Help me find a scope for my 30-30?

[Northslope Nimrod]

(Yes I must have a scope on my levergun)

Here is what I want:
1. Great eye relief
2. Variable power (2-7 or 3x9)
3. 40mm objective
4. Small or atleast light weight (shooting for 10 to 11 oz)

Leupold has one that would fit the bill but it is a 33mm objective.
I've checked Bushnell and Nikon and can't find any either.
All of the light weight scopes are 2-7. But all the 2-7 scopes have small objectives.

 

[Dr. A]

I've used the Leupold 2-7X VX1, rifleman, and VX2 on at least 8 different levers, and they are great. They also are smaller, so not to completely loose the balance to the gun. The 40mm objectives are nice, but in my opinion, just don't fit on a levergun. The best close range scope in my book is the Leupold 1-4X. Very small, its great for close in and as far as you really need to see. The larger objectives are going to get you away from mounting with low or medium rings. They are nearly necessary to be used on a levergun because of the style of the stock. You would have no support from the stock at all with a larger objective lens. Your head would be more nearly straight up.

 

[B.D. Turner]

I have had good luck with Bushnell and Tasco 3-9x40mm scopes. Cheap but they work well.

 

[BT100]

Try looking at a Weaver V7. 2.5x7x32. I just mounted one on my 1894 and it is great for the money.

 

[ArmedBear]

Remember: the size of the desirable objective is a function of the power.

You don't need a 40mm objective to get adequate light gathering in a 2-7x scope. AFAIK a 32mm objective on a 2-7x will perform about the same as a 40mm on a 3-9x. It will weigh less, and you can mount it lower, which is another plus on a lever gun with a standard stock.

With a lever gun, I'd prioritize light weight. You don't need a big scope on a rifle that is at its best out to 200 yards or so. It's a liability, not an asset, since a lever gun is made to be quick and convenient.

A fixed scope might also be a good choice. It should weigh less and have better light transmission. A 4x scope, set for +/- 3" out to 200+ hards, will eliminate complexity and allow you to shoot quickly and effectively, as a lever gun is meant to. Nothing to fiddle with, nothing to over-think, just put the crosshairs where you want them, and shoot.