My own personal preference for sights on big bore rifles are aperture sights. But, the eyes are just beginning to go. I know scopes are in my future.

I assume fixed power scopes are more reliable on a kicker.

What's a good magnification?

Am I wrong about variable scopes?

I mean, I haven't had any trouble with variables, but I don't have a variable mounted on a rifle that comes to the rear rather smartly.

Roger

Scrollcutter, not to skew the direction of this post but... Is and how is your eyesight effecting your work? Do you use a stereoscope, allowing infinite focus for your eyes?

I've used a microscope for about 15 years.

So to answer your question it has had no effect on the work. But, my shooting with open sights is deteriorating.

I've been using reading glasses for about 3 years and the blur has extended to about 20 inches and continues to go a little further south every year.

Roger

[ 07-12-2003, 04:09: Message edited by: Scrollcutter ]

I would take a look at the 2.5x compact made by leupold they are a very tough scope, and fine for game to 150 yards (and thius is small game). Big stuff say Horse size they would be good to 200-250 yards and thats as far as I would want to shoot any way.

I use the following scopes on guns up to and including 416...

1. 2.5x Leupold Alaskan 7/8" tube in Talley QD
R&Bs

2. 3X Leupolds

3. 1x4 Leupolds

4. 1.5x5 Leupolds...

Notice that all have the 20 MM objective or rather a straight tube that does not extend beyond the front ring very much...

I have had no problems....

For 458 Lott and larger and especially with a scope trashing muzzle brake, I only use a 2.5 Leupold Compact...That lesson cost me a lot of money in scopes......

Ray

I am looking for a new scope for my new 400. It has a leupold 1.5x5 now. It is as far back as it can possibly go but I would like another inch. How long are the 3x leupolds in comparison?

Ray

I am looking for a new scope for my new 400. It has a leupold 1.5x5 now. It is as far back as it can possibly go but I would like another inch. The front ring sits over the gold ring and the rear is against the turret.

How long are the 3x leupolds in comparison?

this is so important I asked it twice.

[ 07-12-2003, 07:25: Message edited by: Mickey1 ]

Aimpoint sight is the best for a big bore. It is the fastest sight that I know and it have very good accuracy from 0-150 meters!

I have a leupold Vari-x III with Warne QD mounts on a heavily braked 585. Both systems still doing fine -only 80 shots so far or thereabouts (estimated 75-80ftlbs recoil energy)

Karl.

I believe a 1X-4X or 1.5X-5X Leupold would stand up to the recoil of nearly anything! But there are 1X and 0X scopes, which only give you an aiming reticle, and have the same "field of view" as no scope at all.

Mickey I have the same problem with scope length you ask about. The 3x Leupold is a very long scope and will help you with the problem. It also has relatively long eye relief. I don't have a Leupold variable to compare with but the Leupold 3x will give you 9 3/4" from the gold ring (front of the front scope ring) to the rear of the scope. (This will vary slightly depending on the focus adjustment which varies the length of the scope,of course.)The turret adjustments are pretty well forward on this scope and I doubt they will be a problem. I asked Leupold and they advise against covering the gold ring with the front scope ring--they indicate the front ring should not surround the front scope lense. If you do this however the distance described above is almost 10 1/2". You will like the 3x--try to find one with the 3-post reticle if possible.

marsingbob

Thanks for the info. It might work then. Are you from Marsing ID?

Karl,
You will probably trash that scope within 300 rounds max...You would be smart to go to a 2.5X Leupold compact before that happens.

The problem is that scopes are made only to handle recoil that comes rearward therefore putting pressure on the forward torx of the scope...An airgun scope is just the opposite BTW because an air gun will trash any rifle scope..the muzzle brakes brings the gun forward or the same as an air gun, so you trash the scoope...The 2.5 compact has all the guts in the center under the adjustments and apparantly it is uneffected by all this business...Not by design but by providence...

Mickey1,
A quick check looks like the 3X Leupold is a good inch longer than the 1.5x5 leupold and about an 1-1/4 longer than the 1x4....

Marsingbob & Ray

I was just at the local gunshow where I was able to compare both scopes. The 3x is longer but has less eye relief. when both are but to the same point of view the turret is in the same place. I don't think that the 3x will do what I want.

I am now leaning towards a new Peccar as they have a very long tube on the 2x and 3x. They are made for Doubles and Drillings.

Thanks to both for your help.