I've got a .416 Rigby and want a scope that will take the pounding, give me a reasonable 200 yard image, but not restrict me too much for close work in the thick stuff if need be. It is not a strictly DG rifle.

There was some discussion on this subject a while back but I don't remember the final verdict. Can a Leupold 1.75-6X E be fitted to this rifle without resorting to extension rings? I know I can use the 1.5-5X, but I like the other better, if it will work.

Does anyone suggest other types, such as the Bausch & Lomb Elite 4200 of similar power? I have even considered the fixed power 4X Leupold, based on using a 6X fixed at pretty close range in Namibia this past year.

Harald,
The Leupold catalog shows 5.4" as the critical measurement on the 1.75-6E.

I measured mine and it is 5.42" by my calipers.

My Ruger requires 5.410" with the standard Ruger rings, and you wouldn't want to use any higher extension rings on a rifle like the 416 Rigby.

In my two specimens it works with 0.01" to spare, REAL CLOSE!

If tolerances are not out of line with this "closeness" it may work for you too, but it is so close, I would say you would have to get the actual rifle and scope to try it.

I used the 1.75-6E on a CZ 550 in 416 Rigby, and the 1.5-5X on my Ruger 416. The CZ rings are not so broad as the Ruger rings and allows more breathing room, but not much!

Your call, two good scope choices!

------------------
RAB

I tried the Leupold 1.75x6 on my Ruger #77 .416 Rigby and went back to the 1.5x5 as the tolerances were so close that I couldn't tell if I was creating a stress situation with the objective lens "bell".

------------------
Phil- Life Member NRA & SCI

Harold try the leupold 2-7x33 VX 11 or the newer 2-7x33 VX-1. It will do all of the things you want. I have one on my .416 Rigby and my mate has one on his too. We also use the CZ rings to mount them. Both scopes have exhibited no movement or problems we shoot the woodeligh soft nose 410's at 2600 fps aprox. Gives excellent sight picture at around 200 yards (which the .416 is capable of) and also is excellent in close with a good field of view.

The above combination is not the most expensive or flash but it works.

Regards PC.

------------------

Harald,
Against popular followings, we(3) are using KAHLES 1.1 X 4-30 mm scopes. This power variable allows for excellent close work, the main reason that we went with this instead of the Swarovski or others.
Since the tube size is also the objective size on the lower powered scopes, we went with the 30mm.

Two are on Ruger .416's; one on a MOD.70 .458 LOTT.

These scopes have approximately 100 rounds each, through them. Have taken a licking and are still ticking.

There is no problem with the mounting of these scopes on the Rugers. I realize that this brand was not in your list but I wanted to throw it in as an option that you may not have considered.

We got ours from D&R Sports. Best price that was found at that time.

Good luck in your quest for a scope.
SAM

Thanks Guys! That's a big help.

What about a Weaver V3? 1-3X20mm, light weight of 7.5 oz. What do you think?

I've simply gotta say that the 1.5-5 is nearly an ideal scope for this situation. Its got a smaller profile (no objective bell), lighter, and easier to mount. I simply don't believe a case can be made that an extra 1X will be of any significance at 200 yards under hunting conditions. I also really like the German #4 reticle for a DGR.

I have a Ruger No. 1 .45/70 that, with heavy loads, gives over 50 FtLb of recoil. THE ONLY BRAND OF SCOPE I HAVE TRIED ON THIS GUN THAT DID NOT FAIL IS LEUPOLD. I have NOT tried Schmidt & Bender, Kahles, Zeiss, Swarovski, or other $10000.00 Kraut scope. MAYBE one of these would work, BUT Weaver (steel tube), Bushnell, Simmons, and Redfield did not. They came apart!!