If I remember correctly, I was about level 35 when I finished normal mode. I then proceeded to go through TVHM, just doing the main story only. When I finished, I was in the low 50's level. I then went to UVHM {which is very hard if you don't slag} . I then just did the main story quests and made it to the end. I waited till I was level 72 {cap} and went back and did some of the side mission and DLC. Everything will scale to your level so the drops you get will be at your level. If you have digi-peak, you can run what I like to call a borderlands raid and if you get through without dying, you will rank up to op1. Keep doing this till you reach rank op8. Of course whatever your rank is, that's what level your weapons will drop. I think my highest op level was op3. To get through op4 , I think I'm gonna need some help or get better. You can always reset UVHM in case you did a mission for a certain item early and you want to get a better item. Example: you did the scarlett dlc and got the pimpernil {sp?} sniper at level 65. Now you are op5 and you want that rifle thats your level. You can reset uvhm and re-do the mission and get an on level weapon. Hope this helps you.