The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Need some scope adviceGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
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OK, I've used and owned a LOT of scopes in my life. I won't talk about the cheap ones (I beat myself soundly across the head for ever buying them!) I am currently in love with Zeiss scopes - for me, an eyeglass wearer, their long eye relief is great, and the optical quality is amazing. I also have a fair number of Sightron scopes that are pretty nice for the money. I was wondering what magnification range you would recommend? I currently have a 3-9x40 Zeiss with Zplex reticle, and it weighs about 15 ounces before rings. On my tikka, it sits as far forward as I can get it, but it still seems like I'm putting my cheek too far back on the stock to get the right sight picture. I wish I coud move the scope just another inch forward. I also have a Sightron S2 in 1.5-6x36. Duplex reticle. I am wondering about getting either another Zeiss Conqust 3-9x40, but this time wih a #4 reticle, or get a Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10x44 with #4 reticle. Which would you say to get? The 3.5 is about .8 ounces heavier and as 3.5" eye relief instead of 4" - perhaps that extra .5" would help get me a little closer on the stock with my cheek? And any thoughts on the 1.5-6x? I believe if I end up going to Botswana that my shots may be up to 300 yards at the most. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt | ||
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John I am assuming this scope is for your new 375 H&H. If so I would recommend a scope in the 1.5-6x range with a 42mm objective lens, with a daytime illuminated reticle. By daytime illuminated reticle I mean one that is designed to be bright enough to see in day light. I have a Swarovski 1.5-6x42 scope with the illuminated circle dot reticle on my 9,3x74R double that has been to Zimbabwe 3 times. It works great. I also have a S&B 1.5-6x42 with Flash Dot reticle, on a 308 I use a lot. You can also go with a straight tube scope in the 1-4x range but the 42 mm objective lens will be better in low light, ie leopard or lion hunting [as well as black bear and pigs] over bait. Zeiss makes similar scopes and there is nothing wrong with them, I just like the others reticles a little better. With the 9,3 and the Swarovski I have made shots as far as 300 yards [kudu] and as close as 17 [wild pig]. On a rifle that I am hunting game with that might run toward me I [ie DG] like to have 1 to 1.5x on the small end for its much wider field of view. DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY | |||
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Actually this will be for my .30-06 PG rifle.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt | |||
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John, for a 30-06 plains game rifle I would look at something in the 3-9 or 3,5-10x range. Still with an illuminated reticle. A scope I just put on a 308 is a Leupold 2.5-5 MK4, M2 with illuminated reticle. It has a Ballistic Cam, so if you want to shoot at 400 yards, you turn the scope to "4" and hold dead on. The 308 cam will work for the 30-06. Sure helps for longer range shooting. DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY | |||
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I use a few Schmidt&Bender and Zeiss scopes in 1.1-6x42 with no#4 reticle which are great. Another scope I use on my 7x64 is the Zeiss 2.5-10x50. It would be great on the 06. | |||
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Look at the new Swarovski z6 line. They now make the perfect scope for a .375--1.7-10X42. That is hard to beat for .375 versatility. It is a wonderful scope. | |||
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Also in the Swarovski Z6 line is the 1-6 power. If you are planning on claw mounts this might be a better option since it is a straight tube with no front objective lens bell. This makes it easier to install an elegant claw mount lower to the barrel axis. Available in both traditional and illuminated reticle. _________________________________ AR, where the hopeless, hysterical hypochondriacs of history become the nattering nabobs of negativisim. | |||
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I really like the Zeiss 2.5x8. In the words of Goldilocks, it is not too big, not to small, it is juuuuust right. The eye relief is good, optic quality is good and the price is good too. I used on my .458 in Zim and it is holding up fine. Mike | |||
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How about the new Zeiss 2.5-10x42 Variopoint. I have that on a .375 and with 10x you can shoot very fare. On the other hand 2.5 is great for coce quaters. This "new" scope only has a 42mm objective and it looks very nice on most rifles and does not fel or look bulky. You can mount this scope just as low as a straught tube scope. Cheers, André  Always always use enough... GUN & KNIFE | |||
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Why not get some extension rings to move your current scope forward? That would seem to be the easiest way to solve your problem. Of course, if you're dead set on buying new optics, who am I to tell you not to?!  _____________________________________________________ No safe queens! | |||
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Yeah, I thought of that - maybe a LaRue mount that throws everything forward by about 2 inches or so - of course, this means the dreaded "More Weight!" I may just sell the Sightron 1.5-6 and get a Zeiss or Swaro - This one looks interesting: http://www.swfa.com/pc-6712-259-zeiss-18-55x38-conquest-rifle-scope.aspx 1.8-5.5x38 - 4" eye relief, and the FOV looks a lot better than the 2.8-8x one. Or this one - I like the weight, overall length, range of magnification, and that Z600 ranging reticle looks pretty damn nice: http://www.swfa.com/pc-9780-259-new-zeiss-35-10x44-conquest-rifle-scope.aspx _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt | |||
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FWIW. Lower power usually goes with less weight. Both are good things IMHO. My view is that more magnification only helps with varmint guns so the 1.5-6x range or there abouts has worked for me. (My -06 has worn a compact 2-7 VXII for 20 years.) The circle dot reticle (at least from Kahles) was too busy for me and I had it changed. The #4 or dot reticle is probably better. Good luck on your safari. Have gun- Will travel The value of a trophy is computed directly in terms of personal investment in its acquisition. Robert Ruark | |||
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My dad just put the 1.8-5.5 Conquest on his 416 Rigby (at my advice) to replace the Leupold 1.5-5 that everyone seems to have. The Zeiss is EXCELLENT on a DG rifle. We shot it at the range last week, and it snaps right up, eye relief is perfect, and it is as bright as day even in overcast conditions. _____________________________________________________ No safe queens! | |||
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Prior to going over this past year I pulled the 2.5-8 Leupold off my rifle, and replaced them with 2.5-8 Conquests. I had shots up to 350 yards, and had no problem. I believe many people seriously over scope most of their rifles. Yes it's cocked, and it has bullets too!!! | |||
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I belive that in field conditions anything over 8 and maybe even over 7 power is a waste. The amount of jiggle noticable is just too much for at 8 power even when I am prone over a pack. Mike Legistine actu quod scripsi? Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.  What I have learned on AR, since 2001: 1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken. 2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps. 3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges. 4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down. 5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine. 6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle. 7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions. 8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA. 9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not. 10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact. 11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores. 12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence. 13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances. | |||
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Eric, For your 30-06 a plain Jane Leupold in 1.75X6 or a 2.5X8 is just hard to beat. If you already have a 3X9 just put that on the 30-06. You don't need a special super spendie scope for plains game in Africa. Save your money for trophy fees. Mark MARK H. YOUNG MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES 7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110 Office 702-848-1693 Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED E-mail markttc@msn.com Website: myexclusiveadventures.com Skype: markhyhunter Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 | |||
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What Mark just said. My choice is the 2.5-8x for a general purpose light rifle, and that's what my own 30/06 wears. | |||
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So does mine. For the last 20 years. Rich Elliott Rich Elliott Ethiopian Rift Valley Safaris | |||
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Well, my 3-9x40 Zeiss is dedicated to my .223 rifle. I do like them, and can get another 3-9 with #4 reticle for $420 vs. a lot more for a 2.5-8x one. And I wonder if that lower .5 on the bottom end and lower 1x on the upper end is worth the extra $200. What do I gain with a 2.5-8x vs. a 3-9x ? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt | |||
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Nothing. It depends a lot where you will be hunting. If you hunt in bushveldt circumstances, where the longest shot will be 100m's the PH will tell you to keep your scope on 4x and not fiddle with it(if he has any grey matter between the ears) If you end up shooting up to 300 yards in desert environments, I would again suggest at fixing the scope powered at about 6-8x and not fiddle with it. You cannot go wrong....look forward to hear from you Charl Charl van Rooyen Owner Infinito Travel Group www.infinito-safaris.com charl@infinito-safaris.com Cell: +27 78 444 7661 Tel: +27 13 262 4077 Fax:+27 13 262 3845 Hereford Street 28A Groblersdal 0470 Limpopo R.S.A. "For the Infinite adventure" Plains Game Dangerous Game Bucket List Specialists Wing-Shooting In House Taxidermy Studio In House Dip and Pack Facility In House Shipping Service Non-Hunting Tours and Safaris Flight bookings "I promise every hunter visiting us our personal attention from the moment we meet you, until your trophies hang on your wall. Our all inclusive service chain means you work with one person (me) taking responsibility during the whole process. Affordable and reputable Hunting Safaris is our game! With a our all inclusive door to door service, who else do you want to have fun with?" South Africa Tanzania Uganda | |||
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two trips, S&B for both, the first time I used a 4x the second time a 1.5-6x42 However I agree with Mike bye Stefano Waidmannsheil | |||
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get the 3x9 Zeiss with the #4 ret. , you can;t go wrong here save the extra $200 for trophy fees. Wesley | |||
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John Creighton, I had a similar issue with a Tikka T3, where I couldn't get the scope far enough ahead with the mounts I had. I resoundingly hate extended rings, so just got my gunsmith to drill and tap 2 more mounting holes. The front holes became the back, moving the bases ahead the spacing of the holes, or about 1 inch. | |||
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May have to do that - as much as I love my Tikka, the lack of a full top mounting space all along the top hurts it - you can only push the rear rings mounted on the groove rails so far before they are interfering with the ejection area. Perhaps I could get a Ken Farrel Pic Rail base - that might work - I don't really like the Tikka scope rings and would prefer Quick Release style mounts. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt | |||
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Amen to that. Over powering a field scope is a crutch which bears no weight.  Member NRA, SCI- Life #358 28+ years now! DRSS, double owner-shooter since 1983, O/U .30-06 Browning Continental set. | |||
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I just ordered my third 1.8x5.5 Zeiss Conquest from Camera Land. It is from their sample list and for $349 with full warranty is a great deal. | |||
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Most foriegn scopes are over engineered and they are bulky and heavy...Optically they are excellent, but when you come down to the nitty gritty, all you need to see is the animal and the cross hair to make a kill. I know that freaks some of you out but thats just the way it is!  I still use Leupolds and have for 60 or so years and have never had a reason to not use them..I tried most of the others, but went back to Leupold as the service is excellent and they fix them at no charge plenty fast..They are sleek and streamlined and they work, they don't fog and they can take a beating. I have a few that are still ticking after Lord knows how many years but they have turned purple... Last but not least, they don't break the bank when you purchase one..Also you can buy a used one and if its bad they fix'em and send them back fast even though you are not the original owner and it makes no difference how old they are. Can't get any better than that. Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
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If only Leupold would make a true ONE power low setting on a DG scope, say 1 to 4 or 1 to 5, they would be the best thing since ice cream. I own three of the 1.5 to 5 scopes and love them. I agree with Ray but when you look through a Swarovski 1 to 6, the Z6 series of scopes, that one power setting is just great. _________________________________ AR, where the hopeless, hysterical hypochondriacs of history become the nattering nabobs of negativisim. | |||
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Leupold 2.5 x 8. As others here have said, it will work just as well as the European scopes, the game will be just as dead, and you can use the extra money saved on trophy fees. I hunt, not to kill, but in order not to have played golf.... DRSS | |||
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I am with Ray on this one. The nature of African hunting is such that you will not need a Euro scope or a huge objective in your hunting. You hunt from sun up to sun down. You'll be headed home at dusk. I really like the fixed 2.5 or 4 on big bores. I bought a 6x high priced Weaver recently for the price of a Leupold VX II and it is outstanding. I have had great luck with Weavers, classics and the hi-priced ones. They are bright; they are tough; they aren't a lot of money. Deutche Optik has a Swiss surplus Leica 8x30 porro prism for sale right now for $550 which compares with my $1200 Leicas. Take the money you save on a Weaver and buy one of these-you need a good bino more than a Euro scope. Kudude | |||
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+1 Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!! Blair. | |||
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They do; I have one on my 505; its a shotgun scope.
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Indlovu: They do; I have one on my 505; its a shotgun scope[QUOTE] Do you have a picture of the scope on your 505? Would love to see the set up! Thanks ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition” ― Rudyard Kipling | |||
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PD99 I see you are a new member - Welcome. Here's a suggestion: It might be a better idea to PM your request to the OP rather than post to a thread that is over 1 year old, thereby reactivating an old thread which had run its' course and may not be read again by the person to whom you asked the question. Mike ______________ DSC DRSS (again) SCI Life NRA Life Sables Life Mzuri IPHA "To be a Marine is enough." | |||
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Thanks LionHunter, will send a PM. Many thanks, Peter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition” ― Rudyard Kipling | |||
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