Ladies and Gentlemen,

If your hunting sable in the Zambezi Valley, what power (on your variable scope) do you recommend?

ANSWER: THE LOWEST POWER.

Sorry, it is a trick question.

We were walking in fairly open mopane looking for sable. Due to the good rains, the grass was plentiful and about three or four feet tall. I had the scope on my .375 set on 5X power. As we are walking along, we hear some noise just to our right. A dugga boy jumps up from his nap and runs away and another jumps up and stands his ground. Both the PH and I shoulder our rifles. At 12 yards, and on 5X power, all I can see is black. I quickly adjust my scope to the lowest power. The dugga boy decides to join his friend and runs off.

Lesson learned, no matter what you are hunting at the time, if you are in dangerous game territory - always have your scope set on the lowest power. Basically, I would of had no idea where to shoot if that bull had charged while my scope was set at 5X power.

Needless to say, double check to see if your scope is set on the lowest power before going into the jesse. Also, periodically check that your safety is still engaged while in the jesse. It's not unheard of to have your safety moved into the Fire position while negotiating your way through the jesse.

Regards,

Terry

32X

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
32X

Terry's other advice about chambering each round you plan to take on your trip before you go--that's good advice. I screwed that up, but found it during sighting-in in Africa--thank goodness. If a round won't chamber,there's nothing to do but hammer your bolt back and hope the next one does chamber.

Terry: while we were in Dande, I always kept the scope on 1.5X, but then again we were just hunting buffalo. I think had I been in your situation I would have done the same thing though! jorge

Greetings,

I agree that for most, the low setting is the way to go. When tracking my Eland last month, during the thick portions my scope was at 1.5X, then back to 5X when in the open. That being said, my rifle/scope set for work is a Leupold MK IV set at a fixed 10X. I have a lot of time with this rifle/scope set-up and have shot targets at 5 yards, yes 5 yards in training, out to 800 yards. For me, this is not a problem. But the lower power is the way to go.

As for checking rounds prior to anything, I am anal in this situation. Every round that I use for duty is checked with a with a gauge and it does not go into a magazine without first being checked. Does this take time, yes, but for me it is worth every minute to make sure the gear I use is suitable for use in the field.

Just my addition.

Be safe,
493

Terry,

Ray mentioned on several occations that it is possible to just point and shoot like one does with a shotgun at short range, even with a scoped rifle. I have tried it and it does work. I think that's a better plan than to try to sight through a scope at a buff at 12 yards.

Best regards;
Brett

What scope?

2.5 X 8 Leupold

Regards,

Terry

Its amazing how far you can shoot well with a minimum of magnification.

If you need more than a minimum of magnification, you are often better off passing on the shot. If you feel you really need more, risk loosing the opportunity and go ahead and change the setting.

Following those beliefs, I think 1.25 - 2 is plenty for walking around, 2.5 would be fine too. Feild of view is more critical than seeing whitch hair you should try to cut. In the feild, you won't be able to cut that hair anyway.

My 54 New Zim $'s worth (did I get the math right?)

JPK

It's an easy answer. Fixed power 6X on a 338. Never had to change it in 21 days

Shot a steinbok and sable (and 11 various sized animals in between) and never felt over or under scoped. Shots between 15 yards and about 125.

I did have a 1.5-6 Leupold on the 416 for eland and buff (it stayed on 1.5 the whole trip), You can always turn it up, but may not have time to turn it down.


Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by T.Carr:
2.5 X 8 Leupold

Regards,

Terry

Terry,

This is the very same scope I have on my two 375/404 rifles.

And I have learnt a long time ago to keep it on 2.5 all the time we are walking. I turn it up as we approach any animal we are going to shoot - generall to about 4.

If I am shooting from a solid rest - off a rock or a tree, and at longer ranges at say an impala at over 400 yards, or a croc at over 200 yards, I turn it up all the way.

That is the time when I wish it could go to 36x as Bill is recommending

I routinly practice at 300 yards off hand. I find with a scoped rifle I shoot better at the lower power settings. And I shoot better yet with my iron peep sights. A through back from the Marine Corps rifle matches I used to shoot.

I jump shoot desert jack rabbits all the time in the cholla cactus thickets and never use the sights. Just shoot down the side of the barrle similuar to a shot gun. I hardly ever miss.

My new .404 Jeff and my trusty .375 H & H both wear a 1.75 X 6 Leopold in Warne quick detach mounts. They are ALWAYS carried on 1.75 until the need/time arises for more magnification. Even when in elk country with my 300WSM the 3 X 9 is on 3. I agree that there is usually more time to increase the power than to back it down.

Larry Sellers

It's more efficient to dial up in magnification when you can still see, rather than hastily dial down when you can't see crap

I will go a step further. NEVER carry any scope in any hunting condition in anything other than the lowest setting.

I can't tell you how sick and tired I get watching people frantically search for a game animal that leisurely strolls in to the bush while said hunter does the pee pee dance with their scopes turned up.

You always have time to turn a scope up. You seldom have time to turn one down.

Yet another reason I like hunting with good iron sights. I find that target acquisition is much faster and simpler with a good ghost ring or a set of express sights than with any scope.

Carmello,

What type of sights were you using when you shot your huge buffalo in Botswana last year? Did you ever get him back? Have you been “invited†on any more hunts based on your cool lever action rifle and the self proclaimed “fact†that you’re such a steady hand?

I agree with you SureStrike, as I mentioned much easier to dial-up than dial down.

I've never used ghost ring sites but I do like express sites.

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:
I will go a step further. NEVER carry any scope in any hunting condition in anything other than the lowest setting.

I can't tell you how sick and tired I get watching people frantically search for a game animal that leisurely strolls in to the bush while said hunter does the pee pee dance with their scopes turned up.

You always have time to turn a scope up. You seldom have time to turn one down.

Yet another reason I like hunting with good iron sights. I find that target acquisition is much faster and simpler with a good ghost ring or a set of express sights than with any scope.

Carmello,

What type of sights were you using when you shot your huge buffalo in Botswana last year? Did you ever get him back? Have you been “invited†on any more hunts based on your cool lever action rifle and the self proclaimed “fact†that you’re such a steady hand?

That huge buffalo has disappeared into thin air it seems

Saeed,

In the past, you've taken me (and others) to task for picking fights with Carmelo. I guess it OK now, huh?

JPK

I'm still trying to compute "300 yards offhand". For me that wouldn't be practice, that would be a waste of money.

Crocs at over 200 yds??? Un-wounded or wounded?

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:
I will go a step further. NEVER carry any scope in any hunting condition in anything other than the lowest setting.

I can't tell you how sick and tired I get watching people frantically search for a game animal that leisurely strolls in to the bush while said hunter does the pee pee dance with their scopes turned up.

You always have time to turn a scope up. You seldom have time to turn one down.

Yet another reason I like hunting with good iron sights. I find that target acquisition is much faster and simpler with a good ghost ring or a set of express sights than with any scope.

Carmello,

What type of sights were you using when you shot your huge buffalo in Botswana last year? Did you ever get him back? Have you been “invited†on any more hunts based on your cool lever action rifle and the self proclaimed “fact†that you’re such a steady hand?

That huge buffalo has disappeared into thin air it seems

Maybe it is posted in the super secret forum over on watersquirter.com..... loser

Honestly though, whose idea was it to let Carmello back?

I am shooting my .308, .25-06, .300 WSM and my AR-15 at 300 yards not my Lott.

The total wast of money that I see is the hoards of shooters that never lift there overweight butt off the bench and still can't hit a 24 inch plate at 300 yards. Much less hit conssistantly at 100 yards.

I can hold a very tight group at 300 yards off hand. I practice on the 12 inch by 12 inch plate with my scoped rifles. I have a harder time finding that plate in my peep sights any more.

My first Muley when I was 14 was knocked down at 365 paces across a hay feild that was going to seed. No where to take a rest! One shot and he dropped in one lunge.

I am not Mr Camp Perry but I am proficiant with my wepons... (I had better be with the thousnads of rounds I have be fourtunat enough to fire) More so than with my spelling!!

The distances that each of us chose to shoot is based on your own confidence and ability. And knowing the limitations of your equipment.

I grew up on the South Eastern plains of Colorado. Shooting long range was how my brother and I keept the gas money rolling with Coyote and fox hids.

Rifle fit is an important factor. Close your eyes, bring the rifle to your shoulder, and open them. When I do this, the crosshairs are right where I was looking. No dancing around. If your rifle fits, you can tolerate more magnification.

I tend to keep the 3-9 variable at 3X or 4X whenever I'm hunting. If I ever go DG hunting, I will have a 1X setting, though.

It is "duck soup" to shoot 1 MOA groups with 1X, and no higher magnification (if your rifle is capable). I once shot a 0.5 MOA group, witnessed, with an AR15 and iron sights, aperture rear sight, and post front sight.

As for offhand practice, 300 yard practice is not such a stretch. Camp Perry shooters compete at 200 yards in the offhand stages and, with practice, it is no trick to keep 80% of your shots in a 12" circle at 200 yards. Offhand, no sticks, no sling support.

BTW: for offhand shooting, you want the lowest magnification. Higher magnification magnifies the wobbles, producing a tendency to jerk the trigger when the crosshairs are briefly on the target.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Lottfan:
I am shooting my .308, .25-06, .300 WSM and my AR-15 at 300 yards not my Lott.

The total wast of money that I see is the hoards of shooters that never lift there overweight butt off the bench and still can't hit a 24 inch plate at 300 yards. Much less hit conssistantly at 100 yards.

I can hold a very tight group at 300 yards off hand. I practice on the 12 inch by 12 inch plate with my scoped rifles. I have a harder time finding that plate in my peep sights any more.

My first Muley when I was 14 was knocked down at 365 paces across a hay feild that was going to seed. No where to take a rest! One shot and he dropped in one lunge.

I am not Mr Camp Perry but I am proficiant with my wepons... (I had better be with the thousnads of rounds I have be fourtunat enough to fire) More so than with my spelling!!

The distances that each of us chose to shoot is based on your own confidence and ability. And knowing the limitations of your equipment.

I grew up on the South Eastern plains of Colorado. Shooting long range was how my brother and I keept the gas money rolling with Coyote and fox hids.

That's pretty good shooting, offhand in a 12 inch plate at 300 yards?
Kudo's to you.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Lottfan:
I routinly practice at 300 yards off hand. I find with a scoped rifle I shoot better at the lower power settings. And I shoot better yet with my iron peep sights. A through back from the Marine Corps rifle matches I used to shoot.

I jump shoot desert jack rabbits all the time in the cholla cactus thickets and never use the sights. Just shoot down the side of the barrle similuar to a shot gun. I hardly ever miss.

458Lottfan1

You have a wonderful sense of humour. what a card.


465H&H

terry
i have just about done the full circle with scopes...im back to the straight 4x, and i think thats where it will stay...for 95%of hunting a 4x is all you need ...and for hunting in the high alpine areas its a scope with dial up turrents and rangefinder
daniel

I don't believe even the AMU practices offhand at 300yds; of course that might just be sour grapes since if I get beyond 100yds you see me with sticks or prone: age you see; my rifle seems to wander around a bit if I hold offhand

If hunting buff or ele, the scope would be setting inside my suitcase rather than on my rifle.

500, I held back from your earlier post but it is clear that they could not see the Buff thru the Mopane! What scope is spot on. I have hunted along the Zambezi, Chewore North to be exact. At the time I had a 2.5 x 8 Leupold on my .375 H&H, never again! There was a close encounter of the dangerous kind, and once is more than enough.

308,

In Chewore South I had a lone buff bull at 12 yards looking at me. Didn't shoot him because he was only average. If he would have been inside of 10 yards I would have shot him on general principle.

Also in C.S. I had a cow buff at 15 feet. Fortunately she spooked off in the opposite direction.

During the hunt where those two encounters occurred, I had a 2.5x Leupold fixed. That was WAY TOO MUCH magnification and WAY TOO LITTLE field of view for my preference. So I lost the scope.

But to each his own. Not everyone hunts the same way.

Sorry if my reply seamed to get a little off topic. I was trying to expand on another situation when low power settings on variable scope is helpfull. At higher power settings off hand the movement of the retical on the target can cause shooters to over correct or tense up.

If anyone local would like to go through a range session with me by all means met me one week end at the Rio Salado range. I love chalenging my self and shooting with people who do the same.

That said in a hunting situation I would use the best rest avalible first!! And I always keep my scope on the lowest power setting.

Also Carmelo the plates at Rio are turned up like a dimond seams to make it a litle more difficult.

In reading the comments here I have some new ideas on how to test my own ability to shoot better and explore options with the rifle at different distences.

Mainly where my rifle truly hits at 10 yards and do I need to look through a scope at that distance?

I have never shot big game with a rifle under about 80 yards. Only one deer with archery at 17 yards.


Thanks all! Semper Fi and Good hunting.

That's a lot better shooting than I could do.

Does anybody but me shoot a scoped rifle with both eyes open? While not exactly the ideal situation, a very close shot is doable at 6x or higher if you keep both eyes open.

I always shoot with both eyes open up to around 3 to 4 power. Over that it is a little hard on the eyes for me.

I would not use any scope that had LESS THAN 60 feet at 100 yards.

Remember that is only 6 feet at ten yards.

Even 100 foot FOV with 1.1 or 1.4 German 30mm scope tube (24mm glass) is ten feet at ten yards.

That is what I would want.

I can and did shoot w both eyes open with my 3 X Luepold at elephant at 9 paces last year and I will never use a scope w less than 10 feet FOV at 10 yards.

PS I dont think you got the humor in 500 grains first post. By "What Scope?" he did not mean, which scope did you use, he meant "What scope?" as in who needs a scope? I dont have one.

Andy

Andy

I killed my first lion with a raking shot at 15 yards using a .375 H&H Mag. with an S&B 1.25-4x20mm scope on top set at 1.25 power. It was very fast into action, and I had no problems with it.

I also followed up my second lion with a scoped rifle, this time a .338 Win. Mag. and a 2.5-10x56mm S&B Zenith set at 2.5 power. Perhaps not ideal, but again it was very fast into action and I had no problems.

Scopes don't have to be an impediment. But they need to be well made, with good glass, a 30mm main tube, a decent sized objective lens and a correspondingly large exit pupil. These things result in a scope that is easy and quick to see through and that has a wide field of view.

Of course, it is important to have a rifle that fits, and to practice snap shooting with the scope at close range. And, as Terry has said, it is critical that a variable scope be set on a low power when hunting. I have used scoped rifles when hunting all of the big four.

Even so, I prefer iron sights when after elephant or in among a herd of buffalo.