rifle scopes that you may find on market to back that claim up.
It only weighs 0.87 pounds, and it comes with included 2-inch sunshade, high-quality flip-open lens caps, and some quick detachable rings.
It also has a red or green illumination option for its reticle to maximize the versatility it brings. With this scope’s way of construction, you will be able to use under any weather condition that you might unexpectedly encounter in the shooting grounds.
Material
Aluminum
Magnification
3-9x
Dimensions
9.84 x 3.35 x 3.94 in
Weight
13.76 Ounces
Objective lens
32 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Waterproof and Fog-proof Construction
This scope has a nitrogen filling that prevents fogging from taking place, even when there are sudden rises and drops in the ambient temperature. In addition, this scope also has an o-ring sealing that makes it waterproof in construction. Through these two features, you will be able to enjoy using a scope that does not give you worries every time any adverse situation happens.
Emerald Coating
With this unique coating that UTG has designed for this scope, the optimal transmission of light will happen; thus, providing better sight pictures of high quality. High quality means that the sight pictures are brighter, clearer, and more pleasing to look at. With this feature, this scope can be used for both bright and low-light situations.
For complete details, refer our UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope Review.
Pros
- Good looking with lot of features
- Easy installation
- Best scope for 50 yards
- Decent parallax adjustment
Cons
- Does not holds zero
3. Simmons .22 Mag Rimfire Riflescope
For a compact and lightweight scope that can be both used for tactical and hunting applications, this is the scope that you must consider buying for your use.
Simmons Optics is a brand that was established in the year 1983. Since then, they’ve been providing rifle scopes, binoculars, and other hunting needs.
This scope is one of the best .22Mag scopes, that has a gorgeous silver matte finish. Aesthetics aside, this matte finish also repels corrosion and scratches from taking place on the surfaces of this scope. This scope only weighs 1 pound.
Material
Optical glass
Magnification
3-9x
Eye Relief
3.75 inches
Weight
16 Ounces
Objective lens
32 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Sure-Grip Rubber Surfaces
For making some adjustments for any shooting condition, this scope has a rubber surface that will ensure a sure-grip experience for you. Through this feature, you will have easy adjustments that can be made throughout your hunting trips. With this feature, this scope is made suitable for almost all outdoor pursuits that you want to do with it.
Fully Coated Optics
To ensure that bright and sharp images will be delivered, this scope is designed to have optics that will do that. Its fully coated optics is very high quality and its optical glass is the same. In addition, this rimfire riflescope is enhanced with hydro shield coating too for the lenses to provide a very clear sight picture no matter what the condition or weather in the shooting ground is.
Read Also: Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope Review
Pros
- Best cheap riflescope
- Sharp and precise images
- Durable construction
- Easy adjustments to zero in
Cons
- Some issues with reticle
4. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope
It is one of best the lightweight scopes that can be seen on this list; it only weighs 0.78 pounds, to be exact. This scope has a very elegant and sleek design.
With its small and portable design, this scope’s construction is meant to last longer than you think it can. This scope has a total length of 11.5 inches only; thus, making it very easy to carry and operate.
Besides being light in weight and compact, this scope is also flexible since it can be mounted easily and easy to use for both amateurs and professionals.
Material
Plastic
Magnification
6-18x
Dimensions
17.7 x 2.9 x 2.4 in
Weight
1.1 pounds
Objective lens
50 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Large Objective Lens
The objective lens size of this scope permits the entrance of light through the lens’s glass to provide the brightness that you are going to need when shooting.
DDB Multi Coated Lenses
This scope’s multi-coated lenses are enhanced with properties that make it very useful when you are shooting at dusk or dawn. You will have no problem with this scope’s performance even at night since it will perform and deliver the brightness that you need.
Magnification Option
The magnification of this scope starts from 3x and has a maximum of 9x. Through this range of magnification, you will do close-range to long-range types of activities in the shooting grounds without having any problems with your accuracy.
Pros
- Multi-coated lenses
- Superior image clarity
- Ideal for amateurs and professionals
- Works great even in low light conditions
Cons
- Little bigger
5. Aim Sports 4X32 Compact Rangefinder Scope
Weighing is only 0.68 pounds; this scope is among the best lightweight and compact rifle scopes. In fact, it is one of the most top-rated scopes in market.
Moreover, it is the most aesthetic looking on this list, and it has proven enough that it is indeed very reliable in providing sight pictures of clear and high quality.
This scope has a total length of only 7.75 inches. In addition, it has a diameter of 32 millimeters for its objective lens, while its magnification is 4x. With that magnification, you will be able to maximize its use in mid-range battles, hunting, and competition.
Compatible devices
Rifle, Handgun
Magnification
4x
Dimensions
9.75 x 3 x 2.75 in
Weight
10.88 Ounces
Objective lens
32 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Versatility
This scope is very great compatible equipment for different types of rifles since it is a rifle scope. Due to this scope’s versatility, it is surprisingly compatible with some types of crossbows. With a scope like this one, you can use it for a wide variety of firearms and other weapons.
Ruggedly Designed and Built
This scope is built with tough materials that make it very durable and give it the capability of enduring different weather conditions that might take place in the shooting grounds. It is proven to last for so many years without showing any deterioration in its performance and durability.
Pros
- Extremely weatherproof
- Superior light transmission
- Larger eye relief
- Soft adjustment knobs with easy click
Cons
- Images can be blurry for long distance objects
6. Nikon ProStaff 2-7 x 32 Black Matte Riflescope
With an eye relief of 3.8 inches, this scope can be considered generous already when it comes to eye relief. With that eye relief, your safety is enhanced against powerful recoils.
If you are a hunter or a shooter who wants to achieve clearer sight pictures using a common crosshair, this scope’s Nikoplex reticle will do that for you. In addition, this scope comes with an objective lens that has a dimension of 32 millimeters in diameter.
Material
Aluminum
Magnification
2-7x
Dimensions
12.4 x 1.5 x 1.5 in
Weight
4.96 Ounces
Objective lens
32 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Spot-On Ballistic Match Technology
This feature helps the shooters and hunters discover precise and accurate aiming points shown on the reticle at varying yardages. This feature will ensure that you have the precision you need for your hunting trips. It also will make you confident that your shots will always be spot-on.
Fully Multi Coated Optics
Experience up to 98% of light transmission with this scope’s fully multi-coated optics. You will undoubtedly experience no problem at all when you use this scope at conditions where the amount of light is very little since this type of optics will help you see sight pictures that are bright and sharp.
Fog Proof and Water Proof Construction
This scope has an o-ring sealing and a nitrogen filling too. With those constructions, this scope is made very reliable in conditions that seem to be adverse. Even when a downpour of rain happens or a sudden drop or rise in the temperature, water and fog will not be allowed to prevent this scope from performing well.
Pros
- Anti-reflective coatings
- Quick target acquisition
- Compact design
- Waterproof & fogproof
Cons
- Takes some time to start its operation
7. NcStar 4X20 Compact Air Scope
This scope is one of the most affordable and lightweight scope on this list. In fact, it only weighs 0.2 pounds. It has a magnification that stays at 4x. It is compatible with many firearms, but it works best with rifles and air guns.
It has a total length of 7.88 inches, and it has a matte black finish that does not easily get scratched and corroded. It is one of the top choices that hunters and shooters consider since it provides many great features.
Compatible devices
Rifle
Magnification
4x
Dimensions
9.13 x 2 x 1.5 in
Weight
3.2 Ounces
Objective lens
20 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Multi Coated Lenses
The multi-coated lenses of this scope will provide bright and crisp sight pictures of the shooting grounds. This scope will provide the light transmission; thus, it can be used for different conditions, even the ones with very little light.
Versatility
It can be used for many purposes, whether for hunting or tactical applications, even for target shooting, and still expect it to perform really well. This scope has proven its versatility with a lot of uses that it can serve for.
Magnification
This scope’s magnification will give you the accuracy and precision you need when you are doing close-range shots and mid-range shots. This magnification can be very beneficial to those who practice activities that do not involve long-range shooting.
Pros
- Great accuracy
- Easy to use and operate
- Highly reliable and durable
- Includes lens cover
Cons
- Short eye relief
8. Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 Ballistic Turret Plex Reticle Riflescope
If you are into a simple and minimal scope in design, this scope is the one that you must consider. This lightweight and compact scope has a very solid design, and it has some amazing mechanical adjustments.
It is known for its convenience since it does bring any difficulty when you mount it on any rifle type. This scope can, indeed, compete with the leading brands that also manufacture scopes.
Brand
Swarovski
Magnification
3.5-18x
Dimensions
18 x 4 x 4 inches
Weight
1.5 pounds
Objective lens
44 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Magnification Option
The magnification range of this scope will let you do a lot of types of activities. From close range to mid-range and for up to long-range types of activities, you will be able to do with this scope. In addition, you will not have any problem with accuracy for all those types of activities because this scope has got your back with that.
Water Proof Construction
When you accidentally drop this scope and get submerged in shallow waters, you don’t have to worry about it being destroyed. In fact, this scope can endure being submerged in water at a depth of 4 inches. This scope can endure the force per surface area that the water might subject to it.
Fluoride-Containing Lenses
This scope can eliminate color aberrations with this type of optics that it has. In addition, the maximum possible color fidelity will be provided by this scope to enhance the resolution and the contrast of the sight pictures you are viewing.
Pros
- Sturdy design with adjustment
- Waterproof up to 4 meters
- Includes locking mechanism
- HD clarity images
Cons
- Not that light
9. Leupold VX-1 2-7x33mm Compact Riflescope
Another top recommendation by many hunters and shooters is this Leupold’s VX-1 2-7x 33mm scope. With this scope, you will experience an enhanced shooting capability and more enjoyable hunting trips. This scope is widely known for its versatility since it has proven its usefulness in various situations.
The magnification of this scope is one of the factors that make it versatile since it lets you switch from some bigger sigh pictures to some finer details—this scope weighs 9.9 ounces. In addition, its compact size is just 11.13 inches for a total length.
Material
Aluminum
Magnification
2-7x
Dimensions
5 x 5 x 5 inches
Weight
9.92 Ounces
Objective lens
33 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Ruggedly Designed and Built
Built from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum, it just proves that this scope is truly light in weight. This specific material is proven to be durable despite the lightweight it has. Scopes made from this material have proven to last long, even when used for some tough purposes in the shooting grounds. In addition, this scope has a matte finish that will resist scratches and rust from taking place on its surfaces.
Fast Focus Eyepiece
A fast focus eyepiece will help you acquire targets faster than the usual scopes that do not have fast focus eyepiece. With a rapid target acquisition added on your capabilities, you will be able to hunt down fast-moving targets and animals in the wild without exerting too much effort.
Pros
- Extreme clarity
- Durable construction
- Longer eye relief
- Bikini style lens cover
Cons
- May find fault with cross hairs
10. CVLIFE 3-9x40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
Another top-rated lightweight and compact scope on market is this scope. It has a total length of 12.20 inches.
With this scope’s design, you can rely both on its interior and also it’s exterior. This shock-proof scope will surely provide you with better adjustments for your windage and elevation.
When you buy this scope, it includes some freebies—20-millimeter free mounts, an Allen key and a lens cover. It is made from aluminum; thus, making it very light in weight.
Compatible devices
Rifle
Magnification
3-9x
Dimensions
13.6 x 3.2 x 3.1 in
Weight
1.15 Pounds
Objective lens
40 mm
This compact and lightweight rifle scope is best known for its
Magnification Option
The magnification of this scope starts from 3x and extends up to 9x; there are several activities that you will be allowed to do. You will undoubtedly experience having accurate and precise shots from a variety of close-range shooting to activities that require long-range shots.
Fully Multi Coated Lenses
This scope’s fully multi-coated lenses can be expected to deliver 95% transmission of light and 300% of the available visual light spectrum. With these benefits, this scope can provide color contrast and accuracy for better sight pictures. These lenses are enhanced with scratch-resistant coatings that protect the outside lenses from being scratched or destroyed by oil and dirt.
Large Objective Lens
With an objective lens of 40 millimeters in diameter, this scope can provide the adequate entrance of light for you to see bright and sharp sight pictures.
Pros
- Best Compact scope
- Smart optics providing sharp images
- 20mm free mounts
- Accurate windage adjustment
Cons
- Found fault with the lens
Factors to be Considered When Buying a Best Lightweight Scope
When buying a lightweight and compact scope, it is important that you consider the quality and the features that it has. Besides improving your mobility with its weight and size, there are still some factors that must be considered to ensure that the scope will perform well and be functional in the field. These important factors include:
Reliability and Durability
One of the most important factors that must be considered when buying lightweight and compact scopes is the durability. Since lightweight and compact scopes tend to be more fragile, it is truly important that you check the quality of materials used for building it.
Another factor that should not be compromised is its reliability. A good scope will never sacrifice its reliability for just a design that is lightweight and compact. Overall, a high-quality scope must try to be balanced in durability, reliability, and physical design.
Magnification Option
If you might have noticed by now, the types of shots you can do depend on magnifying the scope you are using. For example, close-range shots can be done with scopes that are just focused on providing low magnification options.
Otherwise, if long-range shots are required, you will need a scope with a high magnification option. So, to have an unstoppable accuracy, pick a scope that will aid you with your shooting needs and not just any scope that you want to use for some other and unimportant reasons.
Price Range
When buying a scope, price is always something that you’ve to consider. If you are a budget-conscious shooter, you must know the importance of every dollar you will spend on a rifle scope.
You must ensure that your buying scope is worth it and will give you the better experience you have paid for. You can also buy scopes now that are sold for a very low amount but can compete with the ones that are considered high-end, especially for lightweight and compacts scopes.
Spending is a means of some practical decision-making skills; that’s why you’ve to be smart in choosing since you will not pick the best scopes if you just buy scopes that are not reasonably priced.
Lens Quality
As mentioned earlier, scopes of lightweight and compact size are expected to improve hunters’ and shooters’ mobility. Some scopes are designed that way tend to compromise the quality of their lenses; thus, performing less than other scopes.
Considering that factor, you must look for scopes that still have high-quality lenses and optics, even when they have very light weights and compact sizes. A good scope has everything that you are going to need for hunting.
Meaning to say, it does not just improve your mobility as a hunter. It also gives you the accuracy and precision by providing the brightest, the clearest, and the highest quality of sight pictures.
With that said, never compromise the quality of lenses of the scope you are buying for you just to get a light in weight and compact in size. Both mobility and quality must be present. Look for a scope that will give you both.
Bottom Line
The scopes mentioned above are indeed the best lightweight and compact rifle scopes that you may buy for your rifles. By these scopes, you can get the assurance of having improved precision and accuracy.
By now, you must have understood the importance of having a lightweight and compact rifle scope when it comes to mobility. But it is also important for you to consider the factors that it possesses since the performance of the scope will still depend on these features and factors.
Keep in mind that a scope with a very lightweight and compact size is very convenient, especially for long hunting trips. In addition, they will not cause you to be tired easily since you will not even notice that you are carrying them all the way.
Be sure that you consider buying these best lightweight and compact rifle scopes for your rifles with all that has been said. Surely, they will give you better experiences when it comes to your shooting.
We hope that this article has somehow helped you decide what to buy, how to choose a riflescope, and what factors to consider before buying a lightweight and compact scope.