quote:

Originally posted by oldun:
Canadaboy,
Please send your redundant 1.5-5x scope to New Zealand asap

Although I will be using the 1.5-5 as a backup scope I wouldn't consider it redundant. In fact once I get a .458 it will have a perfect home

quote:

Originally posted by mauser93:
And the voice cries out in the wilderness, again:

U.S. Optics 4x.

Good hunting.

I agree that fixed power scopes have their place. As for the US optics 4x, it doesn't seem to be available in Canada, and US export laws make make sure that it is not worth my while to try and import one privately if I wanted to. Its a shame, there are so many things your government won't let us buy from you.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
2.5-8 Leupold, which we have been using on our 2 375/404 for years.

Has anybody tried the above in the handgun version (uber long eye relief) mounted forward of the action ala "scout rifle"??

Would like to hear about your experiences!

quote:

Originally posted by Bill C:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
2.5-8 Leupold...

Agreed! Enough of everything (FOV, magnification, eye relief, adjustment), the perfect all-around scope for the .375 IMHO, especially when mounted in a quality quick-detach mount. Relatively inexpensive, light-weight, good looking, durable, easy to resell if the need arises, and a great warranty just in case. I have one on my Whitworth, which is not quite a pretty as yours!

I've used the 1.5-5x20's on multiple occasions including on a .416 and .458 Lott, but the extra magnification of the 2.5-8 compliments the versatile .375 nicely.

DITTO

I see no need for more magnification than 4 to 6x out to the maximum useful range of the .375.

So the scopes on my .375s are variables, with low end magnification of 1-1.5x and a high end of 4 or 6x.

I have Schmidt & Bender, Kahles and Swarovski scopes on mine.

I have a Leupold 1,25-4 x20 European on my 375 rifle, this is more than enough for all game from The biggest to red Duiker.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
2.5-8 Leupold, which we have been using on our 2 375/404 for years.

Second that one

Mine, a Vari X III, 2000 model with #4 reticle have seen some rough and tumble action both in Africa and in my local wilderness, and is still doing duty on my 375 Ruger.




However, the old European St by 1,5-6x42 with good glass quality might (in my opinion) be the best general big game scope ever invented

quote:

Originally posted by Hallgeir Gravrok:
I have a Leupold 1,25-4 x20 European on my 375 rifle, this is more than enough for all game from The biggest to red Duiker.

quote:

Originally posted by Arild Iversen:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
2.5-8 Leupold, which we have been using on our 2 375/404 for years.

Second that one

Mine, a Vari X III, 2000 model with #4 reticle have seen some rough and tumble action both in Africa and in my local wilderness, and is still doing duty on my 375 Ruger.




However, the old European St by 1,5-6x42 with good glass quality might (in my opinion) be the best general big game scope ever invented

Arild, both your choices are very good choices because they are quality scopes that have very good glass, however for a “ALL-AROUND” to cover all targets under all conditions the one that comes closest to meeting that criteria is the Euro 1,5-6X42mm because it can be used at the lowest power for “in close” work, and can be cranked up to six power for the long shot on small targets. I agree with you this is the one of the two you list that comes closest to being a true all-around scope for any place and Africa in particular.

The 1.25-4X20 is a fine scope that is dependable and works very well with the 375 H&H’s general job and if it has a German No4 reticle is top of the line for fast action work up close when bullet placement is a life saver. On the top end in it’s power range this scope is OK for some very long shots on normal plains game but is a little short on the long shots on the very small targets.

The thing that kill both scopes to make them a true all-around it that neither has an illuminated reticle for the last light or in deep bush low light on things like leopard or lion on bait where the shots are invariably at last light, or follow-up into thigh bush for wounded things like the very black cape Buffalo. Black reticles have a habit of disappearing on the black buffalo.
However of the two you mention I would pick the 1.5-6X42mm and if it had an illuminated reticle it would be perfect, and in that configuration it’s only draw-back is having to depend on batteries, other wise it would be my pick. This is where the 3-9X40mm Trijicon scopes get the high honors as an all-around scope for anyplace. The day illumination is fiber optic and when the light fails altogether the reticle is illuminated by tritium on the top of the post , or the apex of the cross-hair in that reticle, and doesn’t depend on batteries for anything! So is good for up close in all lighting conditions, at 9 power it is fine for the long shots also under all light conditions. If it is mounted in quick detach mounts the absolutely return to zero when removed and replaced it has little problem being top of the line for the job of all-around scope for hunting tit-mouse to mastodon under all lighting conditions!

IMO the bottom power should be as close to 1 power it can be, and the top power should never be more than 10 power. The size of the objective bell should never be larger than about 40 mm. And all scope mounted in quality quick-detach mounts so the iron sights can be used when needed!

…………………………………………End of the mindless rant!

Mac,
My 1.5-6 Kahles with ill reticule suits me. I would have considered the Trijicon but I feel the 1-4 is too low and the 3-9 is a bit too high. It's a shame they don't make a 1.5-6 or 2-7. THAT would probably be the ideal all-rounder.

quote:

Originally posted by Blacktailer:
Mac,
My 1.5-6 Kahles with ill reticule suits me. I would have considered the Trijicon but I feel the 1-4 is too low and the 3-9 is a bit too high. It's a shame they don't make a 1.5-6 or 2-7. THAT would probably be the ideal all-rounder.

I agree with you fully! A 1.5-7x40mm illum would be my pick, if Trijicon made one, but the 3-9X40 I can live with to get the no battery set-up. I have several rifles with 3-9s on them and the power is rarely turned up higher that 6 0r 7 power and I carry the rifle always set on about 3 power, and a full 90 % of my shots are on 3 power, even long shots in good light.

The scopes that are right for use on double rifles have some special draw-backs that single barreled rifle don't suffer. Weight, and highth of mount is ceritical when scoping a double rifle to avoid spoiling regulation. Most of the regulation problems folks have when mounting a scope on a double rifle are caused by total weight of scope and mounts and the scope being mounted too high. The torque changes the muzzle flip and in turn changes the regulation. single barrel rifle can tollerate almost any scope the owner can carry.
......................................................................................

I never stop wondering about this US obsession with the 3-9x40 configuration.
Combined with a fine plex reticle it might be fine for open spaces in broad daylight.

But what about all the hunting that take place in dusk and dawn, in dense woods and timber and as stated her, when black buff is the target, close up and in dense and darkish bush?

Another thing is the eye relief.
Many European quality scopes have a flimsy 2,5-3 " eye relief.
The old model S&B 1,5-6x42 as well as the Zeiss Classic have top quality glass, but will most likely draw blood on a rifle larger that 9,3x62 or 338 Winmag. (been there done that)

I also find the German #4 reticle to be the best for general big game hunting.
Many complains about the heavy bars cover to much of the target, and when used to the thin plex reticle, the bold "4 is a bit different.

But the fine center lines of the #4 seems to center the eye on target like a good ghost ring or diopter does.
Again,this is my experience, others might disagree.

The new S&B and Zeiss Victory have 90 mm / 3,5 " and that helps a lot.

I have four .375 rifles. Three have 2.5x8 Leupolds and One has 1.75x6 Leupold. All duplex. Have shot leopard at 35 yds., Zebra at 241 yds., Hippo at 130 yds, Baboon at 180 yds. Very versatile combos.