If you had your choice of scopes high end or, what would you choose for a new custom 375 H&H. It will be used in Alaska for bear, maybe Africa for Plains animals, big cats and backup rifle. i like the Swar Z6i-1-6x24EE as one choice.

I would do the S&B 1-4. I love the 1-6 Swaro just don't like the illuminated version, one for how big they eyepiece is and two I don't like on the circle dot reticle they light up the circle as well as the dot. Then on the low end I like the Trijicon 1-4 as well.

IMO, the 375 is capable of shooting pretty flat for a big bore, and recoil is not horrible.

Too many people handicap the 375 by only putting a very low power scope on it.

Get something on it that can let you readily take a shot at 250 should it present itself. The 1-6x sounds ok, I have a 2.5-8x on mine and it just right, but would feel fine with anything from 2 up to 10x.

Reg S&F

Leica ER 2,5-10x42, reticle #4A
Eye relief 4", exellent glass, German made.

I have a 2-12x50 Swarovski Z6 (plex reticle) that has worked well. I wouldn't mind having a 42 or somthing similar (smaller than the 50). No issues with eye relief at all.

The Swaro 1.7-10 is the scope I want.

Some of the choice will depend on how much weight and bulk you want to carry.

That being said, I would check the stats and make sure that the eye-relief stays close to 4" throughout the power range. I use Nikon Monarch 2-8's on some 416 Rigbys, loaded to make use of the capacity (6000+ ft lbs). 8 power is useful on shots around 250++ yards. The Nikon would be low-end for you, but the 4.0"--3.8" eye-relief has worked on the 416s and would be fine on a 375. It is light and compact, with a 32mm objective. Around $300.

Minox has a nice 4.0"+ eyerelief on a 1.5-8 "shotgun model", if I remember, and it looks like a great glass. Probably around $500.

How about the die hard 375ers, i agree the 375 can reach on out to 275-300 yds & more. However i would like to stay with no more than 42mm lense. Just want opions on what works and can withstand the recoil.

I currently have a 2.5-10x56 S&B with horror of horrors only 80mm eye relief on my 375. The eye relief was a worry, but as I am awaiting my new scope, it was the only one I had to mount and so far shooting 100+ rounds off the bench and a couple hunting, I haven't been smacked in the face with it once. Now a 416 and up I wouldn't try my luck with it, but on a 375 its perfectly fine, and that from a stock crawler.

My FN 375 has a Leupold 2.5-8X on it. It is going to RSA in April. I would opine that if the 2.5X is too much, you need to pull the scope and use the irons.

Rich

I started out with a 1x4X Leupold and switched to a 2.5x8X Leupie. I like it better with the higher power scope.

I have a 3-9 ziess conquest on my 375. Has been a great all around scope.

quote:

Originally posted by PSmith:
The Swaro 1.7-10 is the scope I want.

If its a 42mm objective you want, then the above option is an excellent choice. I'm waiting on a 2.5-10x50 Zeiss Diavari, and would go for the above option if not for the one I've ordered.

I started out with a 1,5-6x42 Meopta on my .375. Superb optics but it was just too heavy so I switched to a Leupold VX-3 1,75-6. I've never looked back! With the scope on 6x I've made the odd 200-meter-plus shot and with the power down to 1,75 I've shot at buffalo and hippo at spitting distance. It has plenty of eye relief, the optics are good, and it won't break the bank. Also, it comes with Leupold's excellent back-up service.

quote:

Originally posted by jvw375:
I started out with a 1,5-6x42 Meopta on my .375. Superb optics but it was just too heavy so I switched to a Leupold VX-3 1,75-6. I've never looked back! With the scope on 6x I've made the odd 200-meter-plus shot and with the power down to 1,75 I've shot at buffalo and hippo at spitting distance. It has plenty of eye relief, the optics are good, and it won't break the bank. Also, it comes with Leupold's excellent back-up service.

Just be careful with the eye-relief. Leupold's stats list a pretty tight 3.3" as the eye-relief when using the high magnification (=5.6) while the eye-relief is a generous 4.4 when down at the lowest setting (1.85 power).

For comparison, the Minox lists 4.0+" throughout the power range. The old Leupie 2.5-8 (=2.6-7.8), something that I used for years (even a 416, though I don't recommend the combo), ranges from 4.5" to 3.6" and is lightweight. That is good for 375/338 and I never cut my eyebrow, but the Minox and Nikons do better these days.

I just use a Leupold 3-9x40 on my 375 Ruger.
No problems with eye relief so far

Swar 1 x 6 is my vote

quote:

Originally posted by brevex:
Swar 1 x 6 is my vote

Yes, Swar 1-6x24, at least if you get the "EE" model with 4.7" eye-relief! A GREAT scope, 30mm. With that eye-relief you could put it on larger calibres, too.

For similar functionality at a fraction of the cost, try Nikon 'Slughunter' 1.65-5. Nikon claims 92% light transmission for the Slughunter, my eyes can only say that it is nice glass and remarkable for the money.

Tanzan I see you like to push the eye-relief argument. Have you by any chance been hit on the forehead lately?

quote:

Originally posted by Deon:
Tanzan I see you like to push the eye-relief argument. Have you by any chance been hit on the forehead lately?

Never, only my friends. But I like scopes on larger bores, I see better.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:

quote:

Originally posted by jvw375:
I started out with a 1,5-6x42 Meopta on my .375. Superb optics but it was just too heavy so I switched to a Leupold VX-3 1,75-6. I've never looked back! With the scope on 6x I've made the odd 200-meter-plus shot and with the power down to 1,75 I've shot at buffalo and hippo at spitting distance. It has plenty of eye relief, the optics are good, and it won't break the bank. Also, it comes with Leupold's excellent back-up service.

Just be careful with the eye-relief. Leupold's stats list a pretty tight 3.3" as the eye-relief when using the high magnification (=5.6) while the eye-relief is a generous 4.4 when down at the lowest setting (1.85 power).

For comparison, the Minox lists 4.0+" throughout the power range. The old Leupie 2.5-8 (=2.6-7.8), something that I used for years (even a 416, though I don't recommend the combo), ranges from 4.5" to 3.6" and is lightweight. That is good for 375/338 and I never cut my eyebrow, but the Minox and Nikons do better these days.

Like I mentioned above, I'm more than happy with the eye relief of the 1,75-6x Leupold. It costs about a quarter of the Swarovski where I live and, having recently had a new Swaro Z3 last less than thirty shots on a light-recoiling rifle before it gave up the ghost, and having experienced both Leupold and Swarovski's customer relations, I'm more than happy to go with the Leupold.

Others may disagree with me, but I reckon it's very hard to beat a VX3 Leupold in terms of value for money. Also, the only Swarovski scopes I have personal experience with are the aforementioned Z3 and a thus far very reliable 4-12 Habicht on a light rifle, so unlike others who post here who have used them, I'm not qualified to recommend them.

I have a Swaro Z6i 1.7 to 10 TDS on my 375 AI and it's the cats meow.

I have Leupy 2.5x 8 on two 375s and a Leupy 1.75x6 on another. I have shot critters in Africa from 30 to 241 yards with them. I am very happy with these combos.

My 375 H&H has a 1.75-5 Burris on it. Took a Red Lechwe at 350 yards - heart shot. So I wouldn't go above 6. I would focus on a 1x power on the low-end versus a 1.75x like mine.

Get a Leupold VX-6 1-6x24.

I have a 1.25x8x32 Bushnell Elite 6500 on my 375 Ruger and it has a full 6" eye relief. Really takes a lot of the worry with recoil out of your mind.

I'm happy with the 2-7x33 Leupold on mine.

Whats wrong with a straight boring old 4x leupold...still good enough for 300 yard shots

I have a 1.75x6 leupold and think it's great. I would have used the 2.5 x 8 but the smith built the bases a little longer than I wanted and there was not enough room between the bells for the 2.5x8. I have a Leupold 4x that is on a .22 that will act as backup if I ever need it. I feel confident in this setup.

I have a Leupold 1.75X6 on mine with quick detach mounts. It seems to work great and I've put it through some fairly tough hunts.

I have a Leupold VX7 2.5-10 and I don't forsee ever changing it. Perfect in my opinion for my 375 RUM.

No need for more than a 4 or 6x all the way out to 250-300 yards.

And with a low end variable, say 1.1 to 1.5x on the low end, up to 4 or 6x on the high, you'll be able to dial way down for close range shots.

You'll also save on weight and bulk over a bigger, wider range variable.

I feel that I must be in the minority, however, as I've had PHs ask me why I use such low powered scopes on my .375s!

I have used most of them, some comped and others I paid for..I arrived at the conclusion long ago that some of these Eruopean scopes are over engineered and way too pricy... IMO, a scope has fewer purposes than most optics, they need to weather proof,tough,and reasonalby clear.

I only use Leupolds as you can buy them used for a couple of hundred bucks, the factory guarentee is always good even second hand and I have never had one fail on game, If one goes south then send it back to Leupold and you get it back in 10 days or a new one..

My all time favorite big bore scope is the old 3X Leupold, I have one on my .375, and my Savage mod. 99s, with the the 1x4 and the 1.5x5 Leupold coming in second..used or new suits me and used is less money.

I also really like my 2.5X Leupold Alaskan, but they were only made in the 90s for about two years then discontinued. I still have my 2.5X on my 9.3x62.

Surprisingly to me is one of the new Weaver 2.5Xs that I recently took in trade on a rifle. It is clear as a bell by my barb wire evening tests on the fence a mile from my house. It tested as good as any of scope I have tested..I put it on my old Marlin 30-30 and packed it all last winter in the pickup, then stuck it on my 30-06,..It's one tough scope..The old Weavers were not fog proof but these new ones sure are.

On a big bores from the .458 Lott up I only use the 2.5 Leupold Compacts as the adjustments are directly under the adjustment knobs and they are indestructable by recoil..In the real world precious few scopes can take the continued punishment of the big 500s that are shot a lot, fortunatly few are. By the same token, I don't want a scope on the 458 Lott and up..I am ok with a receiver sight or the shallow V. I have never shot one of those really big bores at game over 125 yards that I recall.

Just my take on scopes..On your .375 you probably would like the 1.5x5 unless your a big scope guy then the 2.5x8 would be a good max.

All 3 of my .375's wear a 4.5 x 14-50, 2 of them are Zeiss and One is a Leupold MK 4 LRT. I have yet to make contact with any of the scopes on anything smaller than a .416 Rem and it has only touched me once off the bench. It has a 2.5 x 8 and I kinda creeped up on it. I think the higher magnification allows me to make it a true long range performer. If you were going to limit your shooting to 100-150 yards, the extra magnification wouldn't be necessary but with lighter bullets and longer ranges, my set up comes together quite nicely.

Leupold Vari X-III 2.5 x 8

For Huntnjim,
First choice ($ not considered) would be any of the Schmidt & Bender units from 1-4 or 1.5-6
The police marksman scopes are absolutely the best but you will find few on big game guns.
2nd choice would be any of the Trijicon products. I like the 30mm tube 1-4 with triangle post (your choice of color, no batteries) You need a lighted reticle of some kind for big cats (lion & leopard) IMHO. My 375Ack Imp. wears a 1.5-6 S&B with German Post,
My 416Rigby wears a Trijicon 1-4 /30mm tube with
amber triangle post. The 375AI has been all over North America taking hogs,deer,antelope,moose,sheep,goats,caribou and big bears. Two African hunts as well. Never had a problem in 30 years with the S&B. In Alaska you need something really weatherproof. Been there, done that.
The 416 Rigby has only made one trip to Africa so far and the lighted reticle on a black buffalo in dark shade is really a plus.
Let your budget be your guide and consider 2 scopes with similar QD mounts so you have a back up, even if it isnt on the expensive side.
Just trying to help a fellow AR member. Experience can be a dear teacher, and all posts here have merit.

Good Shooting

Tetonka
DRSS

Appreciate all the feed back and I respect all your reccomendations, that is the reason I ask on this forum. I will be going to the Dallas Safari Club next month on the 6th and 7th and make a decision once I have reviewed all my choices first hand.

For years my .375 had a 1 1/4x-4x Schmidt & Bender then I got a good deal on a Leupold 1.75x-6x and I will never go back. The S&B was good but really lacked enough eye relief. The Leupold has been on 3 safaris and paid its dues. It is quick detach mounts but has never been taken off to use the irons. I think it will stay where it is. I would do it again and I can see the utility of the 2.5x-8x Leupold also. You won't go wrong with either. Plus, like Ray said if it goes south you can get it fixed pronto. The last Leupold I sent back (because I dropped the barrelled action it was attached to, on the scope) was back in my hands 9 days after I mailed it.

quote:

Originally posted by mwm464:
Leupold Vari X-III 2.5 x 8

My old backup scope as well
Has been on and off 338 Winmag, 35 Whelen, 375 Ruger and 375 H&H with great success and no problems whatsoever.
Guess this scope will outlive me...

But as my aging eyes are loosing the eagle sharpness, I have to compensate with better glass.
Therefore I have just purchased the Leica RE 2,5-10x42. Perhaps a bit on the "big" side, but where I live hunting in dusk and dawn is the norm and I can use whatever help I can get from the scope.
And the 4" eye relief dosn´t hurt either

I have a Vari X III with 30mm tube and illuminated German #4 config. The red dot with a large bell lets in light for scope brightness. Cats might be shot under very low light conditions. A wounded and loss, is a costly mistake.

Mike

If cost isn't an issue, get the a S&B 1-8

http://swfa.com/Schmidt-Bender...flescope-P47548.aspx