does the 2.5-8 MC conquest stand up to 375 H&H recoil as the 3-9? I like the idea of the first because it has a 32 vs 40 mm bell.

Can't comment directly on the 2.5-8 but I can tell you that the 1.8-5 Conquest has stood up to about 400 rounds on my 416 Rigby. The Conquest scopes seem to have passed the test of time. I have the same scope above on my 375 but have not had a chance to wring it out. I would not worry.

The Conquest 3-9x40 did a great job on my .375 H&H. I wouldn't worry. They seem to be pretty tough.

LWD