I have an old K2.5 on my taylor right now but am going to upgrade to a strong yet affordable lower power scope. I am torn between a Weaver V1-3 x 20 or Leapold 2-7x33 VX-1. I usually like 2 or 3 power range for hunting but the 7X would be nice for the range. From what I hear both are tough enough to handle the "mild" recoil of the rifle, just am unsure. I know I'm getting good value with the Leapold, but a straight tube just looks right on a Big Bore.

I would spend he extra money and put Leupold on it. The better the scope you buy the happier you will be.

a new VX-1 2-7x33 is going on my Taylor when it gets here.....I have no doubt it will work great.

Leuopld.

Then you will not need to worry about it for the next 40 years.

I have a well used Leupold 3X9X40 Vari-X II on my home made Savage 416 for now. It has held up well so far. I will be going to a lower power Leupold soon as the funds become available.

I would go to a 1.5x5 Leupold with that stright tube like you old Weaver...I can't imagine needing more than 5X for big game hunting...I also like the 1x4 Leupold and it won't break the bank...Leupolds are better than Weavers in cold climes IMO>...

I don't know how much your rifle weighs, or what the recoil level is, but I had to use a Leupold on a max-loaded Ruger No.1 in .45/70. It destroyed every other brand of scope I put on it, including Bushnell Scopeciefs (2 ea.), and two steel-tubed Weavers. I have used a Leupold 2.5 - 8X and a Leupold Compact 4X on it, and these two have stood the test!!

NB,
I hunted all of last year with a 2X7 Vari X II atop my Taylor. I did all of my range work and fireforming with this scope and loved it. It was a spare that I had and gave all of the eye relief, clarity, and reliability I could ever want. I took a brownie with it last fall at pi$$in distance and, dialed down to 2 power, it was fine. Now, why does it wear Ray's 1x4 Leupold currently? 1. I never took it to anything over 4 power, even at the range. 2. Like you, it just looks better. 3. I am confident that I will never need to take a shot with this rifle over 100 yards. Even if it does happen, 4 pwr @ 200 is deadly! As I built it for Brown Bear and Bison here, it is an "upclose" caliber for me. 4. I needed another excuse to procure another long gun and having the extra scope seemed reason enough.
best,
bhtr

NBHunter,
I had a Leupold 1.5 to 5 on my 416 Taylor but have changed it to a 2.5 to 8 Leupold. My 1.5 to 5 has the heavy duplex and I found that at 200 yards it just wasn't great. For point blank to 150yds. on a DGR it is perfect. If you go with the 1.5 to 5 get the regular cross hairs. Your 416 shopuld be a good 250 yard cartridge so your scope should match that. Groups at 200 tightened up with the 2.5 to 8.
Take care,
470 Mbogo

I didn't know there was any other scope but Leupold.