Good Morning, AR15 crew -

I plopped my deposit down on a 300 WM Christensen Ridgeline series. Most I've ever spent on a hunting rifle.  I've used the same hunting rifle for the last 33 years and that was hand me down! The Christensen rifle is lightweight and I'm looking to keep the scope light weight as well.  Budget is $1000-$1200 max w/o rings would prefer less. I use vortex Razors on my AR and Supermatch m1A - think  those are too heavy and overkill for this application.  

Typical Hunts - WI Whitetail (Western Part of our state - bluffs and valleys) - Shots less than 300 yards.  

Give me some thoughts - The scope doesn't need to be in stock right now.  Just need to have in my hands by October.  

AFAIK, Leupold makes the lightest (least dense) scopes for size. They have great optics for their price ranges.

I'm also a fan of vortex as well.

Make sure you find something with good eye relief so you can properly cycle the bolt and shoot without punching out your eye or getting bit by it since it's a lightweight magnum.

Still figuring your max shot will be around 300yds? I don't think you really need any more than 12x, probably not more than 10x. A BDC reticle isn't really necessary as your holds shouldn't be much out to 400. I'd want capped/locked turrets, probably illuminated reticle.

The vx5-HD 2-10 seems interesting. Link to midway

Just like the guy above me, I’ll give a strong  suggestion for the Leupold VX5HD.
Best long range hunting scope on the market in my opinion. Light weight, capped and locking low profile turrets so nothing gets bumped or snagged. 5x soon range (3-15x and higher). Mil or moa reticles, awesome glass. Can’t lose. And it’s right in your price range.

appreciate it!

Also highly recommend the leupold vx5hd series - it’s everything you’re looking for and in your price range. Excellent quality glass, low profile locking turret, illuminated dot, and light weight - don’t hesitate.  I have one on my Christensen Mesa.

I love the scope, but does a happy medium exist within this model?  2-10 or 3-15?  3-15 adds an inch and 3 oz?  

I won't be able to see the scope will need to order it for sure.

I got a VX5HD 3-15 a few months ago.  LOVE IT.  

Grab 3 oz worth of sinkers in one hand and hold it over a ruler while looking at how long 1" actually is.......

If you're used to vortex, 3oz won't be noticable. It would still weigh less than a comparable vortex.

Do you honestly need 3-15 for a 3-400yd shot? I'm using 15x out to 900 on silhouettes...

IMO 10x is plenty for what you're trying to do, but I also have good eyes.

Vortex Viper PST II 3-15x would be my choice. I have one on my 6.5CM AR and take it out to 1k without issue. I have the 2-10x on a 5.56 AR and, for targets up to 700m, it couldn't be more appropriate. Also, Vortex's warranty is unbeatable.

I as well have that 3-15 and it's a pig compared to the vx5hd. Different intended uses. I only have access to 900, but it should be fine at 1k. However, I think for 1I and over, stepping up to a next level optic would be a great move. Mine seems to show it's quality past 800. Generally I view scopes as $1/yd ballpark.

While not the 2-10, I have the pst2 1-6 and it's also great for what it is, but pretty sure even that is heavier than the vx5hd.

I see OPs question as "lightweight, hunting oriented, decent glass, around $1k".

Take a look at the Burris Veracity scopes also.  I put the FFP 3-15 on my .308 and have been happy with it.  It's a few ounces heavier than the VX5 but also a few hundred bucks cheaper.  I think the glass is better than my more expensive XTR II's and definitely better than my Vortex Vipers.

Edit: forgot the Link

The weight and size difference are small enough, I wouldn’t factor them into your decision.
The 2-10 will be faster up close than the 3-15 if you ever have fast shot situations.
You said you won’t have shots farther than 300. For that the 2-10 is all you need. 3-15 isn’t needed.
Do you carry any other optics for observation or ranging? Spotting scope or rangefinder?
If not, do you identification/observation/ranging capabilities past 300? If so, I would suggest the 3-15.
But if EVERYTHING you’re looking at is 300 and in, absolutely go with the 2-10.

Thank you - Sounds like that is the best choice.