How important is low-light ability for a PG hunt? Is 3.5x low enough power? I'd like to mount my scope as low as possible on my No. 1. I'm leaning toward a Leupold VX-L 56MM 3.5X10, if for no other reason than I would like it for use on Axis and white tail in TX. Should I go with a smaller scope?

Where would you be hunting? In many of the areas I have hunted in Zim, I would prefer less on the bottom end and less size anywhere. But if you've already got the set up, use it.

JPK

What caliber are you shooting? Where will you be hunting? What kind of hunting to you expect to be doing?

Generally speaking, you will not be called upon to shoot much under low light conditions. You will also not be called on, in most instances, to take any extended shots.

If you are concerned get a 38mm or 40mm fixed power scope in 4 or 6 power and you'll be OK. If you want to splurge, get one of the Euro scopes in a fixed. It ought to work for your Texas hunting also. Kudude

I'm using a 375 H&H. I'll be hunting in Zambia. I actually only really want to get a warthog and a wildebeest -- I'm really more interested in flyfishing for tigerfish. My brother wants to get a buffalo and an eland.

I prefer a lower power on my .375 as it might be used on DG in closer quarters. I have a Swaro 1.5-6x42 on it. On my .300 I have a Swaro 2.5-10x42 and my backup scope is a S&B 3-12x42 - the 2.5-10 is the backup for my .375.

The difference in great quality scopes and good scopes can be profound and I really haven't looked at any "cheap" scopes.

JMO

I hunted the Kasonso block in Zambia years ago - most of the area was open plains which, in the wet season were swamps. Most shots were around 200 yards. I used a 4-10x50 Pecar and shot six out of eight animals with the scope set on 10 magnification.

mike

If the purpose of a scope it to see better. When hunting DG, it is all the more important to do so. Hence I can't understand why hunters put those small so called DG game scopes the minute they get to a 375 and beyond!

Not that I condone shooting with 9x at 100 yards either. I am more concerned with having good light coming thru a 42mm objective.

I also don't understand why anyone hunting elephant would want a scope on his rifle.

If money is the issue, I would spend less on the rifle and more on the scope. The Europeans have the right attitude as far as scopes go.

I have Zeiss variables on my 375 and 30-06 and frankly I don't think I have used any setting other than 4x. If I didn't have so much invested in them I would use a fixed power scope

IMO, the Leupold VXIII 2.5x8 is the perfect scope for PG and DG hunting on your 375H&H. Most of your hunting is in bright sunlight, so a large ojective is not required.

I like the 1.5x5x20mm Leupold for my 375H&H. have found it adequate for any longer range I'm going to shoot and also good for the close shots, which happen often in the thick stuff.

My favorite is the 1.1x4x30mm Swarovski or S&B. I have the Swarovski.

If I could live with a bigger objective bell, which I really dislike for a rifle carried over the shoulder, I'd think the Swarovski or S&B 1.5x6x42mm would be ideal. Or for less money, the Leupold 1.75x6x?.

I'd definitely give on the upper end to get more feild of view on the lower end.

JPK