Brand new member from Spokane, WA preparing for my first African adventure (buffalo) and was made aware of this forum through the Alaska Outdoors Directory. Can not tell you what an amazing resource this is! So much to learn...

Sorting out my rifle now and need to get a gear question out of the way in order to focus on the fundamentals of handling a rifle for dangerous game and developing my skills in becoming proficient with it under all conditions.

I recently purchased a Ruger 375 Alaskan and need a scope for it (plan on mounting in Talley QD rings). Have read great things about the Leupold 1.5-5, 1.75-6 and 2.5-8. Have also read great things about the Trijicons. Very interested in the Trijicons actually. Like the triangle illuminated dot for quick target acquisition and the low light application. The Trijicon is about the top end of my budget.

Recommendations?

I'd get the trijicon.

6 power is plenty. In fact, 4 is plenty. They have a 1-4 in the 30mm model that I really like.

First off, welcome to AR.
I used a Leupold 1.5x6 VX7 as my primary scope & a Trijicon 3x9 as a back up. Also used Talley QD rings.
I always take 2 scopes with me, I figure I am more likely to have an issue with my optics than my rifle.
Of the scopes you mentioned, any will work just fine.
Have fun planning your trip.

Both good scopes, but I too prefer the Trijicon.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Both good scopes, but I too prefer the Trijicon.

Get out! Really?

Actually, I do as well.

Thank you very much for the replies!

Which reticle is preferred on the Trijicon?

I prefer the green dot w/crosshairs over the triangle.

The triangle can be used with just as much precision, I feel, but is harder for me to adjust to.

And I personally can see the green much better than the amber.

Trijicon-

-I use the green triangle--worked on 3 of the big 5 and some assorted pains game last fall.

Trijicon!! No contest.

I have one (1.25x4) with the red triangle. It's a great system but realize you'll tend to shoot high by placing the entire triangle on the POA. A little experience with it and you'll settle right in.

I have two (3x9's) with the heavy duplex and center illuminated amber dot. They are great as well.

My next one will be the 1x4 with the green dot.

Used a 1 X 4 and a 3 X 9 Trijicon with the dot on a lion/leopard/buffalo hunt in 2011. Thought they were both excellent scopes but make sure you get the 30mm tube and a good sized bell as the light gathering with a 25mm tube and a small bell aren't the greatest. The 3 X 9 with a 42mm bell (I beleive that is what is was) was excellent at first and last light.

I sure love my Trijicon Green dot on both my .375 and .416 Especially handy in low light.

Gator,
The answers to your questions are in the mirror. It's your hunt, your optics and your eyes. Try to get as much time as you can looking through the scopes you are considering to see which one works best for you. I have a corneal scar that causes light refraction and multiple images. An illuminated dot or triangle works up close, but not at any distance, so I like my RMR. Distance requires a fine duplex or crosshair, and higher magnification, so a 2.5x16 is best. Whatever you have the most confidence in will be your best choice.
Good luck,
Tim

I have a 2.5-10x42 Leica on my .375 H&H. Outstanding scope in all ways but I do have to admit I'm very, very tempted to pick up a Trijicon 1.1-4 with the green triangle for close up work.

PNWGator,

You bought what might be the best off the rack all around Africa rifle available today so to my mind you probably want an all around scope also. In my experience the very low range variables are not all around scopes. I personally think you need at least 6x on the upper end for cats from a blind, longer shots and threading a bullet through a small hole in the bush.

I've used 3x, 1.5x5, 1.75x6, 2.5x8, 3.5x10 in Africa and most recently a 3x9 Trijicon with the amber triangle. I like it the best of all. For some it may lacks low end FOV but I did not notice it being a problem in the thick riverine habitat hunting buffalo and it was perfect for the lion at last light plus 110 yard spine shot on a croc.

I think the 3X9 Trijicon might be the perfect mate for your 375.

Mark

Gentlemen,
Thank you all for your insight. The level of experience and willingness to share here on this board are wonderful. As a newbie I know I have a ton to learn and appreciate the insight found here on this forum. Fantastic resource!