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I posted this question on the african hunting forum. I am reposting here to see if I can get any additional input. I am finally going to get my 500 Jeffery RSM conversion in the very near future. I have a 458 Lott which is scopeless. A 416 Rigby with a 1.5x5. Any thoughts about using a low power scope on this rifle for actual field use. I was thinking about a 2.5x Leupold M8? Is this sound thinking or am I just looking for a good poke in the eye. I have never hunted dangerous game but would like to with this rifle some day. What I'm hoping to hear is some actual advice from someone who has been there and done that. Thanks Brad | ||
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Brad: I have a scope on my CZ .500 Jeffery. It is a Leupold 2.5X20mm Ultralight. It's perfect for the .500 Jeffery because it has nearly five inches of eye relief and it is virtually indestructible. I have never had this scope come close to touching my eye brow, ever from the bench. The low power fixed scope gives me a lot better point of aim than the open sights. I sighted mine in at 60 meters and it works really well. Dave Dave DRSS Chapuis 9.3X74 Chapuis "Jungle" .375 FL Krieghoff 500/.416 NE Krieghoff 500 NE "Git as close as y can laddie an then git ten yards closer" "If the biggest, baddest animals on the planet are on the menu, and you'd rather pay a taxidermist than a mortician, consider the 500 NE as the last word in life insurance." Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (8th Edition). | |||
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Brad, what Dave is using is the way to go on a big bore, personally any caliber over 416 I don't use a scope. Not because of recoil as much as the purpose of a bigbore stopping caliber (45 caliber and up IMO) is to stop a charge. It might be asthetics, definitely the handling characterists change for the worse, it just seems like an oxymoron to put a scope on a 50 caliber rifle bolt or double rifle. "An individual with experience is never at the mercies of an individual with an argument" | |||
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Thanks for the info. The only reason I ask this question is that I read a study where they tested target dection and getting a shot on target. I believe that the participants did best using a fixed power low mag scope when compared to traditional open sites a ghost site or the scope. I think the Eotech would be great but looks like a bug. The only scoped I'd opt for would be the 2.5x but might try the red dot. I have a 458 Lott and a 416 Rigby RSM to play with before I get my 500 Jeffery RSM. Thanks Brad  | |||
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Brad: When I put the Leupold on my .500 Jeffery, I used the one with a fine duplex. If I had it to do over, I think I would select the heavy duplex. I think Dirk is correct that maybe open sights are the way to go on rifles .458 and over but my eyes aren't what they used to be and the low fixed power scope really helps with shot placement. I have a double and I use the open sights with it just because I just really don't care for the aesthetics of a scope on a double and I think that a scope just makes a double too heavy in most cases. Dave Dave DRSS Chapuis 9.3X74 Chapuis "Jungle" .375 FL Krieghoff 500/.416 NE Krieghoff 500 NE "Git as close as y can laddie an then git ten yards closer" "If the biggest, baddest animals on the planet are on the menu, and you'd rather pay a taxidermist than a mortician, consider the 500 NE as the last word in life insurance." Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (8th Edition). | |||
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I'm putting the new Trijicon 1x4x24 30mm on mine...sort of "old meets new"...with both eys open that bright triangle goes right where it should! Gary DRSS NRA Lifer SCI DSC | |||
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i use a 2x7x32 bushnell 3200 on my 500 ar opinions vary band of bubbas and STC hunting Club Information on Ammoguide about the416AR, 458AR, 470AR, 500AR What is an AR round? Case Drawings 416-458-470AR and 500AR. 476AR, http://www.weaponsmith.com | |||
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If you are running the .500 Jeffery 535gr or 600gr up at max velocity then eye relief is critical. I consider the .416's the last of the "safe" scoped rifles and above that approach all with caution. I think the 2.5 Leupold M8 makes a lot of sense. | |||
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Thanks for all the input so far. I guess the goal of shooting a big bore is to make a solid shot on the intended target. Open sights at 50 yards doesn't really inspire me with a geat deal of confidence. I would be a liar to say that every time I pull the trigger on a (5000FP +) rifle I don't tense up a little. The scope for me allows me to fixate on the cross hairs and the target a little more to make a descent shot. With open sights I find myself a little less focused. On a full on charge anything goes but on a first shot I'd like to at least get one bullet well placed to prevent having to take that second, third.... Just a thought. Brad | |||
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I have used a 1X4 Leupold and the 2.5X Leupold on a Ruger RSM, albeit in 500 A2. They have both worked fine. I have the 1X4 on a 500 Jeffery Improved now, but it isn't a RSM. | |||
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Scott: Thanks for the info. Tell me more about your RSM to 500A2 conversion please? I almost went that way myself. Did you rebore or rebarrel? How much feed work was needed? Also what did you start with. Thanks Brad | |||
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Brad, Started with a 416 Rigby. Rifle was rebored as it was shot out. The 500 A2 chamber will not clean up the Rigby chamber so the barrel needs set back one thread, which becomes a critical operation in order to maintain the clocking of the rib. Considerable file work was required on the feed ramp to get it to feed. The Jeffery should require considerably less work on the feed ramp. | |||
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I have the 458 Lott and I put a Burris 1 3/4 X 5 Safari scope on it. | |||
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.. I had a 4x Leupold pistol scope on my 500 A. Sq. . Shot , Sitka Black tail deer @ over 200 yards with it ... If I were building another great big gun , I would prolly put a 1-4 Night Force , Burris 30 mm or Leupold 1.5- 5 30 mm scope on it ,, but I would set the rifle up for flat top or very shallow vee express sights ...Fitting the rifle to me so it is easy to hit with the iron sights ...... .If it can,t be grown , its gotta be mined .... | |||
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ScottS,
Just curious, do you know how many rounds you fired down the barrel to wear it out ?? | |||
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Brad, I have considered scopeing a 500 before. I deceided to use the iron sights. As long as my eye's are good to me, I'll leave the scope's off the big bores. It's just one less thing to go wrong..........in more ways then one. | |||
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maxbear, Not really probably over 1500 though. I didn't really know the barrel was "shot out" until the gunsmith doing the reboring told me. I did know that the rifle's groups had double in size over the years, though. | |||
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A lot of times it's not the entire barrel that's shot out, just the throat. You can get the throat reamed out a bit, particularly if your magazine will allow you to seat your bullets a bit further out. Chuck Regards, Chuck "There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit" Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness" | |||
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Scott: Thanks for the info. No I am happy with the Jeffery. I think that the 500A2 can get a little hot in the RSM and I really wanted to go with something classic rather than all out performance. Yes, I know the 500A2 is a much more straight forward round but, the Jeffery just looks cool.  I have a 416 and a 458 lott RSM just in case the jeffery is too much I can always step back. Very few people seem to rechamber the RSM's Not sure why? I know a lot of guys go to the 470 MOBOGO but I really wanted a 50 cal. Thanks Again Brad | |||
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I had a Burris 2 3/4 IER scope on my A2, but have recently been trying a Pentax 1x Deep Woods plex with very positive results. That is to say, 1 hole groups at 45 yards and nothing has come flying apart. At first I wasn't sure about the Deep Woods plex (a circle around the center cross hairs), but it's growing on me. I'm going to try to shoot some game with the combo this summer. I shoot noticeably better with the 1x optical sight than I do with irons. analog_peninsula ----------------------- It takes character to withstand the rigors of indolence. | |||
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Brad, I have a Heym bolt in 500 Jeff and absolutely love it. I use 535 gr Woodies and shoot them at about 2340 or so with loads of 4850 and RL15. She kicks but is quite manageable. Gary DRSS NRA Lifer SCI DSC | |||
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I have been thinking of setting my whitworth up with QD mounts and a compact scope. Went out today and handled a NightForce 1-4 30mm tube scope. What a brute! Very nice looking scope, etched glass (illuminated too) reticle, 100moa adjustment... Cheers Tinker _________________________________ Self appointed Colonel, DRSS | |||
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I've got a Leupold 1.5-5x20mm on my CZ 500 Jeffery, with Talley QR rings. When I go to the range, I alternate practicing with open sights or scope. The Talley QR rings come back to zero better than 1/2" at 100 yards. I think it's the best of both worlds. Regards, Chuck "There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit" Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness" | |||
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Have a Swarovski 1-6x24 (30mm tube) EE (extended eye relief) on my 505 Gibbs. This model has 4.75in eye relief, and hasn't been a problem, even off a bench. Expensive but well built, and superb customer service. Would consider at least 4in eye relief as a minimum in this calibre class. Had to go to scope, as my eyes are starting to fail. Also, it is on quick-detach pivot-mounts (essential). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition” ― Rudyard Kipling | |||
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Another option to consider is picking up an vintage Weaver K-1. or a little later a K 1.5. Tremedous eye relief and tough. I have the K-1 on a .450 rigby and when i had a .500 J I used a K-l and a Weatherby Imperial 2.75. Both worked fine. That model Wea. has great relative Brightness with the enlgared Ob lense., but still light and trim. Most of the variable are too short on eye relief as far as I am con concern. Never check a Trig. 1x4, maybe it is okay on ER. | |||
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Eye relief is a concern, but not the only concern. I want a scope that will survive the recoil from lots of shooting. The NightForce scope has an etched glass reticle. How do the other choices hold up to long-term service on heavy-recoiling rifles? In my opinion, what makes a lifetime warranty great is 'not having to use it' 350gr bullets at 2750fps is brisk. I can imagine it'll be tough on a scope. Cheers Tinker _________________________________ Self appointed Colonel, DRSS | |||
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The surviving of the scopes is a big problem ! On my 12,7x70 Schüler/500 Jeffery i have a 1,25-4x20 Schmidt & Bender . It survive since 1999 hundreds of shots ! | |||
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I have looked at the S/B scopes. A fellow on a ranch near us here has two S/B scopes on his long range rifles. One of them has been back to the factory for service, and that scope had been running on a 270WSM I'm in somewhat of a holding pattern on this particular riflescope purchase. Another thing over which I'm on the fence is mounts. I want QD, I want excellent return to Zero, and I want rock/stump/bash/idiot proof durability. I have used the lighter Leupold QD mounts on other rifles, but I wonder if they'd hold up on this kind of setup. My rifle is a Whitworth (Mauser).458 and I use it in our rocky and steep western timber. Hunting is a contact sport for this rifle! What do y'all use, or what would you recommend? Cheers Tinker _________________________________ Self appointed Colonel, DRSS | |||
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The scope I use one all my heavy recoiling rifles is the leupold 2.5X compact. Good eye relief and never had one break. Next would be a Nightforce. Use Badger Rings and lap them so you have maximal gripping area. Leave a little lapping compound on the rings and they wont go anywhere. Torque them to the manufacturers specs.-Rob Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers to do incredibly stupid things- AH (1941)- Harry Reid (aka Smeagle) 2012 Nothing Up my sleeves but never without a plan and never ever without a surprise! | |||
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necropost opinions vary band of bubbas and STC hunting Club Information on Ammoguide about the416AR, 458AR, 470AR, 500AR What is an AR round? Case Drawings 416-458-470AR and 500AR. 476AR, http://www.weaponsmith.com | |||
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Ageist!
 How's that Bushnell 2-7x32 holding up? Cheers Tinker _________________________________ Self appointed Colonel, DRSS | |||
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I have 400 rounds of 570g TSXs through my 500 Jeffery, the last 200 or so at 2410 fps. I think if you run that through a recoil calculator, your 350g at 2750 fps is a bit less. No issues with my Leupold or Talley QR rings so far. I'm sure Rob and others are putting more "brisk" rounds through their 500s, but I've found my recoil tolerance. Regards, Chuck "There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit" Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness" | |||
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Chuck- Thanks for the note. The 350@2750 is definitely tolerable too, brisk but tolerable. I'll run a recoil model on your load and my load and compare. How many times have you had those talley mounts on/off? Do you forsee any wear issues with the mechanism? Do you recall what fasteners were used to mount them on your rifle? Cheers Tinker _________________________________ Self appointed Colonel, DRSS | |||
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Hi, I'm sorry I don't know about the fasteners or if there are any. The rings/bases clamp directly into the dovetails on the CZ 550 action. I've had the scope on and off a dozen times (I won't let guests shoot it with the scope on), it always returns to within 1/2" of zero. By the way if you run the recoil numbers, my 500 Jeffery weighs an even 12 lbs with scope and sling unloaded. Lots of folks on this forum use Talley QR mounts with much more experience than I have so I would expect them to chime in ... Regards, Chuck "There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit" Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness" | |||
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Variable scopes with movement of the erector tube and its spring holding in its place and its multiple lenses are just more prone to beakage as opposed to a fixed scope. Etched reticles are also more durable than those made from wire that can break. Leoplold's Custom Shop is now offering again a fixed 3x scope, and should be selling like hot cakes. Warrior | |||
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I use a 2.5 X 5 Leupold scope with Q.R. rings on my 7.4 lb scoped 500 Jeffery and it works great. I have a Leupold 2x by 28mm EER scope on my 700 AHR and it holds up fine even with hot loads of 2300 ft./sec with 1000 grain bullets. | |||
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7.4 lb 500 Jeffery ??? Ouch!!! Regards, Chuck "There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit" Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness" | |||
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This is a subjerct that I have intimate knowledge. You see, I mounted a 1-4 Kahles on my 500 Jeff...musta got hit 4 times in the eyebrow during practice. Aha...I'll put on a stiffer pad so it won't move so far back and I'll make pull as long as I can do with the Silvers pad. Came time to shoot..I could have had the scope out on the barrel and I'd have found a way to get a full field of view...and I have scars to prove it! By all means, get as long an eye relief as possible..the Swarovski 1-6 is a realy good choice, Shots as buff don;t always occur at 25 yards..but if they do, and youre at 1X, you just don't have to line anything up. Yes..you give away a litle balance, but my old eyes are greatful to be able to focus on one plane. | |||
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Chuck, only 6.5 lbs without the scope. Mike at Bijou Creek made it along with a 5.3 lb 458 Lott super lightweight that I have. Gee, can you tell that I have swapped Safari Kid for a few of his light weight toys a couple of years ago? | |||
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Tinker; I've had a Burris Short Mag, fixed 4x by 20mm on my CZ550 in 458 WM from day one. It's never been off in 4 years and holds it's POI with the same load of 350 TSX's at 2750 fps. That's my hunting load. The rings are Warne QD. A few boxes of Hornady 500's have been put through that rifle as well at 2200 fps along with some 465gr hardcasts at 2260 fps, etc, etc. I don't fool with it anymore. It's sighted with the 350's and I'll leave it alone. The Burris has 5" eye relief. Today, it's called "Timberline". Not expensive, but very tough, bright and clear. There's a photo on the header of my website. Best regards, Bob www.bigbores.ca "Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for he issued his command, and they came into being" - King David, Psalm 148 (NLT) | |||
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The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Rifles Big Bores Scope use on a 500 Jeffery RSM
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