I purchased a used Ruger RSM 416 Rigby. I know it is sort of customary to mount a straight tube type scope on these rifles such as a 1.5-5. I have a Leuopold 2.5-8 on another rifle and may switch this scope to the RSM. It appears that I will need some type of extension ring system if I go this route. For anyone that has mounted a 3x9 Leuopold or Zeiss Conquest, will extension rings also be needed?

i have used straight tubes or the japanese made tasco titans-

the compact leupod scope is a PITA to fit to many actions, and I woudn't bother trying to make the rings work

the bushnell elite 3200 2x7 may work, if you want a high erpowered variable, that still small. I have used that on the 458 AR and various 416s with success

I got a 3-9x40 to fit on mine but I like butler creek flip ups and it was tight under the bell. So I went with low rings and a traditional scope. I was looking at the Ziess 2.5-8x32 for this gun.

I have used both the compact 2.5X Leupold and a Zeiss Conquest 3X9 40, and neither needed extension rings. IMHO the 3X9 40 Zeiss Conquest is an excellent scope choice for the 416 Rigby.

The extension rings are no problem at all. I have them on my 375 and 416 RSM they attach no differently than the standard rings. Ruger will trade the front ring packaged with your rifle for an extended one free of charge if you have the patience to wait, I didn't and bought mine from Midway USA. I have a Leupy 2.5x8 VariX III on the H&H and a 1.75X6 VariX III on the Rigby, I like 'em alot.

Thanks fellas. I've got a 2.5-8 Vari-X III. I will go with the Ruger Extension front ring.

I ordered an extension ring this week for my RSM. When I get it I will mount a Luepold 2.5 on it. Will let you know how my rig works out.