I have used Leupold Vari-X III 2.5x-8x on my .375H&H rifles for 13 years now, and have never had a problem with wandering POI, slippage within the rings, breakage, or fogging, and I've never been 'scoped'.

George

I am about to select a scope for my CZ 550 in .375 H&H; and your recommendations would be appreciated. My main criteria are:



(1) Rugged enough to handle the recoil without coming apart;

(2) Relatively long eye relief (due to the recoil);

(2) 2-7 power variable, or something of that sort;

(3) A 1" tube (so that it fits the Talley quick detachable rings that I just bought for the CZ); and

(4) not very expensive (say, in the $180-$280 range?)



In order to keep the cost down, I am willing to not insist on top-of-the line optical quality, a big objective lens, 1/4" click adjustments, or any of that stuff.



The Leupold 2-7 power VX-I looks good to me; but the length of the tube between the bells is only 5.2"; and I suspect that it is just a little too short to be mounted on the long action of the .375 CZ. (The CZ has integral scope mounts machined into the receiver, and the rings attach to them with something like the Weaver mount.)

Burris or Leupold in a fixed 2.5x or 2.75x or 4x.

476NE: I appreciate your suggestion. Are you recommending a fixed-power scope because you think a variable won't hold up to the recoil?

If you have some patience, you can get a Leupold 1.5x5, used, but in good condition for the above stated price. Since the scope has a great warranty, why not get one "used, but not abused"? I 've found several here in the classifieds and a couple on e-bay, www.auctionarms.com and www.forthehunt.com



I have a used one on my custom .375 H&H (based on a CZ action) that looks new, works wonderfully and cost less than $300 with shipping. It even had a post reticle, which is my preference. New ones are sometimes on special at www.premierreticles.com also. I've put 400 rounds or so through the gun (including two buffalo) and the scope is still jam up and jelly tight.

I second the judge's suggestion. My .375 has worn a 1.5x5 Leupold since I brought it home from the hospital and has never had the tiniest glitch whether in the tundra, the African dust, rivers, bogs, safari cars or aluminum outboards. Chevy's should be so built like a rock!

If you can find a used Leupy it might be a good idea. Another scope you might consider is an Elite 4200 1.75-6. Might be slightly above your range but they have a reputation for toughness. Just remember that 1 good tough scope might cost less than 2 broken ones.......DJ

I like either a 1-4 leupold which is what my cz .375 has or a 2-7 leupold.

I have a Leupold vx1 2-7x33 on my M70 375 which has held up well to a fair amount of bashing and around 300 rounds without losing zero. Can't say if it would fit on a CZ or not.

I don't find that the .375 is particularly hard on scopes, so a high quality scope of reasonable size on good mounts is probably going to do be fine. For me that means no bigger than 3-9x42 or so.

Smaller tends to be a bit handier too.

Larger calibers or light rifles are definitely progressively harder on scopes so small and light becomes even more important.

BigBrass,

IMO, the glass on top is just as important (perhaps more) than the rifle itself. That being said, I have Swarovski's on my 270WSM and 300WSM and a Kahles 2x7 on my 375 H&H. Great scope and wont break the bank (around $500). I have purchased the same scope for my 416 Rigby. I know that the amount is more than twice what you indicated, but I think you will be happy if you invest in higher quality optics.

Thanks for your thoughts, guys.

Bwanahile: I assume that it is the excellent optical quality of those very good scopes that you find important. I have no quarrel with anyone who appreciates fine optics and wants to pay twice as much for somewhat better optical quality; but in the past I personally have just not found that medium-price scopes are inadequate in the field.

I like fixed power scopes for two reasons. They work just as well as variables and with less parts, they are more sturdy in general and lighter. I have used and have variables, and have found that fixed do the job, with lighter weight, and cost less money. There are some fine variables on the market, the recommendations on this post are good. How often does one change power in the field, and high quality binos should be used for looking. You might read Phil Shoemaker's latest article in Successful Hunter praising the virtues of the 2.5 power. Phil is a well known Alaska guide, and writer in some magazines, with a vast amount of hunting and shooting experience. Who is also a good friend of an mutual friend,who is also an invererate gun crank. Ive corresponded with Phil a few times and he is top notch in his field and no BS as well.

BigBrass,

After numerous glowing appraisals here on AR, I decided on a Leupold 1.5x5 for my 375 H&H CZ550. I sniped one NIB on eBay for well under retail. I'm currently waiting on Warne QDs. Can't go wrong with Leupold.