What scope would you suggest for "Big Bore" rifles, style of reticule, illuminated?, make & model. Your input is appreciated...Thanks JJS

This is just one man's opinion, mind you, and pertains to rifles used for hunting, not paper-punching:

• On a .375H&H (or rifles in that class, i.e., 9.3x62, 9.3x64, .375Wby, et al), used for general hunting and some dangerous game hunting - Leupold 2.5x-8x
  
  
• On a .40 (e.g., .404 Jeffery, .416 Taylor, .416 Remington, .416 Rigby, et al) used for general hunting and occasional DG - Leupold 1.5x-5x, Swarovski 1.25x-4x, or my choice, Zeiss 1.5x-6x
  
  
• On a .458 (any flavor) or larger, a Leupold 2.5x or 3x, or Burris 1.5x or 2.5x
  
  

George

George,

Your information and insight is very helpful. Mounting the scope on a 458 Lott CZ. Would you use the CZ rings or go to something else...I was thinking about Talley's, possibly the lever or screw lock release models??? or do you have another suggestion.

I would just consider using the open sights but my eye sight tells me different.

Best regards,...JJS

I feel George is spot on the money....I used cz rings on mt .416 with a leupold 2-7 for a while and I had no slippage or wrecked scope at all and I shot 100 or so rounds, I only changed due to asthetics really...I like the looks of vertical split rings

jjs,

Being a lefty, I have no experience with CZ's centerfire rifles (the one LH rifle they offer is an 'M70-type' made by Montana Rifle Company).

I like the Talleys, and have them on a couple of rifles.

George

Anything you are hunting with a big bore should be close and only the toughest, lightest scopes should be used if you expect it to stand up. That narrows it to a list of ONE. The Leupold 2 1/2x compact with hvy duplex reticle.

Phil,

Shouldn't the hunter use the light duplex reticle for the lightest scope? <---humor

Couldn't resist.

Welcome to AR.

jim dodd

jjs,

I've got a M8-2.5x20mm Compact on my 458 Lott Ruger RSM. I have probably about 150 rounds through it, with no problems. Using Ruger rings.

-Steve

Phil:

I was just looking at that Leupold model late this afternoon, after George's suggestions.

You guys have much more experience with these types of rifles and big game hunting than most every one...I plan on purchasing one in the morning based upon the your suggestion...Thanks all for you assistance...Best regards, JJS

On my CZ .375 I have a Leupold VX-III 1.75-6X32. For the money it seems to be a winner. I feel that it will work great when I rebarrel to .404.

George, you are spot on. I'm going to pull a 1.5 x 5 off of my 375 H&H and replace it with a 2.5 x 8.
Phil, likewise. If you get around to it some day would you post a picture of your "ugly rifle"? I would use it as a screen saver to remind me what this stuff is all about.
JCN

For the .375 H&H and similar, I'd go with the Leupold VX-III, and you can go with the 1.5-5X, 1.75-6X, or 2.5-8X and be in excellent fighting shape with any of them. I have a set of two 1.75-6Xs in detachable rings (one for backup) for my own .375 H&H.

To me, the .416s and .458 Win. Mag. are best scoped with the Leupold VX-III 1.5-5X. Period.

For the .458 Lott, which has a reputation for destroying scopes, the Leupold 2.5X Compact is likely the way to go, and is as tough a scope as you can obtain.

AD

May I add:

For .505 Gibbs and up, do not use a scope. It is possible to use one, but it is also possible to get cracked in the forehead with the eyepiece. If you insist on a scope for .505 and up, use a Leupold 2.5x. They don't break.

JCN,

I like the 2.5x-8x on the .375. At 2.5x, it has a large field of view, and at 8x, it makes load development and evaluation easy.

I've shot a warthog at 5yds., and a Cape buffalo at 20yds. with .375s & that scope, and had no trouble with FOV.

George

To all who respond to this post. You provided useful information based on knowledge and expertise. I really appreciate you all sharing that!! I ordered the 2.5 Leupold, Matte Finish and Talley rings today..The scope I looked at yesterday was gloss finish and I heard somewhere that Matte finish would be better in the rings...and I like the appearance of the Matte finish better..Thanks again!

Best regards,

JJS

Best buy Leupold 1,5-5x20 (30mm) Ill
Best product zeiss variopoint 1,1-4x24 (30mm)

Cheers,

Andr�

jjs,

I've got 2 Leupold Compact 2.5s mounted on a 458Lott and 375H&H. Love the scope but a few weeks ago I found its limitations on the 375H&H. Sneaking up a mist shrouded gully, I was barked at by a Sambar hind. In the mist half an hour after first light and at about 80m out, not enough definition could be made out to take the shot with confidence. I feel that with more magnification I could have probably taken the shot. I personally dont like variables but for an all-rounder like the 375H&H I'm slowly coming around to accepting that a variable may be the way to go. Or maybe just a fixed Leupold 4x? On the 458Lott the 2.5x is simply great!

Cheers...

Con

jjs,

I failed to mention that I have a Leupold 1.75-6X on my 375. Talley rings. Again no problems.

Both scope have standard full duplex reticules.

-Steve

I'd planned on just using irons with my 458 Lott, but just might have to scavange the 2.5X compact off my 350 Rigby, and put an old Weaver steel tube 6X on the 350.

I had premier reticals fit a 4a reticle to my 2.5, it has the heavy side and bottom bars of the heavy duplex, but the thinner lines of the standard duplex in the center, and for the full length of the verticle post. I really like this reticle.

I concur with the other scope suggestions. I'd also add the Leupold M8 6X52 as a possibility for a 375, so long as it isn't being used in thick brush.

I use the 2.5x compact on my heavy kickers so I think you have made a good choice...I think that the .375 H&H does need a tad more magnification as Con has mentioned I have a 1-4 leupold on my .375 but really I think maybe a 2-7 if you own heavier rifles might be the ideal for the .375, and Allen is right that the 1-4 & 1.5-5 etc. are the go on the .416's because as we know the .416's shoot as flat as the .375 with certain loads.

For the .458's on up I think the fixed 2.5x is definitely the way to go.