I went to a gunshow today in San Antonio just
to spend a morning. I wasn't planning on buying
anything, but you know how it goes. I'm going to
Africa in '09 to hunt Kudu and Buffalo. So when
I saw this rifle it could help but pick it up
as I wanted a 40 caliber for the buffalo. It's
a Sako AV with a McMillan stock. Green teflon finish. Magnaported. Pillar bedded. Also came
with the original walnut stock. All like new.
Bought it from a PH that was selling it for a friend that had the rifle built and has come upon tough times physically and is selling his
big bores. I really like the image and utility
the fellow built into the rifle. Definitely
has a presence about it. Now to pick a scope.
Any recommendations for it ? I want a good
scope, but I'm not a Swarovski type guy.
(read cheap).

dxr

If Swarovski is what you prefer, I think they make a 1.25x-4x. That would be my choice for that .416.
Just be sure it has enough eye relief.

George

Actually if you are looking for a GOOD scope at a reasonable price try any of the Leupold line from VX1 to VXIII in 1-4,1.5-5 and I think you could find something that would satisfy both the pocket book and the eye. Most people reccomend the Vari-XIII 1.5-5 and that is what I have on most of my big bores but I believe the lesser priced scopes have a lot to offer in both performance and price.

Sorry, I misread your statement.

Since you're not willing to spend big money on optics for that rifle, go with a Burris Signature 1.5x-6x, or a Leupold 1.75x-6x.

Both scopes are durable and affordable, with good optical performance.

George

A VX11 in 2-7x ... any cash you save goes towards a set of open sights!
Cheers...
Con

Take a look at the Zeiss Conquest 2.5x8. Look at Camera Lands sample list (in the classifieds) from the Shot Show. I bought one for $400 and it's really nice. It has a long tube for mounting which is a real consideration on Sakos. I don't think the Leupold will fit unless you buy extension rings.

I have a burris sig safari with a heavey single post and cross hair. Make sure you don't get a scope wth a long rear ocular. I tried a burris euro on mine and it would catch me once and a while. The older burris has held up well. Mine is a 1/2 moa rifle out past 300 with barnes TSX 350 grs. It shoot flater than my 375 H&H. Its my go to gun for any thing 100 to 300 yards away.

JD

Thanks for the input.

I just noticed that the rings that came with the
rifle are 30mm.

Right now I'm thinking about this scope --


http://www.opticsplanet.net/burris-1-5x-6x-40mm-german-...ond-scopes-30mm.html

That should work....

I have that same basic rifle with a Swarovski on it 1.25-4x24 that I found used. Love it

I got the Burris mounted. I really like it.
Very bright and sharp. Good eye relief.
Next is range test.

dxr

I have a 1-4 Vari X11 on my .416 and I like it a lot.

I would also be as happy with leupolds in;

2-7 VX11
1.75-6
1.5-5

or on the bigger end even a 2.5-8 would go quite nice.