I just got a new Ruger M77 416 and was wondering if anyone knows which scopes in the 3-9 range will fit. I have a leupold 3-9 x 40 on the gun but can't get flip up scope covers on. I love this scope and need covers. Will a different ring height work without getting too high off the stock?

have you looked the new leupold flip up scope covers ! They are great quality and I do not think you would have any trouble mounting them. The 3X9 Leupold is a fine scope but for that rifle I would probably go far a VX3 1X5...tj3006

You're getting to the place where recoil starts destroying scopes. This caliber really provides a significant jolt to scopes.

I put a VX III 1.5-5 on mine and have a 2.5 Compact as a backup. So far so good.

I have a 2.5x compact on mine !!

I have the VariX III 1.5x5 on mine. The v sight is my backup. Very pleased with it.
IMO you need to take it to a good stock guy and have another crossbolt installed. Also get a decent recoil pad before you shoot it very much.

I also have a Leupold VariX-III 1.5-5x on mine plus another Leuplold 1.5-5x as a backup, both in Talley rings. I agree with the earlier post - that a 416 Rigby's recoil can be hard on scopes. You might want to think about adding a lower powered scope to go along with your 3x9. I don't see any reason not to use the 3x9 if that's what you prefer. I have found that for me I do most of my shooting on 3x, all follow up work is done on 1.5x (largest field of view) and if I need to reach out to 200-250 yards I turn it up to 5x. Plus, those straight tubes look like they belong on a DG rifle

Thanks for all the feed back. I have a 2.5x on my 45/70 and really like it for close in work. On my Rigby I was hoping to use a higher powered scope for ranges out to 250yds. I agree that the straight tubes look natural on this gun and will look into the 1.5-5x. Thanks

Poppa,

On my RSM 416 Rigby and 458 Lott I have Leup 1.5-5 scopes. This scope power has served me well, but since I use my RSMs for everything including varmints (I love digger squirrels) I wanted to try a higher power scope. Without extensions the 1.5-6 and 2.5-8 Leup are out. The 3.5-10 Leup will fit the Ruger rings but I fear the scope might not survive I would stick with the Leup 1.5-5 or fixed power 2.5 for practicality and long life. I don't know about other brands, but it seems on the bigger bores the Leups last longer. I just don't get why the scope manufacturers don't make a varmint scope that will hold up on a 458 Lott

John