I am waiting for my new to me Safari in 375. I have a bunch of scopes I have bought for other rifles that I could probably use! That being said I have no chance of ever going to Africa, but might get to shoot a Pig or take a Elk hunt if I save up. I was thinking about a Zeiss Conquest 2.5-8x32 MC. Plan to play with the rifle as much as health allows. How much front sight will I notice with this combo? Any other rec. will be appreciated, you may mention something I have already and I wouldn't have to find a Zeiss. I have a friend who's a admitted Scope Snob and he might accept the Zeiss but nothing I have at the moment other than a NF 1-4, but I want more power and it has a FC2 reticle, which I wouldn't want for this combo. Thanks in advance!

Leu 1.5x5, 2.5x8
I have the Zeiss you mentioned. Great scope,but the finish is pretty slick. It would not stay put on a 338WM that had never had problems w/ Leupolds on it. Took it off and put it on my GFs 260. No probs. Put a Leupold back on the 338. No probs.

You won't notice the front sight with any scope.

I have a 2x8 in the classifieds for $550..check it out! Pimping my own stuff!

I have a Swarovski Z6i 1.7-10 in talley low QR rings on mine.

I can see the front sight at the bottom of the fov at low magnification, but it does not get into the sight picture so to speak. Over 2x I don't see it.

I have a S&B 1.1x4 with illuminated circle dot in a German No 4 reticle. It is the perfect scope for a 375H&H, imo. If you want more power than a S&B version in 1x8 or a Swaro in 1x6 would be fantastic.

At 1x you will see the front sight, but if you're looking at the reticle or the dot it is merely a blur.

FWIW, the glass is so good in the S&B it puts larger objective glass to shame unless the opposition scope is in the same price range, meaning a Swaro or another S&B. Leica, a favorite of mine in binos doesn't compare.

JPK

Just got a Zeiss Duralyt 1.2-5 x 36 IR for my CZ 550 .375 H&H.

Trijicon 1-4 with the triangle color of your choice.

quote:

Originally posted by PSmith:
You won't notice the front sight with any scope.

Wrong.

I don'at see anything wrong with the Zeiss you have and a 2.5 to 8 on anything.
Go with what you had in mind the first time.

If you use iron sights it's like going to Africa!

The .375 is pretty flexible and my personal view is that it will benefit from more magnification at the top end than 5X, especially if you are hunting stateside or plainsgame (for up close with dangerous game you might want a larger field of view). You will see the front sight at low magnification with the 1.5-5 Leupold but that doesn't mean it is a hindrance, if that is the direction you decide to go.

[QUOTE]
Originally posted by fmiq:
I am waiting for my new to me Safari in 375. I have a bunch of scopes I have bought for other rifles that I could probably use! That being said I have no chance of ever going to Africa, but might get to shoot a Pig or take a Elk hunt if I save up. I was thinking about a Zeiss Conquest 2.5-8x32 MC.
QUOTE]

Leopold VX3 in 2.5-8x will do just fine.
And the scope is on your doorstep with excellent backup.

Santa Claus

If it is OK with your budget, take a look at the Leupold VX6. Consider the 2x12 model. You are good for anything with it. I have the same rifle and am in the process of switching to the Leupold from a S&B Zenith 1.1x4. The Leupold seems like a lot of scope for the money.

quote:

Originally posted by Chuck Nelson:

quote:

Originally posted by PSmith:
You won't notice the front sight with any scope.

Wrong.

I second that, you will see your front sight, however if you ignore it and don't make it a big issue you'll be much happier.
I have 2.5-8 scopes on both 375 H&H's I own and a 9.3x62. I think this magnification is perfect.
I had a 1.5-5 on one 375 but the front sight was far more apparent and it wasn't enough scope for the capabilities of the rifle.
A .375 with most loads has a trajectory like a .308 Win so why not scope it like one?
2-7, 2.5-8, 3-9 all could be fine choices depending on the intended use.

I've got an older Nikon UCC 3-9x40 on my 375. I agree that more magnification on the upper end better compliments the capabilities of the 375. And, I can still see the front sight at the lower magnification.

I shot a zebra at 241 yards in June. The upper magnification power helped me out, plus I knew the top of the post was dead on at 230 yards. The closest shoot I took with that rifle was a bushpig at ~35 yards at night with a red light. No issue with the lower end of the magnification either. He died where he stood.

Any quality scope from a reputable manufacturer in the 2-8 to 3-9 range should serve you well.

FWIW, I think the low end is much more important for a 375H&H or for any other "all rounder" or DG capable rifle.

Around 1-1.5x allows quick close range shooting. More than that is slower and at very close range your view of the target will be limited.

Though you don't think you'll be heading to Africa for a DG hunt I would still set the rifle up that way.

A Leupold 1.5x5 or the less expensive 1x4 are good scopes for the 375H&H, and I killed a ton of game of every size with a 1.5x5 on my 375H&H. I changed to a S&B 1.1x4 only because the low light capabilities of the Leupolds are relatively poor compared to either a 1x4 Swaro I have or the 1.1x4 S&B I prefer.

With my 375H&H, using either the Leupold 1.5x5 or the S&B 1.1x4, I have killed game from grysbok in size (about 20" tall and 10lbs) to eland (about 60" tall and 1,200lbs) at ranges from a few yards to about 275yds.

[All killed with 300gr Trophy Bonded Federal ammo, the std velocity load, except the grysbok which was killed with a hand loaded solid.]

JPK

Sharpe's Grysbok, 2" horns (world class I am told,) Dakota Safari 375H&H, S&B 1.1x4.



Old blue bull Eland, same Dakota Safari 375H&H, Leuplod 1.5x5.


Longest shot, I think, about 275yds, the first in the boiler room, the second in front of the ham when he was running.


Possible contender for longest shot, made with the Leupold 1.5x5 on the rifle, but I think about 250yds. That is the Sabe River in the background.



What the S&B allows where the Leupold comes up short. Pre dawn shot.


JPK

Two questions John. One, how can someone sweat that much pre-dawn? Two, how can someone sweat that much when their PH is wearing a jacket?

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Two questions John. One, how can someone sweat that much pre-dawn? Two, how can someone sweat that much when their PH is wearing a jacket?

Mike,

It was a humid early morning and I was wearing a fleece until just prior to the photo - and I was fat and out of shape. I can't help but notice how much more of me there is in that photo than in the others!

JPK

That is one ancillary benefit of hunting in Africa, it gives you a good excuse to get in and stay in shape. When I look back at pictures from my first trip, I look like Elvis from his non-glory days. I figured you never got out of shape reeling in big fish all the time.

Yea, right! And drinking beer and eating chips waiting for the bite!!!

I need to get in shape, looking at a 2016 ele hunt with my son!

JPK

A buddy and I are headed to Zihuatanejo next year to do some fishing. I will probably be on the chips and beer plan myself.

quote:

Originally posted by JPK:
FWIW, I think the low end is much more important for a 375H&H or for any other "all rounder" or DG capable rifle.

Around 1-1.5x allows quick close range shooting. More than that is slower and at very close range your view of the target will be limited.

You've shot a lot more with a .375 than I have, and what you are doing clearly works well for you. I could have used a little more top end than 5X on one hunt stateside and after that put a 3-9X on my next .375. You can always carry it turned down some, as in theory if you need the extra magnification you should have the time to crank it up.

You are 100% right that if it is intended for DG it needs a good field of view at the low end (and some good open sights). I think of the .375 as a kind of bigger .30-06 and at least plan to use something bigger as the primary DG choice, but it should always be ready to go in case.

Charles,

About the only thing I have agreed with Ray "King of Africa" Atkinson on is the lack of a need for more magnification than about 4x in any "big game" -including deer and antelope - hunting situation where I'll take a shot.

Most of the game I have shot with my 375H&H has been shot with the Leupold scope on 1.5x and the S&B on 1.1x - and most game has been shot within 100yds. Within that range the scope gets used more as an Aim Point type sight.

For that matter, most of the game I have killed here in the US has been inside of 100yds too, and a surprising number within 25 or 30yds. When the range is greater, twisting to 4x or 5x or occasionally to the max, whatever that may be, is helpful.

More magnification than 4 or 5x is useful to me at the range though, and allows for testing the rifle or load more thoroughly.

With today's scopes I think the Swarovski 1x6 would be a fantastic choice for a 375H&H, or the Leica 1x8 or similar, but they are pricey. Minox has a "new" 1.2x6 offered by Camera Land for $499 (one demo for sale at $369) which I think would be a great option at a reasonable price.

As far as my 30-06's, the "all rounders," my favorite wears a 1.5x8 Minox and my "rain gun" for shi--y weather wears a Leupold 2x7.

On the Minox 1.5x8, my 257R wears one, so does my son's 243w and 308w as well as his 9.3x62. It would also make a good scope for a 375H&H if higher magnification is desired, though the tube is short, and the price is reasonable.

Both my son's and my black powder rifles wear scopes with a low of 1.5x or 1.75x, my deer shotgun wears a 1x4, my son's a 1.5x5.

See the commonality of the low power at the bottom end!!!?

My two 243's wear more scope, in hopes of knocking off vermin at my hunting clubs at longer ranges than I would shoot at game, and I have a second scope for my favorite 30-06, a Leica 2.5x10x42, for a particular low light use, but I have found the utility of the low power low end to far outweigh the benefits of high magnification at the upper end. In addition, the scopes with low magnification on the low end tend to be smaller, lighter and more compact than those with greater magnification on the top end.

JPK

I have no real argument with what works for you. A scope that covers both ends (1.something up to 7 or 8X) would be just about perfect. I don't get out as much as I would like but have found it expedient to make shots at 200 or more yards on occasion (not often), and prefer more than 5X for those. I do much prefer to get in closer.

My real preference on DG is an open-sighted .458 with a .375 being for plainsgame, bait, and back up, and having QD mounts with good iron sights. At least that is the theory. I would need a lot more trips to test it out before I could give it proper weight!

Why not 2 scopes? My 375 H&H wears a Trijicon 1x4 with triangle post. It is very fast and the only scope I can use with both eyes open. I am working up a 260 gn Accubond load with my Leupold 2.5 x 8 for plains game. Talley quick release mounts on both.

quote:

Originally posted by drongo:
Why not 2 scopes? My 375 H&H wears a Trijicon 1x4 with triangle post. It is very fast and the only scope I can use with both eyes open. I am working up a 260 gn Accubond load with my Leupold 2.5 x 8 for plains game. Talley quick release mounts on both.

Because even though odds would indicate a 50-50 chance, you inevitably have the wrong scope on the rifle at the moment of truth.

JPK

At 1.5x in Talley detachable mounts, on my CZ 550 Safari Mag, the front site is definitely visible. Have to be at 3x for it to disappear. [Leupold Vari-X II 1.5 to 5 power]. The 3-9X on my .375 Wby in a Brno doesn't show the front site.

2 cents

quote:

Originally posted by Charles_Helm:
I have no real argument with what works for you. A scope that covers both ends (1.something up to 7 or 8X) would be just about perfect. I don't get out as much as I would like but have found it expedient to make shots at 200 or more yards on occasion (not often), and prefer more than 5X for those. I do much prefer to get in closer.

My real preference on DG is an open-sighted .458 with a .375 being for plainsgame, bait, and back up, and having QD mounts with good iron sights. At least that is the theory. I would need a lot more trips to test it out before I could give it proper weight!

Charles,

My safari combo was going to be a 30-06, a 375H&H and a double rifle in a 458wm class cartridge, like a 450NE or whatever.

Before my first safari the airlines made traveling with 3 rifles impractical so I went with the open, express sighted DR (mine is actually in 458wm) and the 375H&H with the Leupold 1.5x5 then the S&B 1.1x4 with the express sights on the rifle. I have yet to shoot DG with the 375H&H but it will be there if and when I need it. A great combo, as an express sighted bolt 458wm or Lott and a 375H&H would be!

I also prefer more magnification for the longer shots, but I have found I can still make them with 4x. But, as I've written I prefer the lower magnification on the low end, as I make the call on the (almost?) inevitable compromise.

The S&B 1x8 would appear to eliminate the necessity to compromise, but YIKES, it runs from a low of about $2,500 to more than $3,600 for the illuminated version! That Minox 1.2x6 would seem to me to be a great option and a heck of a lot more reasonably priced. If I were putting a new scope on my 375H&H I think that would be my choice, a little more on the top end but still low on the bottom.

JPK

JPK:

As I said, all I need now is another trip or twelve to see how they work. Newest dilemma is my oldest daughter wants to go and I need to see if she can handle the .375...

I tell her there is nothing to it but I do not want to let her try it out for the first time off the bench, because that would be the wrong introduction.

Sorry to hijack the thread!

Charles

Charles,

My 14yr old son will (hopefully) be hunting with my in 2016. I'm lefty and he is righty, so he needs his own. I picked up a second hand but new condition 9.3x62 Dakota with gorgeous wood but without any open sights on it and then had JJ Perdeaux add banded front and rear express sights and a banded swivel stud, add an ebony fore end tip and engrave his name on the floorplate. The rifle is maybe a half pound lighter without scope than my 375H&H since it is both sorter in action and in length of pull. About a pound with the scope since the 1.5x8 Minox weighs less than the S&B 1.1x4.

Recoil is more push than a 375H&H, especially with Privi Partisan (sp?)ammo, which is a little slower than other choices and so good to start with. It is stout for him off the bench, but manageable.

You would be welcome to give the rifle a try with your daughter.

Another option would be to load some 375H&H ammo down, or have Superior or JJ do it for you.

When its time for her to give either rifle a try, have her shoot off hand without a scope. Recoil will be attenuated standing, and the lack of a scope means no chance at a Weatherby eye.

It's fantastic that your daughter wants to go with you!

Here are photos of my son's rifle:
His on top


Mine on top in this one


JPK

JPK:

I have a 9.3 that she seems to like, but it could use a re-stock as it has too much drop and a comb pad (original Model 54 stock). I can get some light .375 loads and have considered that too.

I really need to get her somewhere she can shoot off sticks. We are looking at 2016 as well so I have some time. I do have to work around her college schedule.

I had considered re-working the 9.3 or doing some work to a lighter .375 I have (it needs to be dropped in another stock I have and re-bedded, and the factory sights are misaligned...) but in both cases the money might be better spent on trophy fees!

We will see.

Edit: Very nice pair of rifles! Your son is quite lucky.

Charles

quote:

Originally posted by Charles_Helm:
JPK:

I have a 9.3 that she seems to like, but it could use a re-stock as it has too much drop and a comb pad (original Model 54 stock). I can get some light .375 loads and have considered that too.

I really need to get her somewhere she can shoot off sticks. We are looking at 2016 as well so I have some time. I do have to work around her college schedule.

I had considered re-working the 9.3 or doing some work to a lighter .375 I have (it needs to be dropped in another stock I have and re-bedded, and the factory sights are misaligned...) but in both cases the money might be better spent on trophy fees!

We will see.

Edit: Very nice pair of rifles! Your son is quite lucky.

Charles

My son might be lucky, but with me a lefty and him a righty, I'm not! I have to buy two of everything!

If you restock and re-bed the 375H&H you can ignore the misaligned express sights - for awhile if not all together - if you mount a scope.

If you start her with the 375 then you can start with light 235gr loads to keep recoil down.

I'm serious about my son's 9.3, and I'd ship it to you for her to give a try if you wish.

JPK

JPK:

I appreciate the offer. It is far too generous. We are good as it sits but I'm sure you appreciate that I am always thinking of ways to improve the situation.

The 9.3 went to Nambia with me as it is and would work, I just prefer the way it would look without the comb pad (and I find the pad always grabs the ear muffs and pulls them off at the range).

I have a .375 redone by AHR which is good to go, just a bit heavy for my daughter. I have suggested she hit the weights in the meantime...

The other .375 is lighter. It works but is in a McSwirly stock and would be better in the Whitworth stock I acquired for it. However, it is not as good as a back up to a .458 if the sights are not right. They are on at 25 yards but only by cranking the rear sight way over. It has the Leupold 1.5-5 on it now.

Maybe my wife is right and I am just never satisfied with what I have.

.375 McSwirly:



.375 w/AHR upgrades:



9.3 Model 54:

For a lighter load a person can simply drop down a little bit in powder. In fact, they can save a few more grains by switching to a faster powder since a max load for the rifle won't be needed.

My wife and I were looking at a similar problem and she went with the 375Ruger in a little 20" barrel.

For loads we are looking at 250 grains at 2600fps, which works out to about a 9.3 level of recoil. Win win. The advantages of this is that the rifle is legal for buffalo in Tanzania, no one cares if the bullet is going 2600fps or 2700fps, though I've heard that officially in at least one country a buffalo round needs 4000ftlbs (=250gn at 2700fps, the old 338WM standard).

Of course, testing isn't complete, and the finally datum will be accuracy between the 235Extended Raptor, 250TTSX, and 265GSC, all at their peak accuracy node between 3300ftlbs and 4000ftlbs.

There are alot of combinations for the ladies to enjoy. Flexibility and confidence are more important than muscle mass.

quote:

Originally posted by Charles_Helm:
JPK:

I appreciate the offer. It is far too generous. We are good as it sits but I'm sure you appreciate that I am always thinking of ways to improve the situation.

The 9.3 went to Nambia with me as it is and would work, I just prefer the way it would look without the comb pad (and I find the pad always grabs the ear muffs and pulls them off at the range).

I have a .375 redone by AHR which is good to go, just a bit heavy for my daughter. I have suggested she hit the weights in the meantime...

The other .375 is lighter. It works but is in a McSwirly stock and would be better in the Whitworth stock I acquired for it. However, it is not as good as a back up to a .458 if the sights are not right. They are on at 25 yards but only by cranking the rear sight way over. It has the Leupold 1.5-5 on it now.

Maybe my wife is right and I am just never satisfied with what I have.

.375 McSwirly:



.375 w/AHR upgrades:



9.3 Model 54:

Lovely AHR rifle Charles and nice 9.3 too. I think you wife is on to something!

Tanzan, with Charles and I both trying to work prospective DG hunters into rifles they might not yet be tolerant of, it is not only charge weight but bullet weight that needs to be brought down to allow them to become accustomed to their rifles, and eventually, to build to full recoil loads.

235grs is an old standard 375H&H bullet weight, along with 270grs and 300grs. Loaded down it will provide the least recoil, especially if, as you write, loaded with powders on the fast side (less muzzle blast too.)

JPK