a while back i asked the forum about which scope i should buy for my new cz 416 rigby(hog back model). as a result of the opinions and pictures(thanks again to all) from that thread i decided to go with a leupold 1.5-5x. however, i've been looking at the leupold 2-7x(30mm tube). it's calling my name . so, could i trouble you guys one more time. between the 1.5-5x and the 2-7x 30mm, which would you choose? i'm thinking the 2x7x would make the whole package more "european" and since the rigby is capable of a long shot now and then, 7x might come in handy.

thanks, bruce

tough choice... i've got a fixed 2.5 weaver on my .416 rem mag m70 and a 2-7 redfield on my chapuis DR... i like the light-gathering ability of the lower power scopes... and the 7 power isn't necessary for my less-than-100yd shots...my vote goes to the 1.5-5....

I have a CZ 550 in .416 Rigby fitted with a 1.5-5x Leupold IR. Love it! Has worked flawlessly in the field ... on Gemsbock, Hartebeast, Buf and Bison.

Have also used the 1.8-5.5x Conquest on a .416 Aagard and a 9,3x62 ... is heavier and better for low light conditions. Would be good on a rifle to be used for leopard.

The 2-7x 30mm is likely to be in the middle. Not as light as the 1.5-5x and not as good in low light as the 1.8-5.5 Conquest. Doubt it does either job as well.

I use both on my .600 and I tell you,after you spot a animal with your 8 or 10x binocs(even under 100yds) and then you throw up your rifle and look at him again with a straight 2.5 or 1-5,he sure looks alot smaller.Its not a problem,but with the 2-7,the change isnt so drastic if you zoom up to 7x...I will say that the Lower powered ones do have one great advantage..eye relief! I got hit this year by creeping up on my 2-7 30mm Leup..but it is a 10pd .600!...I still like it,but am a "lil more careful" now!

I have the 1-5 VxIII IR on my 458 Lott, used to be on my 375 H&H. I really like it but am going to replace it with a zies 3-9x40 conquest on my 375. 5X is plenty for shots out to 300 yards on big game but I wanted a little more scope magnification on my 375 so I wouldn't have the front sight shadow. I have a rather large front sight on my 375 and until I get to 3x its too distracting.

I put that 2-7 Euro on my dads 35 whelen and REALLY liked it. I would love to put it on my 375 but its not long enough. I think you really have a win/win situation there.

My .02
I have the leup 2-7 on my 416 and on my 458, I really like the scope, I don't feel the 2x setting is too much power for fast target acquisition and the option for a slightly higher magnification is nice for longer ranges.

The 2-7 is also longer than the 1.5-5 so you can mount the front ring, without putting it over the objective lens, which makes me nervous especially on a larger rifle.

I use a 2.5 x 8 in a Leupold VX III on my .375. I would like to think it would hold up on a .416.

If you already owned the 1.5-5x then its not worth the upgrade in my opinion. But to buy one now I would get the 2-7 to take advantage of the 416 trajectory. Mine has a cheap 1.75-5x now and I want the 2.5-8 Conquest to keep it low. My last 416 had a vari-x II 3-9x which is now on a 300wby. I used 9x all the time on deer, moose and elk in the six years I had that gun.

I like the 1.5x5. I really like the 1.5x5 Illum.

Ed

I think we need more information.

If you are using your .416 as the "heavy" rifle in a two gun battery for plains game and dangerous game or if there is only dangerous game on the menu, I would go with the 1.5X5. However, if you are using your .416 by itself for a combination plains game/dangerous game hunt, I would go with the 2X7.

Dave

thanks for all the input.

more information...

unless i win the lottery, i doubt i'll ever go to africa. this rifle is something i bought just because i've always wanted one. i plan on having lots of fun shooting feral hogs, overly agressive whitetail deer and the occasional wounded and charging jackrabbit. i'm going to go easy on the powder when loading for it. i'm thinking a 350 grn speer at about 2450-2500 and a 350 cast at 2100-2200. i plan on having fun with this rifle so when it gets to the point where it's not fun to shoot, i'll quit adding powder

again, thanks for the input. because i may get a shot longer than 100 yards, i think i'll go with the 2-7x 30mm leupold.

bruce

Either one would be fine, the .416 doesn't need more than 5.5-6x mag at the high end and I'm not real sure any other rifles do either. The 1.5-5x should be a little easier to mount on anything, personally I like a 1.5-6x, 1.75-6x and have a 1.8-5.5 Zeiss on the way.